This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: Small Project Practitioners and Small Firm Round Table .
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We are hitting the adolescent years in our firm.
Staff don't like us anymore, we can't seem to do anything right.
Benefits are snubbed, and we are told we don't appreciate them enough.
The list goes one.
They call it growing pains.
So, we are looking for ideas, solutions, recommendations.
My time at Convention 2013 was spent on all thing "firm" and "employee" related.
I did find lots to think about, but not much for the small firm like mine (we have 10 people).
I don't have so many ppl that I can have classes, training seminars, travel benefits, etc.
I do have time and the desire to make things better.
Here are a few questions...to get us started.
1. Would titles help? Our organization is very horizontal, not much clear distinction between people.
2. I am considering offering a lunch and learn every 2 weeks to the whole office to review standards, construction details, etc. Something useful and practical to the education of my team.
3. When someone new starts, we do not have much training or introduction. Its pretty much "deep end of the pool". I am thinking on investing time and money in creating a "new hire" program" with the help of the team.
4. What about a savings account for grants, travel bonus, etc. for well performing staff? How would we rate them, grade them for the win?
Any help or advice would be appreciated
Thank you!
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Jean Dufresne AIA
Architect
SPACE Architects + Planners
Chicago IL
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