The financial services firm is also a leader in developing its employees for success through extensive training, a grassroots partnership program and by giving them unfettered job autonomy. More than half of each new associate's training deals with the firm's culture, which promotes client service and long-term investing results. These values are reinforced at meetings and through companywide e-mails, a company magazine and newsletters. This culture is mirrored in how Edward Jones does business. It does not sell commission-heavy proprietary investments or risky investments, such as stock options, commodities or penny stocks.
Employee empowerment takes various forms.
At Edward Jones' corporate office, nearly everyone works in a cubicle. There is no executive dining room or reserved parking spaces for management. Use of the firm's luxury boxes at Savvis Center, the Trans World Dome and Busch Stadium go to associates, whose names are drawn. Edward Jones' commitment to employee development extends to paying for most tuition expenses, even for interns. The firm will do what it takes to retain experienced employees, from accommodating them in a branch office location to assisting them in a crisis.