More bad than good... - Contract Assistant Deposition Services Employee Review

Thank you for your candid review and comments. As the President and Owner of the Company, let me try to address these comments both for the reviewer and anyone that may come upon our Company profile. First, I encourage any employee who has concerns with pay to bring it to the attention of his/her manager or to me. All positions at Deposition Services fall on a pay scale, by grade, to ensure equal employment and fairness among employees. Concerns about pay that are brought to the attention of management are resolved, including through performance review increase, when merited, or through discussion of what it will take for the particular employee to reach the pay grade he/she desires. While I try to get to know my employees and encourage the management team to do the same, we do not ask for personal financial information and we cannot control how someone manages their personal finances (i.e. bankruptcy concerns). I have not been made aware of any employee, due solely to pay, having to file for bankruptcy. Particular cases I've heard about concerning employees and bankruptcy relate to prior credit card debt or issues relating to prior separation/divorce. I will say that in times when employees have come to me with emergency financial issues (such as emergency repairs needed for a furnace or emergency car troubles), I have tried to work with them however I can, including providing pay advances and even giving money personally, when I can. As it relates to the concern about location, in November 2010 we moved from Rockville, Maryland to Germantown, Maryland. The reviewer is correct that this was done due to the high rent in Rockville and to procure a larger space. The reviewer is incorrect that it was done for any personal reason, as the new location was actually farther from me (the owner) personally, but was much closer to our many employees who live in central and northern Montgomery County and would have a reverse or significantly shorter commute. We utilize a Company van to make deliveries to our customers. Our primary driver (obviously not the reviewer) immediately brings issues related to the delivery van to my attention or to another manager's attention. We take immediate resolution. Oil changes and required maintenance are done at regular intervals and any sporadic maintenance issues are properly handled. I am not aware of any time when our Company vehicle stalled or wouldn't start due to a poorly corrected or uncorrected maintenance issue. While I respect the original reviewer's comments, the comments are simply not consistent with information provided by our primary driver who utilizes the delivery van on a daily basis. Any improvement done to the office, or maintenance to the delivery van, or other service provided to this company (office supplies, general supplies, etc.) are procured at a best value determination with cost as a significant factor. The managers and I are very conscientious about costs, not in an effort to be cheap or receive poor service, but because we're financially responsible for the well-being of the Company. Again, while I respect the reviewer's opinion, the reviewer does not appear to have been in a role with the organization that required financial responsibility and judgment. Finally, I'm sorry to hear that you did not like the work environment. The work we provide requires us to proofread documents and prepare transcripts. As a result, our work environment is quieter but employees are encouraged to interact with one another in pursuit of getting assignments finished, sharing feedback and even just to have some personal discussion. No employee has brought forward concerns about a boring or dead work environment, or a prison detail environment. If you felt that way, I am deeply sorry as I even try to interact quite regularly in the main work area to ensure a lively environment. Also, the cubicle system that was ordered for the new office was carefully considered to allow significant employee interaction, when warranted. The cubicle system is mid-body height to ensure privacy and quiet when working (sitting), but to allow anyone, when standing, to interact freely with others. (And as a personal and side note, I became the Owner of Deposition Services in June 2010. I purchased a house in September 2009 and a used car in January 2010. I provide this information to correct the significant misinformation provided by the reviewer. Also, I believe the reviewer may be significantly confused between "vacation" and unpaid time off for medical necessity. From 2011-2014, I had medical issues that prompted me to be out of the office quite a bit. This unpaid time away was for medical reasons, which were not always communicated to employees and perhaps the reviewer misunderstood that I was taking "vacations".) Thanks again for your feedback. If anyone reading this has any concerns, I ask that you please contact me directly.