THE HOLMES REPORT - 2017 BEST PR AGENCIES TO WORK FOR (BOUTIQUE)

The Holmes Report’s Best Agencies to Work For are determined by a comprehensive survey of agency employees at more than 50 agencies throughout North America. The process solicits employee views on a wide range of issues ranging from the integrity of senior management to the quality of professional development, from empowerment and risk-taking to compensation. For more information on the methodology — and how you can order your own agency's results — visit this section's About/FAQ page. The top winner in each category will be recognized at the 2017 North American SABRE Awards, taking place at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York on May 2.

Zapwater (Independent)
Like the two firms listed above, this is Zapwater’s third showing on Best Agencies to Work For for the culture it has built for its 22 employees (18 in Chicago and 4 in Los Angeles).

Approximately 2.5% of gross revenues are spent on staff training and professional development programs that include professional “lunch and learns,” membership in professional organizations and conferences and seminars. Zapwater launched ZapU, an ongoing professional development and team building program. Built around off-site staff retreats, ZapU is an educational experience launched as a forum for employees to interact and form relationships with industry leaders, be immersed in business education, and nurture their strong leadership skills to increase their professional development. In 2017, Zapwater also launched ZapYOU — designed for staff by staff, the program provides bi-monthly professional development seminars on topics ranging from ways to spark creative thinking, effective pitch strategies and how to manage a team.

All employees are given four weeks vacation/PTO per year, plus can build their work week around a flexible schedule. After five years employment, employees earn a fifth week of vacation. Zapwater also encourages employees to be involved in their communities and provides an additional paid week off for anyone using it toward volunteering. The firm also does summer hours (closing at 1 p.m. from mid-May through Labor Day) and allows dogs in the office.

To read the full article on the Holmes Report, visit the link below