A yoga class at work, a massage right at your desk, a brisk fitness walk with the office crew – all those activities are on the list of stress-busters that one local law firm offers to professionals and staff.
Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP – a full-service firm with more than 100 lawyers in Providence, Boston and New York – has a well-earned reputation as an employer that cares about workers’ fitness and health. Last year the firm won a Well Workplace designation from the Wellness Councils of America, and for the past five years they received Outstanding Worksite Health Awards from the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce.
And according to Megan McCormack, the firm’s director of administration and human resources, the fitness programs are well worth the effort. “There’s a payoff in terms of morale,” she said. “People really seem to enjoy it. And there’s certainly a positive health benefit. Healthy employees are happy employees.”
But that’s just one of many reasons why folks at the firm are happy. The firm also provides a generous benefits package, opportunities for advancement, company festivities, bonuses and awards. That’s why so many employees have long careers with the firm.
“We have one staff member who’s been here 40 years, and it’s not unusual to find both professionals and staff who’ve been here more than 20 years,” said Laurie MacDonald, associate director of practice management. “Longevity is one of the things that makes this a great environment.”
As part of the benefits package, the firm pays 80 percent of the employee medical plan and a portion of dental and prescription coverage. Once an employee has been with the firm two years, the annual contribution to their 401(k) plan is 7.5 percent of salary.
Employees also cite opportunities for promotion as reason why theirs is a contented workplace. “I see it happening every day,” said Kristen Kemp, who started with the firm as a receptionist and now works as payroll co-coordinator.
“I was hired to the payroll position with no experience in that area. The firm trained me from the ground up,” she said.
“We always look at the staff under our own roof first,” McCormack added.
Attention to communication is another plus. Everyone at their firm – both lawyers and staff – starts their day with the same e-mail, dubbed The Daily Bulletin, which includes details about the upcoming workweek, community announcements, wellness tips and other items. Other communication tools at use include employee surveys, a corporate intranet, an open-door policy and opportunities to meet with senior leadership.
And the firm is no slouch when it comes to rewards and recognitions. Lawyers receive an annual bonus based on performance and billable hours. Last year, staff received a week’s salary. And employment anniversaries are recognized with announcements, flowers and American Express gift cards. •
