National Real Estate Advisors executives believe a happy workforce is a productive workforce.
One of the perks that makes employees happiest at the Washington-based real estate money manager is being allowed to work at home two days a week.
“If I had to give people a choice to take a pay cut ... or lose two days at home, they would universally take the pay cut,” said Jeffrey Kanne, president and CEO.
It not only saves employees one hour-plus (each way) commutes — for which Washington is becoming known — but it also relieves other stress.
“People can take the kids to school, pick the kids up from school, make dinner and run neighborhood errands during the workday,” Mr. Kanne said. “It relieves a tremendous amount of stress and I personally believe it adds an enormous amount to productivity.”
Mr. Kanne said people at other firms ask him how he knows whether his employees are working when they are at home. His answer: “We manage money and we need people who are trustworthy. If they are not trustworthy, they should not be here.”
“People are happier when they are here and happier when they are home. ... We have a very happy workforce,” he said. “It's a win-win situation ... We have almost no turnover here.”
A flexible schedule is not the only perk at the firm, which finances large-scale development projects that Mr. Kanne described as “catalysts for change in cities we work in.”
The firm also has generous health-care plan, which includes 100% paid for prescriptions and for premiums, he said.
“Most people would say that it is stupid by not making people pay anything, but I disagree,” Mr. Kanne said.
In the employee questionnaire for Best Places to Work in Money Management, several employees praised the generous health-care package, the eight Fridays off in the summer and the “collegial atmosphere of the office.”
Employees cited the supportive work environment. “Employees are encouraged to grow and be responsible without being micromanaged,” one said.
Another employee summed it up: “1) Wonderful people 2) The best benefits of any company I have ever worked with 3) exciting work.”
