Not really competitive with wages - Engineer ENGEO Employee Review

First, we’d like to let you know that Uri (CEO) has read this as well and would love to have a conversation with you to discuss your experiences. If you give him a call directly, he has promised that your identity will remain confidential. We’d like to apologize that you have had such a negative experience and that you felt uncomfortable discussing these thoughts openly with anyone here. Our open-door policy is intended to encourage people to share ideas and provide constructive criticism without the fear of retribution. We also have anonymous surveys, such as the Great Place to Work survey we had in May 2020. ENGEO strives to be transparent through our monthly, company-wide strategy meetings where we discuss “family business,” including details about projects, staffing, internal initiatives, and finances. Since COVID, we have been holding these meetings weekly. Anyone can add topics to these meetings and can present new ideas during our Executive Committee (EXCOM) meetings. Of course, there is a level of confidentiality in some EXCOM meetings which is designed to protect individual employees. For example, if conversation about wages, bonuses, and performance were shared, working relationships could be impacted. No employee or position at ENGEO is considered dispensable. In our rigorous recruiting process, we look for top-notch candidates who want a career at ENGEO, and who we would be proud to work alongside. Our inverted pyramid company structure, servant leadership, benefits packages, events, goal planning (APS), training, and more are all geared to helping employees feel supported for long-term success. We have implemented many precautions and protocols to keep employees safe during this time (masks, gloves, social distancing, virtualizing/delaying in-person trainings, etc.). If you were made to feel dispensable by any coworker or client please reach out to HR so that we can rectify the issue. ENGEO is very lucky to be persevering when many in our space are struggling and laying off employees. The wage review was delayed for a variety of reasons. Among them, the AEC consulting sales cycle (from sending proposals to completing work and getting paid by the client) is a long process. Naturally, we wouldn’t know how much COVID is impacting business without giving it more time, even now. We measure impact by looking at statistics other than monthly invoicing reports, such as the book to bill ratio. Although some may feel that bonuses/raises were too small, every single principal, director, and associate agreed to skip receiving a raise or bonus during the wage review to help preserve our financial strength and keep our employees. The amount of work brought in by an individual is among many factors considered during wage review. The idea of dividing pay by office may go against the collaborative, “ONEGEO” culture we strive to create. As we are all part owners of ENGEO, and not part owners of the individual office we work for, we can all celebrate successes and weather the lows. That said, you are more than welcome to present this idea. It would not be ridiculed, but considered and discussed. ENGEO provides resources and avenues for people to speak up because continuous learning/improvement is a big part of our culture. We understand that people can feel intimidated or fearful when giving negative feedback or voicing an unpopular opinion. This is why we have anonymous surveys and performance reviews. However, if you have ideas for actions we could take to improve, the best way for us to understand your experience is through open conversation. Although voicing your opinion here on Glassdoor probably helped release frustration, it is not the best method for creating the change you’re looking for. Generally speaking, those who speak out to genuinely improve ENGEO are those that build a lasting career here. I hope that this response has helped you feel like you can reach out and speak openly. You can also contact your HR team any time, we are here to help. Sincerely, Your HR Team