our culture

environment

HighlightS
Informal, non-hierarchical environment - At Dean & Company we value the content and substance of ideas. Good ideas come from everyone and to encourage their contribution we support an informal and non-hierarchical atmosphere. Analysts and Associates have far more exposure to senior members of the firm than is usual in the industry, and we maintain an "open door" policy. The dress code when not meeting with clients is "business casual". Consultants are expected to be professionals with high standards, able to determine for themselves the most effective way to get their work done. The environment is open and collegial, and the emphasis is on doing what is right for our clients and for our business, not on adhering to arbitrary, formal policies.

Support for the individual - While extremely rewarding professionally, intellectually, and financially, our segment of the management consulting industry is also very demanding. Our culture emphasizes enjoying work life as well as just profiting from it, and we seek to provide the individual with every means of support to make a positive experience. While consultants' active working hours average around 55 per week and travel 2–3 days per week, peaks and valleys (in both hours and travel) are clearly part of the job. We employ technology to support consultants working at home or on the road, minimizing the disadvantages of work time not spent in the office. We also actively monitor individuals' work hours to identify 'hot spots' and avoid burnout, and we provide flexibility to accommodate periods of intensive time commitment or travel.

Fun Activities - We also organize numerous firm social activities, chosen on the basis of firm-wide interest, to provide opportunities for people to get together outside of work and to interact with employees other than those on their immediate project teams. This includes in-office events like TGIFs, the Thanksgiving Potluck, the in-office Putt-Putt Golf Tournament, and our annual wine tasting, as well as opportunities to sample the range of cultural opportunities in the greater Washington, DC area: the Holiday party at the historic Mayflower Hotel, an open-air concert at Wolf Trap, the annual firm picnic, a trip to an Orlioles' game, participation in intramural team sports leagues on the Mall, community development programs, and informal get togethers at area restaurants and clubs. Families and significant others join in many of these activities.