Company Culture. Candid Conversations
When Margarita Howard launched HX5 in 2004, the company had one employee and limited cash. She spent that cash in an unusual place. Rather than leasing an impressive office or furnishing a showroom for client visits, Howard bought a costly accounting system designed specifically for firms that bill the federal government. The choice set the ...
A twelve week window separates active duty service from full civilian employment for fellows who pass through HX5‘s veteran hiring program. That structure comes from the Hiring Our Heroes Corporate Fellowship Program, a Department of Defense SkillBridge initiative available to troops in their final 180 days of service. Fellows spend four days weekly working directly ...
Before she became CEO of HX5, Margarita Howard served in the Air Force, an experience that later shaped both her career and her approach to hiring other veterans. After leaving military service, she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees and worked in the defense industry on the Tricare military health care program, gaining a closer look ...
Company Traditions: Building Meaningful Rituals That Strengthen Culture Company traditions are more than quirky perks or annual parties — they’re repeatable rituals that shape identity, reinforce values, and create shared memories. When designed with intention, traditions boost employee engagement, improve retention, and make culture tangible across locations and remote teams. Why traditions matter– Anchor identity: ...
Company traditions are more than nostalgic tokens — they shape workplace identity, strengthen bonds, and signal what an organization values. When done thoughtfully, traditions boost engagement, improve retention, and turn everyday work into shared meaning. Here’s how to create, maintain, and evolve traditions that stick. Why traditions matter– Culture made tangible: Rituals communicate values faster ...
Company Traditions That Stick: How to Build Rituals That Strengthen Culture Company traditions are more than fun perks — they are repeatable rituals that shape identity, guide behavior, and make work meaningful. When designed deliberately, traditions boost engagement, reinforce values, and help teams navigate change. Here’s how to create traditions that last and adapt across ...
Team dynamics shape how work gets done, how people feel at work, and whether goals are reached. Strong dynamics turn groups into productive, resilient teams; weak dynamics create friction, missed deadlines, and burnout. Understanding the key ingredients and applying practical habits makes a measurable difference. Core elements that drive team dynamics– Trust: Team members must ...
Why workplace wellness matters Workplace wellness is more than perks and ping-pong tables — it’s a strategic approach that supports employee health, engagement, and performance. Organizations that prioritize holistic wellbeing reduce burnout, lower turnover, and improve productivity. Wellness programs that adapt to changing work patterns—hybrid schedules, remote teams, and flexible hours—help create resilient workforces capable ...
Workplace wellness is no longer a nice-to-have perk. It’s a strategic investment that affects productivity, retention, health care costs, and company culture. Organizations that treat employee wellbeing as a core business priority see measurable gains in engagement, creativity, and resilience. Why workplace wellness mattersEmployees who feel supported physically, mentally, and emotionally are more likely to ...
Designing an office that supports productivity, wellbeing, and flexibility requires a deliberate mix of strategy, human-centered design, and measurable outcomes. With hybrid work patterns now common, workplace design shifts from fixed seating toward adaptable environments that support focused work, collaboration, and employee health. Why hybrid-first design mattersHybrid-first layouts honor multiple ways of working. They reduce ...