This week’s learning material has been a great introduction to strategic HRM, as well as the variables that contribute to organizational culture and management decisions as they relate to strategic objectives. When looking at the Great Places to Work list I chose Workday, REI, Alston & Bird, and Bain & Company. These are all places I’m familiar with, and could picture myself working at someday. I also chose them for their commitment to certain values that I think are notably lacking in most other firms. Mainly a dedication to “invest” in the employees is what sets these companies apart for me. Even though they range from outdoor retail to management consulting, they all work to recruit the RIGHT staff, and they invest a good deal of resources in their employee both in terms of compensation/benefit, and development. All employees specifically cited culture and benefits as large contributors. Companies like Bain and Alston & Bird are well known in professional circles for their competitiveness and incredible benefits. When you already offer high salaries and great opportunity it becomes harder to set yourself apart from competing law/consulting firms. REI was chosen for its culture and dedication to environmental causes, and I chose Workday for culture reasons as well. I put particular value on loyalty in today’s market where it’s hard to come by. Companies who are loyal to their good employees are the successful ones here, and each uses their unique culture to recruit, train, and retain the most applicable talent in their respective fields.

I would say that these companies are all indicative of my general approach to management and HR. It’s very important for there to be a mutual trust between employer and employee, and that begins with recruiting and investing in the development of the right people. I chose those companies because they foster a sense of competitive creativity in dealing with complex issues, and they reward their employee for thinking non-traditionally as long as it gets results. Competitiveness is great, but only if you allow your employees enough time and space to enjoy their lives on their own terms as well. That’s one of the reasons these companies are so productive, profitable, and desirable, because there’s a great work-life balance and humans are allowed to be…human, and still feel like they’re supported by their employers. The hardest aspects of management are dealing with people’s negative feelings relating to decisions. I have a hard time affecting the livelihood of others and wouldn’t enjoy having to lay off people at all.