Public relations may be a top 10 contender for most stressful jobs, but a local agency isn’t standing by. Thompson & Co. Public Relations, a woman-owned business based in Anchorage, is a 2020 Top Places to Work in PR according to industry publication PRNEWS. T&C shares the honor with global brands Aflac and Bayer, as well as top agencies Belle Communications and Rudder Finn.
The homegrown agency is one of 50 organizations recognized for valuing its employees and fostering a workplace environment that not only makes employees feel appreciated and motivated, but also give back to their hometowns.
“Supported employees and a positive work environment lead to creative work, stronger client relationships and rewarding careers,” said T&C President and CEO Jennifer Thompson. “It’s simple, it just makes business sense and that’s what drives us to be the best.”
The office culture is pillared by the agency’s Tenets & Convictions, referred to as the T&Cs, a play on the agency’s name, outlining the values that the agency expects from its leadership and employees every day. Grounded by integrity, positivity and transparency; driven by effort and results; maintained by family, honesty and curiosity, the values are broadly shared and lead corporate decision-making.
“Our work is about relationships; getting it right at home matters,” said Thompson.
“A year ago, I was a reporter who regularly worked with T&C,” said T&C Social Media Coordinator Caitlin Weaver. “The company culture was evident in all the work they did and was actually the force that pushed me to apply for my current position. After my first year, I’m still blown away by how our culture positions us to be treated not just as employees, but as family. When I came across the award nomination, I thought, ‘What better way to spotlight the amazing PR agency that’s quickly become my family?’”
Weaver reached out to her coworkers to complete the nomination. Employees ranked flexible work hours; work from home opportunities; family leave benefits and professional development potential as key strengths of the agency.
In 2020, employees provided free strategic consultations for more than a dozen nonprofits affected by Covid disruption, and launched The Open Doors Initiative, an employee-driven commitment to address systemic racism by ensuring client messaging and brands are inclusive, diversifying media sources, and expanding opportunities for BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and other underrepresented business owners.
The agency is currently hiring. More about current career opportunities may be found at www.thompsonpr.com.
