Happier and Healthier Employees Are More Productive And Loyal

Whenever "International Potluck Day" comes to Torrance, CA, the crowds at Phenomenex gather to dine and laugh. The delicious and exotic homemade dishes are a draw, but ultimately their associates go to celebrate what makes the company such a phenomenal workplace.

Representing almost 50 nationalities, the 477 employees of Phenomenex, named a Top Small Workplace in 2008, find a collective home in this supportive, driven and diverse organization. Founded in 1982, the company has seen great success in focusing on the fundamental components of globally adopted lab procedures, providing purification and analytical chemistry solutions for the life sciences and related industries.

When President and CEO Fasha Mahjoor first jumped into the chromatography business, he dove straight into distribution and marketing, citing superb service as his modus operandi. Beginning with one phone and a two-man operation, his approach was quite unusual for the industry, where more often an individual develops a new technology and considers marketing years later.

"A lot of my competitors at the time started seeing this company very quickly taking a lot of market share," Mahjoor recalls. "Hence, they started to think this company was somewhat aggressive. I take it as a compliment."

Fasha set out to create something unique, using his education in architecture and design to shape Phenomenex's character from the beginning. His vision was something "vastly different from your typical scientific community," he says. Consistently surprised at the "dark and tiring spaces" his team encountered at other organizations, Mahjoor insisted that Phenomenex develop an ambiance more friendly and conducive to the work process.

The chemical separation sciences represent a very competitive industry, and although Phenomenex has always focused on cutting-edge products, Mahjoor argues that their ability to attract, retain and develop talent stems not from a hip product line, but a distinctive culture. And it's not just scientists, but associates in packaging, marketing, management and operations that stay for years.

"That is what is keeping our people here and, I think, working twice as hard as employees working for our competition," he says.

Much of this is tied to a theme of self-actualization throughout Phenomenex. As highlighted by Corinna Jones, Marketing Manager, the company's corporate materials speak of the growth, prosperity and well-being of customers, employees and community as their foremost responsibility. But, she adds, "After nine years, I'm proud to work for Phenomenex because it is not only a mission statement; it is actually part of the company culture."

Jones is one of the many associates taking advantage of Phenomenex's varied programs for personal development and wellness. In addition to marathons for charity and all-company sporting events, access to the company gym and showers during lunch is a big plus for her.

"As a working mother, this is one of the few opportunities I have to take care of myself," she says. "In a considerable way, Phenomenex is responsible for my good health."

Winning Workplaces finds that among our Top Small Workplaces and in leading workplace research alike, happier and healthier employees are more productive and loyal. Ismail Rustamov, in the firm's Media and Technology Development area, says the company’s program even includes beach volleyball and chess. In his 15 years with Phenomenex, Rustamov admits he has not seen another company with such an extensive wellness program, and stresses that such an approach is great for both employee and organization.

"All these make Phenomenex a better place to work for by adding intangible benefits to all employees," he says.

The company's focus on personal actualization also extends into education, with "MyDevelopment" classes focused on areas like communication skills, time management, and decision making. And far from being aimed at simply creating better employees, they include more holistic issues such as personal finance. "Within the last two years I went through at least 14 classes," Rustamov says.

Mahjoor explains that the goal behind these programs is really to enrich each individual and strengthen their unique abilities, regardless of the department in which they serve. This even manifests itself in bold career moves such as Jones' switch from strict biochemistry to marketing.

Can these programs be replicated in other organizations? Mahjoor says yes, but the glue needed to make them work is a strong cultural identity, and that's something he sees far fewer firms getting right and using to their advantage.

"What most companies may have missed is not just providing the education, but providing a culture that literally invites this sort of behavior from employees," he says. "By design or accident, we have created a culture where most everyone is appreciative and wants to learn whatever they can, while at the same time having a lot of fun."

Whether it's public speaking workshops, triathlons, or pick-up games of cricket, Rustamov commends these programs for their capacity to inspire and boost camaraderie.

"During events like these, employees from different departments get to know each other better, and that in turn forges and strengthens horizontal interactions at work, making the company much stronger."

And when it comes time for the International Potluck again, you can bet he'll arrive with one of his favorite Azerbaijani dishes in hand. The grape-leaf dolma might be placed next to the Swedish pancakes Jones brings, and the crew will once again share new and old stories with associates entering their first season, or friends they've worked with for a decade or longer.







Company: Phenomenex
Web site: www.phenomenex.com
Industry: Technology
Location: Torrance, CA
Number of Employees: 477
Sales: $107 million