Boston- The Bulfinch Companies, Inc., a commercial real estate investment firm, has been awarded NAIOP’s 2020 Employee Engagement Award, which honors companies who successfully enhance corporate culture and the daily lives of their employees through increased engagement and opportunities.
The Company was recognized for its achievements at NAIOP’s Annual Impact Gala, held virtually on Wednesday, December 2, 2020.
As a third-generation, family owned and operated business, Bulfinch employees are “part of the family” and the firm supports and encourages employees to engage in their communities as the Company has done for three generations.
“The receipt of this award in 2020, amidst the pandemic, is particularly rewarding, as Bulfinch implemented a wide array of new strategies to keep our team safe, healthy, connected, and engaged,” stated Eric Schlager, CEO of Bulfinch. “It was important for Bulfinch to provide our team with the resources needed to enhance communication and employee engagement all while working from home.”
In March, Bulfinch pivoted to remote work for all employees and quickly began planning new ways to communicate and stay connected without physically working in the same space. Despite the extraordinary challenges faced due to the impacts of COVID-19, Bulfinch implemented new strategies that would continue to build on the firm’s strong corporate culture. Bulfinch adopted new technologies, including Salesforce, Microsoft Teams and Employee Navigator (a self-service benefit platform), and was one of the first companies in the United States to adopt the deal pipeline management platform: Coyote.
Bulfinch’s weekly newsletters saw a 91% average open rate among team members, and the Company has held 70+ virtual events and team check-ins. Bulfinch has continued its Bulfinch University guest speaker series virtually, hosting speakers covering topics including: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,, COVID-19, and venture capital trends. The firm also created a Wellness Wednesday series, providing team members with the opportunity to participate in live workout classes, team walks, and meditations.
Bulfinch continues to support various philanthropic efforts amidst the pandemic and encouraged employee participation. In April 2020, the firm launched a company-wide matching donation campaign to support Brigham and Women’s Hospital Relief Fund. Bulfinch worked with team members to identify and support organizations that promote social justice and equality, selecting the Equal Justice Initiative and YW Boston to receive donations. Additionally, Bulfinch outlined plans to further improve DE&I internally, and throughout the real estate industry and local community, with an enhanced focus on training and hiring, policies, and future partnership. Bulfinch was an early participant in A Day for Democracy, where the firm committed to provide time off to employees to vote. In addition, Bulfinch joined the #GetthetestBoston Pledge to curtail the spread of COVID-19.
