Fifteen years ago, Leslie Licano and Lauren Ellermeyer set out to build something extraordinary. In late 2009, they founded Beyond Fifteen Communications, Inc. with a vision of delivering bold, results-driven PR and marketing. Through unwavering dedication, a strong work ethic and a passion for pushing boundaries, that vision has become reality—and today, Beyond Fifteen has grown into a powerhouse of strategy, creativity and execution.
A key driver of this success? Our workplace culture. Over the years, we’ve learned firsthand how a thriving, collaborative environment fuels innovation, strengthens teams and delivers exceptional results for our clients. What began with two co-founders working together at a kitchen table has evolved into a dynamic, full-service firm, proving that culture isn’t just an asset—it’s the foundation of long-term success.
To celebrate this milestone, we’re sharing 15 ways a strong workplace culture drives impact:
1. Employee engagement
We are nothing without our valued employees. Employees who feel a sense of purpose, belonging and appreciation will have higher engagement. Our workplace culture puts our employees first… always.
2. Employee retention
Engaged employees who feel valued and content within the company culture and structure will stay. High turnover can be damaging for the company as well as clients, especially with the loss of historical knowledge. Engaged employees contribute to high retention, and we want to keep our awesome people with us!
3. Enhanced productivity
When employees are happy and engaged, they also have higher productivity rates. Gallup found that engaged employees boost productivity by 18% and result in 81% less absenteeism. Wow! Not only are employees more productive, but they actually want to come to work!
4. Stronger teamwork and collaboration
A workplace culture that encourages open communication will result in better teamwork and collaboration. Employees who are on the same page and have a common goal (the best performance for our clients, of course!), will ensure that everyone is working toward that goal.
5. Innovations and new ideas
When employees feel empowered and comfortable with leadership, they will bring new ideas to the table without fear. This creativity can lead to exceptional innovations on behalf of our clients and garner positive results.
6. Client satisfaction
Heck yeah! When your marketing firm has engaged, innovative and collaborative employees; when you have a steady contact who you know will respond in a timely manner; when the team works well together on behalf of your business—you know you’ll be satisfied with performance and ROI.
7. Greater resilience
Let’s get real. It’s not always sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes there are challenges. Sometimes we need to regroup and find a new approach. A strong workplace culture will create a team that has the resilience to work through tough situations.
8. Attracting talent
You want to work with the best, right? So do we! A positive company culture that is inclusive and offers a rewarding workplace experience will help attract top talent to build an incredible team.
9. Reduced stress and burnout
A supportive and understanding company culture plays a huge role in reducing stress and minimizing the chance of burnout.
10. Employee well-being
Happy and healthy employees are vital to our mission and vision; therefore, employee well-being is a key focus of our workplace culture. This includes being able to step out for a doctor’s appointment or an award at your child’s school and to take a mental health day if needed.
11. Strong company mission
Delivering for those who hire us. It’s our mission… and we choose to accept it. When everyone is on the same page with this vision, it reinforces the workplace culture.
12. Agility and adaptability
A workplace culture that embraces learning and growth leads to agility and adaptability. We never miss a beat, even as we transitioned from in-office work to a fully remote structure. We adjusted and found ways to maintain our company culture in a remote setting.
13. Bolsters company reputation
We’re all about brand image. This includes ours too! A strong workplace culture will support a good company reputation, attracting wonderful clients and top talent alike.
14. Increased profitability
All of this… the higher productivity, reduced turnover, increased customer satisfaction, good employee-well-being… all of it, leads to increased profitability. That’s good for us, good for our employees and good for our clients.
15. Work-life balance
A workplace culture of hard work and support recognizes the importance of work-life balance. We love our work and clients. We also love our family, friends and self-care time. Work-life balance is vital for a productive workplace.
Cheers to 15 Years!
After 15 years, our workplace culture remains one of our greatest strengths—driving performance, fostering innovation and adapting to the evolving needs of both our team and clients. It has grown and evolved over time, shaping how we collaborate and deliver results and we’re excited to see what the future holds.
Want to experience the impact of a strong, results-driven culture firsthand? Connect with the experts at Beyond Fifteen and discover how our team can elevate your PR and marketing efforts. Here’s to the next 15 years of innovation and success!
