HVJ Associates Reviews

So sorry that I am just now responding to this comment from October 2013, but I only recently learned about glassdoor and the existence of this note. We are pleased to note that you felt you were in a friendly working environment, and I apologize for your experiences that did not meet expectations. We appreciate all of your feedback and will use it as a learning tool for improvement. With respect to compensation adjustment I recognize that as the company grew it took us some time to build a structured HR presence. We have since taken steps to ensure that all managers understand how to handle conversations surrounding performance, compensation and related actions in an effective and consistent manner firm wide. This has been a multi-step process using documented tools and guidelines, alongside other related initiatives that will be fully implemented in a few weeks. With respect to workload and management skills I can say that as our firm saw unprecedented growth in the last few years we were not always prepared to adjust staffing when warranted. However since the beginning of 2014 labor forecasting has been a more deliberate and consistent part of our Annual Operating Plan, and our Quarterly Business Reviews. We are implementing a more proactive recruiting strategy now (which incidentally is how we became acquainted with glassdoor). Also managers are now exposed to more opportunities for training, coaching and practices that are helping them improve, especially in effective Management and Leadership. HVJ Associates is very much a learning organization with a vision that includes being an employer of choice. Great strides have been made recently and we know there are still areas for growth and improvement, so we welcome opportunities to get different perspectives and learn from them. Thanks again, and we wish you well.

We regret that your expectations were not met, and we would like you to know that the Management has taken (and continues to take) steps to ensure employee satisfaction. Following is how your specific areas of concern have been (or are being) addressed: 1. HVJ now has firm wide compensation guidelines. One of the tools provided with these guidelines is industry compensation survey data, and one of the guideline provisions includes regularly scheduled compensation reviews or adjustments. Performance incentive compensation over and above base pay has also been a routine part of compensation for several years. 2. Longer working hours are sometimes dictated by temporary surges in workload. We do our best to forecast labor needs but there are times when project start times are very unpredictable. There has been a lot of emphasis on forecast improvements and which translates into better labor planning. 3. HVJ is a learning organization that promotes an environment of positivity and growth. We diligently seek “A-Players” who want to be productive members of our team and benefit from the personal and professional growth we offer; however there may be a few employees left in the firm who do not fit well with our culture. We expect to either grow these employees or manage them out, hopefully to another opportunity where they can thrive. 4. This response applies to the remaining concerns (4, 5 and 6): The comments made in Item 3 above apply here also. Hopefully the “few” mentioned in your concern have made improvements in interacting with others, or may no longer be here. We encourage diversity in ideas and input, and we hold speculation sessions regularly for this very purpose; however decisions need to be made in the face of conflicting input sometimes so everyone cannot have their way. Most of our managers are solid professionals and strong, powerful leaders who are learning and improving on an ongoing basis. We want employees to reach their potential and one of the ways that we do this is by covering or supplementing the cost of certifications classes that help to provide the qualifications needed to grow within the organization. Even more valuable is the mindset of our employees and this is why personal development is so important to us. We do have an open door policy, so if any employee has concerns or is dissatisfied with their work conditions, they are encouraged to address those concerns with management or HR. Our overall goal is to see HVJ grow as a company and in order for HVJ to grow we encourage our employees to grow as well.