Best Places to Work in Insurance 2013: Lockton Cos. L.L.C.
Posted On: Oct. 20, 2013 12:00 AM CST
An emphasis on growth and a willingness to play hard as well as work hard makes Lockton Cos. L.L.C. an attractive place to work.
“Lockton's a growth company, and what that offers associates is the opportunity to grow their professional careers,” said Glenn Spencer, U.S. chief operating officer for the brokerage. “I look for people that want to own their jobs. When you find a person who wants to own their career, it's a pretty appealing place.”
“Growth is a very important part why people choose to work at Lockton,” said Jo-Ann Gastin, senior vice president-human resources. “They see that as a great opportunity for them. And the fact that they can take personal ownership of their work is a very big deal for our associates.”
“The company spends an inordinate amount of time with candidates that are going to join the company, no matter what position,” said Mr. Spencer. “We want to make sure you fit into the culture. Being effective for our clients means you have to fit the culture of our organization.”
But it's not all work at Lockton, said Ms. Gastin.
“We are a work-hard, play-hard company,” she said. One perk the company offers is “Beer Friday.”
“Not everybody drinks alcohol, but they all come down for the camaraderie,” she said. Beer Friday is generally held about 10 times a year, she said. According to Lockton, Beer Friday is held in conjunction with such events as the annual United Way kickoff or volunteer activities.
Lockton also encourages employee fitness, “a commitment that permeates the company,” said Ms. Gastin. She said that most locations have on-site gyms. In addition to the gyms, the company holds “lunch and learn” sessions on stress management, and many Lockton offices also offer Pilates, yoga and boot camp programs.
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The company also has a strong commitment to sports, sponsoring softball, soccer, rugby and other sports teams in the United States and internationally.
In addition, employees received a Rolex watch upon their 10th anniversaries with Lockton.
“It's not just things we do as much as what the company stands for. It's the cultural and value of the company that people are attracted to,” said Mr. Spencer. “Because we are privately held, it allows us to focus solely on our clients. Doing the right thing for our clients just feels better,” he said, adding that it “leads people to believe this should be the best place to work in our businesses.”