Legg Mason Global Asset Management

Fourth place, managers with 500 to 999 employees

“We have evolved in our thinking to appreciate that balance is important and tied to performance,” says Joseph Sullivan, chairman and CEO of Legg Mason (LM) Global Asset Management. “Not forcing choices yields a happier, healthier and more productive workplace.”

Mr. Sullivan, who ascended to CEO in 2012, is focused on ensuring that employees across this Baltimore-based company, which counts about 800 U.S. corporate employees, experience the mission: “Investing to improve lives.” 

Legg Mason, making its second appearance on Pensions & Investments' Best Places to Work in Money Management survey, manages $716 billion primarily through nine affiliates, the largest of which is Western Asset Management (see related story). 

“Legg's culture is amazing,” said one employee in BPTW survey. “It enables you to own your career, grow and develop. The ethics here are second to none. We live by the “no chalk” philosophy. The strategy is clear. The work life and workplace policies are wonderful! You can take time off to volunteer in your community, the dress code is relaxed, flexible scheduling is encouraged and new moms are encouraged to ease back into work after a generous paid leave.” 

“Legg Mason does an excellent job of striking a work-life balance and the organizational/management structure gives you a good picture of where you stand and what are the expectations are for you,” said another employee. “These kinds of transparencies and conveniences really alleviate a lot of easily avoidable stressors like job security and career advancement.”

“We're focused on what gets done, not how it gets done and the next generation of employees expects that,” says Mr. Sullivan. “We like to rally around activities that bring different aspects of the company together — from fundraising to support a Legg Mason team in the Baltimore Dragon Boat race to employee resource groups that design their own events.”