Employees say: "The culture is amazing. We strive to focus on our clients and our shareholders (who are our fellow employees). I wish I had found this place a lot sooner. Management does what they say they are going to do. There are no internal politics. Anyone can find a great career here. People are also encouraged to improve themselves and elevate. The training is amazing."
Employees say:
"This company is so great to work at. I have felt like I belonged here since my first day. Everyone is so nice and are very helpful on establishing your professional career. It's a second family. It doesn't feel like there is any superiority, everyone is here to help each other advance in their lives, which advances Baird as a whole."
Employees say:
"Baird's culture is unlike any other company I have worked for. It feels like being with a group of friends rather than coworkers that you just 'deal' with. We all support each other to accomplish career and personal goals. I truly enjoy being at Baird."
Employees say:
"While all companies talk about how great they are at client service, it is the rare few that actually follow through on what many organizations just consider a marketing promise. Having worked at many other organizations, I can say, without a doubt, Baird is the most exceptional at truly fulfilling the promise to deliver exceptional client service. There are a number of reasons we are able to do this, not the least of which is that we are privately held and employee-owned. This allows us to do the right thing for clients and associates in critical moments when there might be an easier path for us, but one that is worse for clients and associates. "
Employees say:
"This is the third firm I have worked for, and I continue to be amazed by the level of transparency from the top executives around financial performance, decision-making, strategy, etc. Additionally, the fact that over 80% of employees have some level of ownership in the company is truly incredible. I have never seen such inclusion in opportunity for equity ownership before."
In 2022, the Milwaukee-based financial services firm welcomed staff to the city for a three-day Come Together event, free of charge. Activities included networking sessions, development workshops, and live music—including performances by the Steve Miller Band, Kelsea Ballerini, and Flo Rida.
The firm has for years offered a one-time, no-repayment-needed hardship bonus to support associates when they experience catastrophic events.
Baird takes the training of its associates seriously, offering over 275 classes and up to $5,250 per year (the maximum amount allowed by the IRS) to support skill advancement, including courses that might be unrelated to an associate’s role. Baird has invested more than $3 million in the initiative over the past three years.
The firm recently began offering an Inclusive Leadership course to staff involved in hiring, educating them about unconscious bias and how to cultivate a more inclusive work environment.
The storied financial services firm continues its two-decades-long streak on the Best Companies list.
- Baird offers its employees the opportunity to buy stocks in the company, and it recently shortened the length of tenure to become a shareholder from three years of employment to one. More than 70% of its associates are shareholders, according to company data.
- The firm improved its retirement fund program for lower-pay employees, contributing an additional $3,000 lump sum from profit-sharing into their 401(k)s in February.
- In 2020, the financial services firm created Advisory and Implementation Councils across the company’s many divisions, as a way for employees to discuss diversity and inclusion and offer recommendations on a local level, rather than solely relying on upper management to move the needle on these issues.
- “Baird gives me a sense of ownership,” says one employee. “I want to succeed because I know Baird wants me to succeed; for me, not for their bottom line.”
Employees say:
"The culture is top notch. A lot of companies talk about their culture, but Baird really has culture. They protect it at all costs, and it truly makes this a great place to work. Also, being employee owned is a great feeling, knowing you have stake in what you do in your day-to-day."
Employees say:
"Baird is very family oriented, and they make sure you are able to balance a healthy work and home environment. They genuinely care for their employees."
Employees say:
"Baird truly invests in each employee on an individual level. You are encouraged to better yourself and are given the resources to do so. Baird gives me a sense of ownership. I want to succeed because I know Baird wants me to succeed; for me, not for their bottom line. Baird has an unmatched work-life balance. Their culture is not one of just lip service, but of concrete and tangible interest in each person who calls Baird home. I am proud to say I work for Baird!"
