Warschawski, a full service branding, marketing, public relations, advertising and interactive agency, based in Baltimore has been named the number one "Best Small Agency to Work For" in the country by The Holmes Report, the acclaimed national news and opinion publication for the communications industry.
In addition, Warschawski was ranked fourth as the best agency overall. This is the ninth year in a row that the agency has placed among the top 20 "Best Agencies to Work For" in the country and among the top 10 "Best Boutique Agencies." Warschawski was the only Maryland-headquartered firm to receive the award.
The Holmes Report turned to more than 5,700 employees throughout the United States asking them to answer questions about all aspects of their agency's culture, including the quality of management, compensation, commitment to client service, ethics and values. Survey responses were kept strictly confidential and could not be seen by any party other than.
"We are absolutely thrilled to be named the number one agency to work for in the U.S. We continuously strive to create a work environment that is thrilling and caring for our team members and our clients," commented. "Receiving this recognition for nine years in a row underscores the emphasis we place on doing great work and having fun at the same time � two things we take very seriously!" says David Warschawski, CEO of Warschawski
He attributes the agency's success with its employees to a philosophy that values people more than the bottom line.
"In 2009, as most agencies were laying off employees and cutting employee programs and benefits, we did the opposite. Instead of cutting costs in these areas during difficult economic times, we instead grew our investment in our people and our culture. All team members received significant raises during 2009 -- between 5 to 15 percent raises -- and most team members were promoted as well," Warchawski explains.
"Additionally, we did not cut any spending on team members (e.g. healthcare, gifts, parties, birthday wishes, education) or agency culture programs, such as our Martini Marketing events or our monthly half-day outings for all team members. We could have made these cuts and enjoyed a better bottom line, but that is what makes us different from other agencies," he continues.
To keep his staff happy and committed to the success of the agency, once a month the entire team goes out on a fun, half-day outing. Outings this past year included a hip-hop class, laser tag, a 70's themed murder mystery game, and dressing up as zombies and learning the Michael Jackson Thriller dance. And to make sure that planning the outings are not extra work, Warchawski says time spent on planning the outings are counted toward the fulfillment of team members' billable hour requirements.
This year the agency created the "ExTC Program" (the "External Thrill and Care" program) where Warschawski team members participate in public service/volunteer opportunities each quarter as way to give back to the community. just finished our Bowl-A-Thon for the Boys and Girls Club.
The agency's "birthday wish" program was also launched this year. It allows team members to create a unique "treat" that they want for their special day. This program was the brainchild of a team member and according to Warchawski, exemplifies the fun and open atmosphere Warschawski fosters -- empowering team members to express our brand in their own way.
Examples of recent "birthday wishes" include Halloween in the Spring complete with costumes, team members rapping their favorite 80s rap song for the birthday boy, and wear your favorite team jersey to the office day.
"Warschawski was founded on the ideal that doing great work and having a great time are not mutually exclusive concepts. In fact, we feel that the marriage of the two is a key component of our agency's success. That is why we place such great emphasis on creating a great workplace culture and why our agency has always ranked in the Top 20 Agencies to Work For in the U.S," he says.
The happiness of the staff has been an essential ingredient in the agency's success, according to Warchawski.
"Much of the reason why we have won 200 industry awards in the last ten years alone and been ranked as the #1 Small Agency in the U.S. for four of the last seven years is a direct reflection of the fact that a happy and motivated team of great folks will always create better results for clients than a moderately happy or unhappy team."
"Clients want to work with smart, accomplished people who love what they do and bring their excitement to bear on the work they are doing for the client. There is no question that when you have a team that is happy and motivated, they will be more engaged and do better work their clients. That translates into better results for our clients," he adds.
And there's even more good news! Warchawski is currently hiring and looking for other outstanding, motivated and fun marketing communications professionals to join our team.
Source: David Warchawski, Warchawski
Writer: Walaika Haskins