Have you ever heard of a start-up company hiring Human Resources first? It’s almost unheard of in any industry. So, why would an architecture firm make HR one of its first hires?

In the early years of a company, there is not a ton of HR work to be done. However, here we all agreed that we wanted HR to focus on creating an environment where employees felt supported and valued.

From the very beginning the priority was clear: solve the people problem first. Once you solve the people problem, the company culture naturally follows.

While HR plays a crucial role in shaping and maintaining this type of culture, it is not a one-person job. A thriving culture is collectively built with everyone sharing their ideas and feedback.

Project Luong understands that no two employees are the same. Their life experiences are not the same. Recognizing and valuing this diversity is key to building a strong company culture. When we address each person’s individual needs and perspectives, we create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

This personalized approach fosters a sense of belonging, helping employees feel more engaged and motivated. It helps attract top talent and reduces turnover and ultimately creating a stable work environment for all. A strong foundation of trust and respect drives the company towards achieving its goals and continuing long-term success.

Back in the day, people would start working for a company right out of school and continue to work for the same company for 40+ years. Then retire from that same company with a nice retirement income. This is rare now. I believe we can return to this corporate lifestyle by creating a vibrant company culture. Everyone wins. Employees thrive, therefore companies thrive.

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