Bellevue, WA, March 2008 – Washburn team members recently had a chance to reflect on what
makes their work and their workplace unique. In March 2008, Washburn staff members participated in the first-ever Washburn Communication employee survey. The company’s leadership team initiated
the survey as a way of soliciting feedback from staff members on topics ranging from company culture
to employee benefits. Dale Washburn, the company’s Founder and President, explains, “The outstanding performance of our team relates directly to the high levels of challenge and reward
available at Washburn. This survey was a good way to evaluate how we’re doing at managing that balance.”

The results are certainly encouraging. Employees raved about the company’s extensive portfolio of benefits, including a flexible work schedule, frequent company-sponsored gatherings, and low-cost access to a workout facility located just a few floors below the office. Members of the Washburn team also commented enthusiastically about the many opportunities for professional growth. Says Dixie Crockford, Vice President, “We place tremendous value on staff development; it was encouraging to
see that our employees cited that as one of the tangible benefits of working here.”

Each Washburn employee develops an annual professional development plan in consultation with
his or her manager. Based on employee input, the company supports a variety of opportunities for professional growth, including offsite and online trainings, sponsored attendance at local
professional society meetings and seminars, and ongoing mentorship by senior staff. Megan Stasiak, an editor at Washburn, explains, “Professional development is built into the Washburn culture. I’m always given the support I need to continually strengthen my skills—whether it’s through reading,
online courses, or offsite trainings.”

Washburn Communication certainly stands out among marketing companies of similar size. While
many smaller marketing firms outsource their writing to independent contractors, Washburn employs full-time writers, as well as editorial and design support staff. “By developing our internal resources, we’re able to deliver consistent quality,” says Washburn. “This approach contributes to our success in building long-term relationships with our clients.”

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