NO. 2 SMALL COMPANY
FIRST-TIME WINNER
IT business services firm based in Plano with one office and 50 local workers
In February, The Vested Group took 110 people — employees and their guests — on a trip to an all-inclusive resort in Cancún.
“You can imagine the funny events that unfolded,” founder Joel Patterson said. “But what happens in Cancún stays in Cancún.”
However, he did send a few photos to illustrate his point.
The Plano-based IT services company is taking a measured approach to returning to the office, allowing employees to come in when and as often as they feel comfortable.
The Vested Group is offering social bait — free lunches, dog days and happy hours — to increase their comfort levels.
“We only mandate one office day per month when we have our all-hands meeting,” Patterson said.
At that gathering, the company not only provides companywide updates and announcements but also offers employees the chance to candidly speak their minds and share their ideas in a team environment, Patterson said.
There is no “one-size-fits-all” avenue to managing, he said. “That’s why I take a coaching approach, knowing that a learning opportunity is always available.”
Employees get the message.
What do they have to say in return?
“I am able to use my strengths to their full potential,” one employee said.
“It’s an overall positive influence on my life, and I enjoy being present,” said another.
