Open-mike nights, wine tastings, Friday afternoon beer blasts, foosball and pool tables. During the past year, Icarian, a provider of human resources software and services, has grown from about 45 to 150 employees. Keeping the family-friendly feel of the company has turned into a mission as the corporate offices have expanded. Telecommuting is frequent, hours are flexible and the dress code is nonexistent.
People work hard, and they play hard.
My first day of work I got a gift basket with wine and cheese and flowers and a welcome card. One of Icarian's more innovative programs is also one of the simplest. Gary O'Neall, the company's vice president of engineering and resident drummer, has contributed his dollars toward the foosball table and toward charities that other employees championed. Icarian dollars have also funded ski trips, wind chimes and a pool table. Still, everyone's working the long hours typical of start-ups.