PLATINUM AWARDS

A FAMILY ATMOSPHERE Benesch

BENESCH IS DEDICATED TO MAKING THE WORK-LIFE BALANCE WORK FOR EVERYONE.

“We pride ourselves on getting to know our employees’ families. What’s important to them? What are their hobbies? What are their interests? As a result, we know a lot about each other. That, in my mind, connects us much more closely as an organization.”

GREGG EISENBERG,

MANAGING PARTNER

WHEN GREGG EISENBERG, managing partner at Benesch, describes his law firm as having “some of the most robust policies in the industry,” he’s clearly spoton. A $50,000 benefit that covers the cost of fertility treatments for those desiring to have a family and paid paternity and maternity leave that stretches to six months are just two of the ways the company goes the distance for its employees.

“We’re hypersensitive when it comes to maintaining our family atmosphere,” Eisenberg says. “One of the things I’m proudest of is that despite our growth, we’ve remained very protective of providing an environment where everyone feels comfortable and has support. Obviously, when we recruit attorneys and staff, we want to make sure they’re great at what they do. But we also make sure they’ll be a good fit. When you add great culture upon great culture, it leads to a nice experience for everyone.”

During the pandemic, employees and their families met in safe, open spaces to play baseball and attended outings at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. New hires are encouraged to immediately lend their input to initiatives that drive the firm, as well as causes that are important to them.

“We don’t say, ‘Well you just got here, so wait your turn,’” Eisenberg says.

“We’re very different in that regard.”

As he prepares for the law firm’s move to Key Tower next year, he reflects on what the Platinum Award means to the practice.

“The fact that our employees nominated us for the award means the world to me,” Eisenberg says. “It’s validation that our people know they not only have the ability to work hard, but are also encouraged to focus on their family — which is the most important thing. We’re not going to stop creating new opportunities for them to do so. As an organization, we’ll continue to enhance our culture to ensure our employees’ continued happiness.” — Linda Feagler

LOCATIONS: Cleveland (headquarters), Columbus, Chicago, New York City, San Francisco and Wilmington, Delaware EMPLOYEES: 165 lawyers and 250 staff members (Cleveland) WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Full-service national law firm specializing in a variety of complex legal matters focusing on commercial litigation, corporate securities, real estate, health care, intellectual property and labor employment. WHY IT’S A GREAT PLACE TO WORK: The culture centers on a family atmosphere where employees have a voice and feel comfortable using it.

ALL-IN MENTALITY The Cleveland Foundation

THE CLEVELAND FOUNDATION PRACTICES WHAT IT PREACHES IN SERVING THE NEEDS OF EMPLOYEES.

“Based on the great input we received from our staff over the last decade, we’ve worked to create an environment where employees can share feedback, see action, thrive and be a part of the bigger picture.”

MONICA BROWN,

VICE PRESIDENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND BUILDING OPERATIONS

FOR 108 YEARS, THE CLEVELAND FOUNDATION has been dedicated to looking out for the lives of those it serves. The organization’s employees are no exception.

“We never stay still with the status quo or what necessarily worked in the past,” says Monica Brown, The Cleveland Foundation’s vice president of human resources and building operations. “We keep in touch with our employees regularly to be sure we’re constantly working to keep a pulse on their needs and our organizational culture.”

Recent initiatives include sharing additional communications about projects and strategies and upgrading technology based on staff feedback. The foundation’s Employee Engagement and Culture Committee creates enjoyable and educational experiences that have included a tour of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens at Rockefeller Park and celebrations of the Hispanic, LGBTQ, AAPI, Black and LatinX communities. During the past several years, there’s been an increased emphasis on emotional well-being that was particularly appreciated during the pandemic.

“Even before the first case happened in Cuyahoga County, we saw the handwriting on the wall,” Brown says. “Because we already had a business resiliency plan in place in case there were weather issues or [maintenance] problems in our office, we were ready to work 100% remote. As always, we focused on our internal community and cared about them as people outside of their work at the foundation. The way we support our staff is what allows us to really attract incredibly talented people who are the reason that we’re able to effect positive change in the community.”

Brown and her team are preparing to relocate the foundation’s headquarters to a new building in MidTown by year’s end. The multiuse space, which will be open to the community, will include meeting rooms, a cafe and art gallery. As she prepares for the move, Brown reflects on what the Platinum Award means to the organization.

“I love the fact that it’s based on feedback from our staff about how they feel about The Cleveland Foundation,” she says. “It’s a great feeling to know our office culture is as wonderful to our employees as I think it is.” — LF

LOCATION: Cleveland EMPLOYEES: 90 WHAT THE COMPANY DOES: Funds critical needs, projects and initiatives that help Northeast Ohio thrive, as well as improves the lives of residents in Cuyahoga, Lake and Geauga counties. WHY IT’S A GREAT PLACE TO WORK: Employees can count on the organization and the community to listen, learn and take action.