What do NixonMcInnes, Zappos, and 42 other companies have in common?
We’re really excited to have been awarded a place on the Worldblu list of most democratic workplaces in the world, for the second year in a row.
The award follows an independent survey of all employees to assess how we stack up against ten democratic principles such as: transparency; dialogue and listening; integrity; accountability; and choice on a leadership, individual, and systems and processes level. WorldBlu developed the survey tool based on a decade of research into what makes a world-class democratic organization.
There are some fantastic companies on the list this year, including Zappos who we admire greatly here at NixonMcInnes Towers and meetup.com who are dedicated to helping people to self-organise, and run their business in the same way. Congratulations as well to Happy Computers and Future Considerations – the only other UK companies who made the list this year.
For us, the purpose of entering this assessment each year is not about the Worldblu badge (although we do wear it with pride!) What we wanted to do is benchmark ourselves against other companies who have similar beliefs to see how we’re doing and work out where we can improve. We know we haven’t found the perfect formula yet and are working hard to become even more democratic.
Some of the practical things we do here that help us to be more democratic include:
1. Complete open books: All company financial information is shared with and explained to employees.
2. Open seats for employees to attend company board meetings to take part in discussions and decision-making at the highest level.
3. No fixed working hours so everyone can make a schedule that fits around the rest of their life.
4. A democratic ethical policy allowing team members to express a concern about any client we’re considering working with which triggers a team-wide discussion and vote on whether we do business with them.
5. A democratic hiring process, giving team members a chance to assess candidates and have a say in who joins us.
6. Team sessions to create our values and business objectives.
7. A remuneration committee (aka ‘The Money Gang’) made up mostly of elected team members who assess salary reviews to ensure fairness and consistency.
[Apologies for the lack of hyperlinks – writing this on a train. Will add later!]
Tom wrote this on 14.04.10 – 3 comments
It's filed in the NixonMcInnes box
On April 29th, 2010 at 2:25 pm, Phil Herborn responded:
Congratulations! Guys it’s awesome to hear that you’ve made the list again, well deserved.
As an NM Alumni member, I am PROUD!
On April 29th, 2010 at 2:35 pm, Tom Nixon responded:
Awww we miss you Philbo. Especially as I’m getting a new road bike tomorrow and would have liked to join you for a spin! Hope you, Lou and the little ‘un are well.
On April 30th, 2010 at 10:05 am, Alan Newman responded:
Well done guys!
I hope you and the family are well too, Phil!
Didn’t know you were a roadie, Tom…let’s go out for a ride some time.