Play, work intertwined for many Dassault workers

Ever since she started working at Dassault Systemes Simulia Corp. two years ago, Denise Hempe, vice president of human resources and administration, started looking at the world differently. As though seeing through new eyes Hempe now notices things she never did, and takes a few minutes to think about them.
Hempe is one of 300 employees that work for the high-tech-simulation software company, where high-level technological engineers create software for, among other things, road and air travel. “I never thought about the materials, pressure or speed of a plane I’ve flown on, but it’s really very fascinating. The aerospace industry uses our products while building planes to test safety, and our simulation software is very accurate,” Hempe said.
Dassault, a company based in France that bought Abaqus, a Rhode Island company started in 1978, creates a scalable portfolio of programs for mechanical, structural, civil, bio-medical and related engineering. When a doctor installs a stent in a patient’s artery, chances are good that Dassault worked with its developer to make sure the cardiovascular device would work properly. The company also works to help troubleshoot potential problems before they arise. One program simulates a soccer game played on artificial turf to see how the real thing will hold up.
Hempe said working with so many highly intelligent, creative people is a humbling experience. “This company is quite focused and people here take pride in the products we make. In fact we have a higher average tenure here than is typical in the high-tech industry,” she said. Pierre Burgers, director of customer services, has been with the company 26 years and said he’s impressed by the low employee turnover rate, and the dedication they share in making the best product they can. The employees are “for the most part young, energetic, want to contribute to their field of expertise, and money is not the main object of their career. There are runners, cyclists, soccer teams, basketball and volleyball teams, tennis players, etc., who regularly use the company’s gym and locker room facilities. Playing together helps them work well together,” Burgers said.
As part of their benefits package, employees of DS Simulia receive a health and dental plan that’s 100 percent covered by the company, tuition reimbursement, life insurance, company-paid long- and short-term disability and a 401(k) generously matched by the company.
And French classes are offered free to employees, Hempe said. “Plus we just do fun things, like we might have a Chinese New Year celebration one day or a French-food day. It just feels like a community within a community for the people that work here.”
The company is known around the world, and described by Hempe as “the hidden jewel of Rhode Island.” DS Simulia’s community-involvement projects benefit Habitat for Humanity and local food banks. It also sponsors an annual Lego competition.
“I think many of the employees here will tell you that it feels good to be a part of something bigger than just a job,” Hempe said. “Our products really help make a difference in the world.” •