Each of the top 15 firms in last year’s Best Structural Engineering Firms To Work For ranking discussed how they dealt with the down economy in 2009. Whether it was by increasing communication, focusing on training — including building information modeling — or improving internal leadership opportunities for staff, the top-ranked firms seized the slowdown in the daily grind to improve all aspects of their businesses.

The 2010 Best Firms To Work For program is now underway and applications are currently being accepted. Firms can enter the competition in any of the following disciplines: structural engineering, architecture, civil engineering, environmental services, or multidiscipline A/E services. In case your firm is hesitating to participate in the program this year, due in part or entirely because of the effects of the sluggish economy, following is some advice from Shanon Fauerbach, P.E., founder of the Best Firms To Work For ranking program.

“The annual Best Firms To Work For ranking programs provide meaningful recognition of top-notch firms. Such honors are intended to aid staff recruitment and retainment initiatives. A side benefit of the programs is that the process challenges firms to improve and help raise the bar of firms nationwide,” stated Fauerbach. “Of course, given today’s economic situation, firms are tasked to do more with less. Understandably, this situation is factored into our evaluation of firms.”

She explained that many firms don’t participate during rough economic times fearing that they won’t be a contender because they’ve laid off staff, cut or eliminated raises, raised their medical insurance deductible, or made some other significant change to employee benefits. These firms fear conducting an employee survey when so many changes have transpired. “Personally, I think these are misperceptions about the program and about what’s going on inside your firm,” said Fauerbach, “A great firm to work for is a great one in spite of tough times. It is one that has superior leadership, strong communication with staff, and is willing to make tough decisions for the good of the firm.”

We all know that great success often comes out of difficult times; let’s not forget all the good your firm is doing. Furthermore, your firm is dealing with the same economic struggles as peer firms. Some are going to be more graceful than others during this journey, but you are all tasked to deal with a difficult hand right now. The Best Firms To Work For evaluation compares the pool of firms that apply to each other, and many firms that apply will have made the same tough decisions that you have. Regardless, the best of those that apply will earn recognition.

Best Firms To Work For are firms that are doing more with less and that are getting better every day. The deadline to apply is April 23, 2010; to learn more online, visit www.bestfirmstoworkfor.com

Another annual program that we execute to learn about structural engineering professionals is the compensation survey. Open during the month of March, the 2010 survey has been completely redesigned to be more concise and efficient. See page 27 for details and visit www.cenews.com/CompSurvey to participate. The results will be reported in the June issue of Structural Engineering & Design.

Jennifer Goupil, P.E.,

jgoupil@stagnitomedia.com