Dcoding HR: Come for the Benefits, Stay for the Llamas
by Michelle Chang, Talent Acquisition and Engagement Manager
Just two months ago, I read the Dcoding HR series to learn about how Dcode hires for a diverse and inclusive workforce, keeps employees engaged virtually, and adjusts during COVID-19. As a potential job candidate, I appreciated the behind-the-scenes look at Dcode’s priorities and genuine, supportive culture that ultimately led me to accept my job offer here.
Now as Dcode’s new Talent Acquisition & Engagement Manager, I see the same values of transparency and open communication every week. Not only do we hold monthly All Hands to discuss company financials and upcoming team goals, but we also send out regular anonymous feedback surveys and host 20 minute small group “Let’s Chat” calls with our CEO, CSO, or Director of Ops.
For anyone on their job seeking journey, I want to continue removing the guesswork about Dcode and how we’re striving to be the #1 place to work in DC. Here’s a breakdown (as of August 2020) of the benefits that we provide to enable our team to be their best at Dcode:
- Paid time off: Dcoders get unlimited PTO, unlimited sick days, plus nine federal holidays, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas through New Years, and your birthday off! We enforce a PTO minimum of two weeks to ensure that employees are using their well-deserved R&R time throughout the year (amounting to a minimum of 25 days off total per year). As for the 10th federal holiday, we spend Columbus Day as a company-wide volunteer day to give back to our community.
- Insurance: Dcode pays 50% of employees’ healthcare, including dental and vision. We also provide life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment insurance up to 1x employees’ salaries (with additional insurance options available). Employees can also elect a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account to maximize their money when paying for copayments and deductibles.
- Retirement: We match 401(k)s (100% of first 3% and 50% of next 2% for a total of 4%) — with no vesting requirements — to help Dcoders plan and save for retirement. We also have a 0-day wait period, which means on the 1st of the next month, you can begin contributing to your 401(k) immediately and our match begins the 1st of the next quarter.
- Professional Development: Dcode covers professional development opportunities — education, training, certifications, licensing, etc. — for Dcoders to advance their unique skills, professional interests, and to boost their career development (because we believe that growing and scaling Dcode means investing in our team).
- Physical Wellbeing: In addition to the free fitness center in our DC office building, we offer a gym membership subsidy to ClassPass or Washington Sports Club gym. Because we recognize that these benefits are paused due to the pandemic, Dcode currently has a virtual personal trainer, Shannon, who leads a workout for Dcoders once a week and whips the team into shape. Also important for physical wellbeing, Dcode accommodates equipment to help create an at-home office space and make working from home more comfortable.
- Mental Wellness: At Dcode, the team’s mental wellness is a top priority. In order to promote a work-life balance, we’ve implemented “Meeting-Free Wednesday” and “Half-Day Friday” policies. Employees also have access to confidential counseling services for a range of mental health needs and free support resources, such as emotional and mental wellbeing counselors. Dcode has also committed to paying for any wellness app through the end of the year to help ease any stressors for Dcoders.
- Additional Benefits: Although the company won’t be heading back into the office anytime soon, employees can elect into tax-free commuter benefits when we do.
With the spotlight on benefits this month, please feel free to send additional questions about Dcode to: michelle.chang@dcode.co.
As for me in this new role, I’ll be streamlining our recruiting processes to make sure that we continue to hire driven, diverse candidates. I’m also leading our onboarding revamp, which will allow new hires to get quickly up-to-speed at Dcode so that they feel like they’re part of the family from day one.
In addition, I’ll continue brainstorming new, fun ways to keep everyone engaged and connected virtually. We recently released a Dcode Cookbook for people to try out each other’s favorite recipe and sent out DC-themed tea towels to keep the kitchen tidy during the process. We also got a special surprise for our August All Hands from our friends at Sweet Farm Sanctuary, who paid us a Zoom visit where we got to meet the sweetest goats, llamas, and horses (oh my!).
Even though it’s only been a few weeks for me here, you may be wondering, “Michelle, did you make the right decision coming to Dcode?” Absolutely (especially if llamas are involved), and we’re still hiring! Check out our careers site to find a role for you and see how you can bring your own jetpack to this supportive team.
Michelle is Dcode’s Talent Acquisition & Engagement Manager, leading the company’s recruiting and onboarding, as well as making sure employees are proud and thrilled to be at Dcode. When Michelle isn’t managing her dog’s Instagram or building her island on Animal Crossing, you can find her at TGIF destroying all-you-can-eat mozzarella sticks.
