Pluspunten
Many agencies and companies talk about work-life balance, but it's all talk. Highwire on the other hand has a culture that makes flexible work easily attainable. From the start everyone is given a laptop so they're not tethered to a desk. There's a company-wide work from home Friday policy, and flexibility to work remotely or shift work hours to accommodate life needs so you don't need to burn PTO days for a doctor's appointment, package delivery or maintenance/commute issues. And it doesn't hurt the culture at all. In fact most people want to be in the office when they can be because the people are amazing and have fun together. Highwire is very collaborative, across teams, practice groups, offices, etc. Helpful intel is shared daily agency-wide, and individuals constantly help other teams with ideas, opportunities and media contacts, etc. Highwire invests a lot into training and personal development -- including a writing coach on retainer, regular focused training sessions for each level, outside trainers for larger group sessions, etc. There's plenty of opportunity for growth. If someone is interested in a specific training not offered, Highwire may even cover the cost. Very smart, strategic leadership and managers -- in how they work with clients and manage client relationships, their plans for the business, approach to new business, industry knowledge, etc. Good clients that fit agency's expertise too.
Minpunten
Like any fast-growing company (including many of the startups we work with), Highwire's experiencing some growing pains. Senior leadership is inclined to hold the reins too tightly rather than trust their managers and team leads to do their jobs and manage junior employees. This is creating frustration for middle management and junior employees, and delaying certain processes (i.e. the promotion of talented individuals) beyond reasonable timeframes -- ultimately contributing to turnover, especially with junior staff. A lot of HR processes and kinks are slowly getting worked out, and while these processes are up in the air there's a lot of confusion. Employees need more and clearer communication and guidance on the steps they should be taking. I know some people have found the fast work pace challenging. Highwire operates like a tech startup in many ways -- we work hard and play hard, everyone at all levels contributes to the agency growth (from ordering food for the office to pitching new business), and the pace can be fast and furious. If you're entrepreneurial and like to dive in and get your hands dirty, you will thrive here, but if you prefer a slower work pace you may struggle.