Work hard for Zero Pay - Anonymous employee Edelman Financial Engines Employee Review

We welcome the opportunity to respond to “Work Hard for Zero Pay” from a former employee, because it contains many inaccurate statements. Compensation: We do not agree that a hard-working individual earning a salary of $60,000 per year is a “bottom feeder.” In 2014, our firm was ranked #9 on the Best Places to Work list by the Washington Post. The award was based on employee surveys, and about 90% of our employees participated. Collectively, on a scale of 1-5, they ranked salary satisfaction as 4.5. Bonuses: They are not capped at $300, rather, when individual staff members receive a bonus, it’s because they have met performance goals. Promotions: We love to promote from within! So far in 2014, for example, 15 staff members have been promoted – pretty good stats for a company our size. We know our employees are our greatest resource, and we actively support their career development. It’s good for them, and it’s good for us – a true win/win. Disney: We are disappointed that someone would criticize our decision to take the entire company and all of their families to Walt Disney World for four days! Yes, we invited all our employees and their families to Disney in celebration of our 25th anniversary. Yes, we paid 100% of each employee’s hotel and airfare – and the trip was optional – not mandatory. Like it or not, tax law required that the costs associated with bringing family members be regarded as taxable income; most of our employees considered this a small price to pay for what was otherwise a fully-paid vacation for their families. Besides, inviting family and friends along was voluntary, not mandatory. We hosted nearly 1,000 people for four days – it was a great trip! Cars: Our founder’s personal vehicle is pretty simple too. Beyond being a personal choice, it’s obvious that 27 years of commitment to clients and staff have paid off, so yes, our founder drives a nice car. We wish we could have talked through your posted comments in person and allowed us an opportunity to emphasize our firm’s commitment to its employees. The real truth is great things are happening here!