The ‘Corporate Family:’ Genuine Care & an Emphasis on Work-Life Balance at Hanson Consulting Group

Sponsored by Hanson Consulting Group

This article is part of a series focusing on select companies who placed among WA’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2018, as determined by employee surveys that measure their perceptions and satisfaction across 82 individual attributes within 10 employment categories.

Hanson Consulting Group, based in Kirkland, matches top-notch consultants with the exact needs of clients within the realms of IT, tech, gaming and business.

We create a work environment where talented people can learn, grow and thrivewith a one-of-a-kind dedication to both one another and to the clients they support.

Its clear from Hanson Consulting Groups mission statement that their respect and care for employee and client needs stem from the same values that make HCG one of the top companies in Seattle to work for. Employees consistently rave about the high level of care HCG holds for each employee, treating team members as part of the family, even celebrating individual birthdays. Its no wonder that Hanson Consulting Group has won so many Best Company awards.

After all, HCG declares, consulting is just a business-y term for people helping people.

Standout Leadership

Hanson Consulting Group is proud to be a WBENC-Certified Womens Business Enterprise. Amy Hanson, the powerhouse at the helm, has led HCG from its founding in 2008 through numerous accolades and awards, including Puget Sound Business Journals: Fastest Growing Private Company on the Eastside (2016 and 2017), Top 100 Fastest Growing Private Company in Washington (2016), and Largest Women-Owned Business List (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018) as well as INCs 5000 Fastest-growing Private Companies to Work for (2017) and Seattle Business Magazines WA 100 Best Companies to Work for (2018).

Hanson has fearlessly spearheaded this incredible growth in the company while maintaining an unwavering devotion to her employees wellbeing. Amy Hanson– probably one of the kindest, genuine and considerate employers in Seattle, according to one employee. She has built a great company on the foundation of excellent morals and compassion. I feel she truly cares for every single one of her employees and does everything she can to make sure we’re taken care of.

One employee explains how Hanson is exceptionally dedicated to employees, who know that [she] will go to bat for them with corporate partners around representation and ownership of work. She is a trustworthy and accessible leader. Another shares, Amy, our President, is unlike anyone I have ever met. She…always puts her employees first. She is extremely transparent, generous, thoughtful, funny and very well-respected by her team and business/community partners.

This sentiment of value and care is echoed regarding all levels of leadership. We have unfettered access to all levels of management in the company with a quick response time even if it’s to say, We hear you and are working on it! Sometimes all you need is to know you were heard.

Everything about this company is perfect – the benefits, pay, work environment and culture. I have never worked anyplace where I have felt safer with my ideas and input. Company leadership is there for you, no matter what, they are absolutely approachable and really care.

Unheard-of Benefits

With an unstable healthcare system and constantly rising cost of living, Hanson, one of the best consulting firms to work for flat-out, keeps employees healthy and happy with a remarkable benefits package. One employee declares, This is the best contracting company I have ever worked for. Their ability to keep their employees in mind while also navigating the tricky waters of tech contracts is unmatched. Their attention to our benefits is incredible.

The benefits they offer are unheard of for contracting, explains another. The combination of PTO, health/dental insurance, 401k benefits, and opportunity for advancement is truly meaningful to their employees. Amy and team care about their workforce and it shows in the teams they build and how successful those teams are.

With a comprehensive benefits package, employees know they are cared for and can spend less energy stressing about money and health coverage. This adds up to a more productive and happy workforce. I know how hard our leaders go to bat for us in terms of negotiating the best comprehensive health care benefits possible for our team. Good health care is a prime consideration for me and my family so it’s something I truly appreciate.

Honesty, the Best Policy

The level of transparency and the open-door policy at HCG are sources of pride for leadership and employees alike. As the company states, Our relationships with our clients, as well as our employees, are established through trust, transparency and open communication.

One experienced employee explains, I’ve worked in the entertainment/gaming industry my entire professional life, about 15 years. I have never encountered a company, especially a contract agency, that is so transparent, professional and trusting of their employees. Because of these qualities, the Hanson teams are incredibly productive and enjoyable to work with. I have zero dislikes about Hanson, and that is not something I say lightly. It would take quite a bit to convince me to move to another company.

The transparency and high communication levels adds up to a feeling of comradery across the company. I appreciate the transparency about how things are going, successes and challenges that the company faces. That communication shows the care they have for staff, and makes us feel like we are all in this together.

Adds another, HCG is a company that is transparent and honest and, as a result, has created a unique work environment where people feel empowered to do their best, while still having a flexible work-life balance.

Work-Life Balance: Worth More Than Money

A company with such a strong emphasis on personal wellbeing is hard to come by these days, even when work-life balance can seem like such a trendy term. HCG truly works to create an environment that is enjoyable and manageable for staff, including flexible working models.

As one employee explains, The flexible working environment and hours make this the least stressful job I have ever had; I am able to balance my work and personal life easily. These things are worth more to me than money, even though my salary is extremely fair. It would take a lot to make me leave this place.

The companys flexible work schedule is something many employees lauded. With company flexibility, many employees feel increasingly trusted and valued. I love my work and the people I work with. I have flexibility and autonomy but also co-workers to turn to, to problem-solve when needed. My company cares about me as a person, as well as my work, which makes me want to work harder. I’ve never had a job or worked for company I have enjoyed as much as this one!

Another consultant shared this sentiment, stating, At HCG I feel like I am a valued member of the team and that my contributions make a large impact on the overall success of the company. I also love that at HCG, we are encouraged to have a healthy work-life balance and leadership is extremely flexible and supportive of having both. Not only do we work hard, but we also have fun enjoying what we do and who we work with every day.

Investing in People

Ultimately, employees at HCG thrive because of a strong and unique value placed on contracted employees and a genuine care for the team. States one consultant, I’ve worked at a couple of different contracting companies throughout my career. All of them felt the same – I was a resource, not their employee. Hanson is the complete opposite. I feel part of a corporate family. Great benefits, lots of opportunities to grow and move, frequent morale events – I feel valued. I would never consider working for another contract company.

This dedication to employees is reflected in the company as a whole. Hanson has been the single best agency I’ve ever worked for, for one simple reason that so many agencies truly fail to grasp: They care about their employees. Investing in people is a fundamental concept in their entire organization, and it sets them apart from all the rest. This company is a human experience; living, breathing, and constantly evolving to better itself. I fully support them and regardless of an award, they will always be one of the best companies to work for to me!

Learn more about careers at Hanson Consulting Group at hansonconsultgroup.com and find out more about WA’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2018.