Charles River Associates: A Next Gen Workplace
About Charles River Associates
COMPANY SIZE:
Publicly Traded Large Enterprise (1000+ employees)
INDUSTRY:
Financial, Business, & IT Services
Why Charles River Associates Is a Next Gen Workplace
Like so many companies, Charles River Associates (CRA) has had to reinvent itself: adopting a remote-work model in the wake of COVID-19, finding new ways of engaging with team members, and collaborating with clients. Despite these challenges, the global consulting firm is stronger than ever, thanks to a bevy of initiatives aimed at growing—and diversifying—its workforce. These include multifaceted recruitment campaigns (many of which are targeted specifically at minority-serving institutions), establishing dedicated employee resource groups (ERGs) and bolstering CRA’s broader diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) efforts. The firm’s stated goal is to foster a culture where everyone—regardless of their identity, background or beliefs—is empowered to achieve their full potential. While building a workforce that reflects the dynamism of CRA’s global clientele.
The Makings of a Next Gen Workplace
What is a Next Gen workplace? The Top 100 Next Gen Workplaces are comprised of organizations that are building standout workplaces for the next generation of talent, informed by extensive data collected by RippleMatch on what Generation Z values in a workplace. These companies are investing in the programs, benefits, and cultures that enable their people to thrive personally and professionally. Each company featured as a Next Gen Workplace filled out a detailed application about their organizations and were among the top scoring applicants.
Key Attributes of Next Gen Workplaces
Learning & Development
Next Gen Workplaces are committed to nurturing and growing the careers of their employees, and that includes entry-level talent. Many of the companies featured in this list offer robust internship programs, structured mentorship opportunities, internal training, executive speaker series, and clear paths for upward mobility.
Company Culture & Well-being
Companies selected as Next Gen Workplaces are investing in cultures that are inclusive and supportive of all employees. These organizations often offer standout benefits that empower employees to bring their full selves to work such as mental health and flexible work options, in addition to fostering strong communities internally.
Financial Security & Benefits
Companies that qualify as Next Gen Workplaces understand the importance of financial security and competitive compensation. The organizations that made it into The Next Gen 100 offer standout financial benefits, including examples such as 401(k) plans, employer-subsidized healthcare plans, financial planning, bonuses, and more.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Next Gen Workplaces are committed to moving the needle on D&I and are taking actionable steps to increase representation. The companies included are making long-term investments in D&I such as diversity-focused partnerships, building relationships with HBCUs & HSIs, leveraging technology, providing resources for ERGs, and having dedicated D&I team members.
Congratulations to the companies that made it onto the Top 100 list of Next Gen Workplaces!
See which organizations made the entire Next Gen 100 list below.