Ultimate Software - It’s all in the teamwork!
2008 Best Medium Company to Work for in America

Ultimate Software, a fast growing team-based people management software company based in Weston, Florida is the 2008 # 1 Medium Company to Work For in America. Given the many sports analogies used at Ultimate Software to describe their culture and motivate employees, their #1 status can be seen as akin to winning the Gold Medal at the Olympics!

Scott Scherr, the President, CEO and Chairman of Ultimate Software, was one of its founders in 1990, and has been actively involved in growing and leading this company for the past 18 years – from 4 employees to approximately 750 today. People who work at Ultimate Software praise Scott for his integrity, approachability, and commitment to creating a workplace where every employee feels valued, and able to do his/her best work. Professional support, job related training, and growth opportunities are available to everyone, and people take advantage of all of this as they contribute to the accomplishment of Ultimate Software’s business goals.

Perhaps one of the best examples of the culture at Ultimate Software is told through the story of the creation of the basketball court that lives in the atrium of the main headquarters building. An employee made the comment to Scott that the atrium would be a perfect place for a basketball court – it was large enough for a full-scale game – and the court would offer employees a chance to get some exercise and socialize after work. Scott made a commitment to build the court, only after the company hit its goal of $100 million, or more, in revenues for a year.

The challenge was on, with a reward combination that would benefit employees in two ways. Given that all employees are offered stock when they join the company, increased revenue would likely show up as an increase in the value of that stock. And, with increased revenue everyone would benefit from the creation of this unique addition to the physical environment at headquarters. After all, how many companies have a basketball court behind the receptionist’s desk?

Employees did surpass the goal by bringing in $114.8 million in 2006, and so Scott followed through on his promise and the court was built. The basketball court is now a great symbol of the team spirit and goal-oriented culture that exist at Ultimate Software. It’s also a very practical example of how great companies combine opportunities to have fun and stay healthy into the physical workplace and the culture of the organization. The sofas and chairs that are present for daytime business visitors are on roller casters, so after work anyone can roll them off the floor and start a game. The lobby area still contains large framed ads and memorabilia yet all the glass in windows that look into the atrium area has been replaced with plexiglass, so they won’t shatter if a stray basketball hits them.

The unique culture of Ultimate Software does not stop at the basketball court. Ninety-six percent of the employees who responded to the Trust Index© survey affirmed that their company is a Great Place to Work®, and the comment of this employee helps to explain why:

Creating this level of commitment and devotion starts for new hires with a traditional ‘Meet the Executive Team’ dinner at a local Italian restaurant. The family-like atmosphere of the restaurant helps new employees to understand the commitment to family and team that permeates Ultimate Software. Employees get a chance to talk to other new hires as well as the CEO, COO, senior vice presidents, and managers in a very casual setting where they can relax and begin to feel a part of the friendly, supportive culture.

CEO Scherr frequently tells people that his primary business objective is to select the most talented people and keep them happy. This is based on his belief that customer loyalty springs from quality services provided by experienced, committed employees. While Scherr leads the way on setting the norms that guide the culture of the organization, the team environment insures that all employees contribute to the company’s culture and the creation of a great workplace. Flexible benefits and creative ways of addressing changes in people’s personal lives help to insure that employees’ commitment remains strong throughout their careers.

Ultimate also gives out many distinct awards to individual employees to both inspire and reward them for their outstanding performance. A new award that was initiated in December 2006 was “The MVP” Award. The winner’s name is placed on a jersey, framed, and hung on a wall in the atrium for all to see. Anyone at Ultimate Software can nominate any one other person that he/she believes represents “the passion, dedication, personality, attitude and work ethics that everyone at Ultimate should possess. ” The winner of the MVP award receives two first-class airline tickets to anywhere in the US, Alaska, and Mexico, plus $500 cash.
As a wonderful example of the sentiment that every employee truly does have the opportunity to be designated the Most Valuable Player, the 2006 winner was a Help Desk employee from the ITG department. It was inspiring for everyone to see that you don’t have to be a salesperson bringing in millions of dollars in new business revenues or a high-level manager or a high-tech guru to win this award.

Ultimate Software’s leadership team, under the direction of Scott Scherr, has taken on their sports metaphor to create a culture that works for their company. Employees respond positively to all the messages about team, teamwork, training and beating the competition. And, a wonderful company has been created. Many employees cite their former work with competitors, and the difference they experience in their work at Ultimate.

 
That’s a powerful legacy to build whether your team is part of a sports franchise, or, as is the case with Ultimate Software, a very successful for-profit business in a highly competitive market. Being number 1 is a great accolade.