Pros
Why is DLR a great place to work, specifically at the offices in Overland Park? Well, in 2010, the Kansas Office was name the best place to work In Kansas City by a local Magazine. It was well deserved. They treat me with great respect and give me opportunties that my peers only dream about. DLR Group' mantra about how their designs can positively impact experiences is actrually practiced. I love that. Whether it’s inspiring a child in a classroom, a college student finding a career path in a campus building, or memorable guest experience in a hotel, they truly believe our designs elevate the human experience. DLR Group not only practice sustainable design, they live it. As a design firm, they view our office building as a perk for the staff. Plentiful windows draw in an abundance of natural light to employee workstations, offering incredible views to the stream and wooded area just outside our building. Employees in Kansas have access to company bicycles to utilize before, during and after work for quick trips around the neighborhood; and a dedicated group of individuals designed a custom recycling center near our break room to promote recycling to all staff and visitors. To reduce storm water run-off, a group of employees designed and built a rain garden on our property. DLR Group encourages its employees to give back to the community. Together, they host annual blood drives, and take part in the United Way’s Day of Caring. DLR Group professionals serve on educational foundations to raise funds for local K-12 school districts, as well as university advisory boards. We also participate in the U.S. Green Building Council Committee on Schools to promote environmentally-responsive design in school buildings around the country. As the largest education design firm in the world, it seems like they do whatever they can to support local school districts and position them for success. I like that. Many staff members get involved in local charities by donating to ALS Research, Salvation Army, Vietnam Veterans of America, We Care, Operation Breakthrough, American Cancer Society, and H.O.P.E. Coalition; as well as serving on committees for Girl Scout’s Mid Continent Council, Corporate Woods Jazz Festival, and the American Diabetes Association Golf Tournament, just to name a few. In 2009 DLR Group hosted a golf tournament to raise awareness and funds for the research of ALS. The tournament raised more than $10,000. This was done to honoir a staff member who died. Awesome teamwork. DLR Group is an employee-owned company so extra effort helps my stock. I like that too. DLR Group offers stock ownership to the entire staff, not just a few leaders, so every employee owns stock. EVERYONE. DLR Group establishes a 401(k) account for every employee, and profits are distributed to employees twice a year through this account. They offer a payflex program that allows employees to take advantage of pre-tax savings and help manage spending on childcare or medical expenses. In addition, DLR Group offers paid holidays and time off; as well as group dental, medical and disability/life insurance. When DLR leaders designed our new office building in Overland Park, a large, outdoor patio was a must. We fire up the grills for Friday patio parties, social gatherings and client appreciation events. Situated just off the patio is DLR Group’s very own 86-yard, par 3 golf hole with tee box for friendly employee competition during the workday. Theme Fridays, summer picnics, holiday parties, and chili cook offs are just some of the other fun events we host. DLR Group’s annual meeting for employees and spouses is a highlight of the end of our fiscal year. We celebrate our past year’s successes and pay tribute to a selection of projects we have completed. DLR Group’s annual awards program includes a Creative Ideas category, which encourages employees to share their ideas that promote anything from an engineering design solution, to a marketing technique, or an example of exemplary teamwork. Awards are presented at the annual meeting. This meeting also allows DLR Group to recognize employees with promotions and years of service in front of their peers. Turnover rates are well below industry standard and it is not uncommon to find employees who have been with the firm 25 years working side by side with staff who just graduated college. DLR Group’s mentor program helps all employees grow in a positive manner. Mentors are assigned to all personnel to assist mentees with items such as earning a professional license, understanding DLR Group policies, or advancement within the firm. DLR Group’s employee fund is used to reward co-workers for going above the call of duty with a gift card or certificate to a nearby store, restaurant or theater.
Cons
In order to see rewards, you have to work hard. Sometimes this means extra hours. As such, most staff work around 42-45 hours each week.
