IT employees at the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, an independent, non-governmental regulator of securities firms, know they'll be recognized for a job well done, says Matt Cardillo, director of application development. "Success is taken seriously and it's well-rewarded," he says.
Cardillo says IT workers at the Rockville, Md.-based regulator have visibility into the department's projects, so people are always talking about them. When a project is completed, staffers congratulate one another as they pass in the hall. Teams also celebrate by getting together for activities like paintball, zip-lining and bowling.
Nanci Schimizzi, vice president of technology administration, says celebrating success is important throughout the organization. Milestones are marked with events such as cookouts, and FINRA ties its cash compensation to employees' performance, attainment of goals and application of core competencies.
In fact, when it comes to compensation, FINRA "is bar none, hands-down one of the best places I've seen," says Cardillo, who has worked at the organization for five years.
But compensation is just one of the positives, Cardillo stresses. He cites the IT department's increased focus on innovation, with new ideas encouraged and supported by higher-ups, and its support for collaboration, enabled by new applications and redesigned workspaces. "What keeps me here really comes down to working with the right people," he adds. "It's very engaging."
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