At independent registered investment advisor MRA Associates, employees enjoy patios with mountain views, modern sit-stand desks and a rotating gallery of exhibitions filled with handpicked artwork at the firm’s main office in Phoenix, Ariz., and supports the Southern Arizona Arts and Cultural Alliance based in Tucson.
“Our key objectives are to support artists, foster dialogue, encourage inquiry, and offer enjoyment for the benefit of our team, clients and the wider community,” said Mark Feldman, CEO and managing partner of MRA Associates.
In the past year, MRA Associates also redesigned its office’s workspace to create an open floor plan to foster the firm’s collaborative and transparent environment, Feldman explained.
The firm’s commitment to workplace culture has not gone unnoticed. AZCentral, the digital site of The Arizona Republic, has named MRA Associates to its list of Top Companies to Work for in Arizona for the sixth consecutive year in a row, and for the second year in a row, it named the firm in the top five companies in the small-company category.
According to MRA Associates’ most recent ADV statement, the firm has 50 employees and $2.38 billion in total assets under management.
Work-life balance is also prioritized very highly at the firm, which holds all meetings and events during regular work hours and offers flexible work scheduling. MRA utilizes state-of-the-art technology to improve the firm’s defense against cybersecurity threats and employees’ ability to work remotely. Benefits also include half-day Fridays, a “dress for your day” office attire, monthly team-building events, volunteer activities, a floating birthday holiday, and a firm-wide bonus pool, Feldman said.
“We make sure that all of our employees are able to flourish by providing a supportive, inspirational, and open environment. Our goal as a firm is to grow our team members in their careers and as individuals,” he added.
MRA Associates has also taken steps to develop the firm’s employees in hopes of growing leaders and future owners from within.
Annually, MRA funds programs for employees to continue their education. Team members have access to guest speakers as well as mentoring programs based on their circumstances and career objectives. The firm covers the cost of continuing education classes and attaining additional certifications, Feldman said.
An independent research firm conducts a two-part assessment for AZCentral’s workplace ranking. An employee engagement and satisfaction survey asked employees to rate the firm across eight different measures including leadership and planning; corporate culture and communications; role satisfaction; work environment; relationship with supervisor; training, development and resources; pay and benefits; and overall engagement.