Caring for employees means delivering for clients

To put its best foot forward for clients, global consulting firm Protiviti shows up for its people first.

In the consulting world, client service is top priority. However, at a time when professionals’ work and personal lives are more intertwined than ever, consulting firms must ensure client service does not come at the expense of employee well-being. Global consulting firm Protiviti has recognized this reality, and according to Joe Tarantino, president and CEO at Protiviti, the company is putting its people’s needs first so it can attract and retain employees who will in turn show up as their best selves for clients.

“If we have satisfied employees, they’re going to satisfy our clients and create exceptional experiences for them,” Tarantino says.

Protiviti, which is based in Menlo Park, Calif., conducts frequent surveys to determine employees’ needs and takes action accordingly. “Employees also have access to our senior leadership team on a daily basis to foster open communication and transparency,” says Tarantino. Initiatives that have come out of Protiviti’s culture of accessibility and listening are focused on professional development and training, internal networking, and competitive rewards and benefits.

“We offer training programs, leadership development programs, and a formal and structured advisor program,” says Susan Haseley, executive vice president and global diversity, equity, and inclusion leader at Protiviti. “People are assigned peer and executive advisors when they start with the firm and receive mentorship and advice throughout their careers.”

Employees are encouraged to support each other professionally and personally through Protiviti’s 11 employee-run networking groups, such as its parents- and well being-focused groups. These internal communities provide a safe space for connection and belonging, notes Haseley, and help round out the company’s culture of caring.

“In addition to the company caring about employees, our people care about each other, too,” says Haseley. “It’s one of the things that makes Protiviti very special.”

In recent years, Protiviti’s emphasis on employee care has led to the addition of benefits, such as paid parental leave, adoption assistance, and an active sabbatical program. The company has bolstered its employee assistance program—with the inclusion of expanded mental health counseling programs and other well-being resources—and allows employees flexibility when it comes to remote and in-office work.

“In our hybrid work arrangement, our people have the flexibility of working remotely, in teams at our clients’ offices, and in our own offices. We like to say, ‘in person with purpose,’ which helps build relationships. We also come together for community service projects,” says Tarantino.

Protiviti’s employee-first culture is actively benefiting its client relationships, according to Tarantino, and he believes it will continue to do so moving forward.

“Our mission is care, collaborate, and deliver, and we do,” says Tarantino. “We consistently  hear in our client feedback surveys that they really enjoy working with our people. We’re focused on a five-star experience for both clients and employees. We believe that if our people enjoy what they do, they’ll serve our clients exceptionally well.”