2013 Choice Employers, 5 to 24 Employees No. 3: H Design Group LLC

More than 90 percent of current managers at H Design Group have been promoted from within the company. H Design Group allows telecommuting, with more than 20 percent of staff participating, and the company offers bonuses multiple times per year with annual averages exceeding $1,000. Employees also enjoy a half work day on Fridays. The company offers health insurance to its 13 full- and four part-time employees paying 26 to 50 percent of premiums for all employees.

Editor’s note: Answers provided by spokesman Brent Stevens.

What do you find makes your business a desirable place to work?
“The everyday atmosphere at H Design Group is relaxed, enjoyable and made to feel like home. Once you enter the front doors you’ll be greeted – possibly licked – by Bunker the office Australian Shepherd. There’s music playing throughout the office all day over an employee controlled speaker system, and if there does happen to be a moment of silence you can bet that our branding consultant will soon be strumming on his guitar for everyone to hear. The relaxed atmosphere continues with beanbag chairs scattered throughout the office and an outdoor patio with a grill that is fired up near daily during nice weather. We feel this warm, welcoming environment allows employees to relax, socialize and become more than colleagues, more than a team, a family.”

What innovative ways have you developed to reward employees?
“Rarely does hard work at our office go unrewarded; we always try to take note and find ways to properly reward our team. We offer financial incentives through bonuses, but sometimes an added gesture is needed to show our appreciation. For example, we recently renovated our building with vibrant colors and inspiring murals, private office spaces and even a landscaped patio – complete with a fountain. We are also known to award an impromptu happy hour where the office shuts down around 4 p.m.”

To what extent does the company share its financials with the staff?
“We believe that it’s important for our staff to have an understanding of the financials associated with our projects. Every member therefore has full access to all design fees, invoicing and consultant/engineering costs associated with each project. This helps our employees better learn the business side of the profession and the financial goals we want to achieve as a team.”

How does your company support employees’ desires to give back to the community?
“Just like the main rule when designing a structure – people come first. Springfield and the Ozarks is our home. We are proud to have a team that shares our desire to give back to the community. We’ve granted time off for employees to help with Joplin clean up, mission trips and local fundraisers. We always support office pools for fundraisers such as Oklahoma tornado support and Christmas donations. Even small efforts are supported for school fundraisers, class sponsorships and, of course, Girl Scout cookies.”

What makes your company’s benefits stand out in the market?
“We know our business would be nothing if it weren’t for our people. For this reason, we treat them less like employees and more like family. It’s this family dynamic that has created the stable foundation that is H Design Group.”[[In-content Ad]]