Why three questions you ask? Why not? It’s not overwhelming or distracting and gives a hint into what makes them tick. I asked the same three questions to each of our four team members and the responses were interesting.

~Lena B

ADAM

How would you describe Essex’s workplace culture? Or what does a successful work culture look or feel like to you?

Everyone’s very into teamwork and wanting each other to succeed.

What does your work happiness look like at Essex?

I walk in the door, and everyone starts a slow clap and chants my name.  They lift me on their shoulders while I analyze data, and everyone cheers when I identify a compound.

 (FYI, this hasn’t actually happened yet, but it might.)

What talent do you have that we don’t know about you and are willing to share?

I’m way better than Danial at Cornhole but let him win.

I can juggle anything.

I’m really good at Clue.

ERIKA

How would you describe Essex’s workplace culture? Or what does a successful work culture look or feel like to you?

I would describe Essex’s workplace culture to be supportive, friendly, and helpful. You can always go and ask someone for help or clarification, and do not feel like you are unwelcome to do so. People here care about everyone, and we all work together towards the same end goal.

What does your work happiness look like at Essex?

Work happiness at Essex’s looks like making people feel seen and that their hard work means something. Hard work gets acknowledged. We also have employee appreciation events such as summer BBQs, breakfast or lunch appreciation events for other celebrations, and we get to socialize with others and learn more about each other during these events.

Workplace happiness also looks like people enjoying coming to work and are happy to be here. People enjoy their job and what they are doing for the company.

What talent do you have that we don’t know about you and are willing to share?

A talent that I have that you might not know is that I enjoy baking, and I like to bake something for everyone’s birthday. The reason I like to do this is that it brings happiness to others, and I enjoy trying new recipes that I have not heard of before and giving them my best effort. When I was younger, my mom would always ask us what we wanted to eat for our birthday dinner and dessert, and I wanted to at least give coworkers a yummy dessert-type treat that they would like to eat on their birthday.

(I haven’t gotten a birthday treat yet, but have tasted many that Erika has brought in and can verify they are delicious!)

KELLY

How would you describe Essex’s workplace culture? Or what does a successful work culture look or feel like to you?

A successful work culture has clear communication, mutual support, and clear expectations. It feels organized, consistent, and respectful. Leadership sets priorities, follows through, and limits unnecessary obstacles. A good culture also includes accountability to everyone, fairness, and appreciation for employees’ work.

What does your work happiness look like at Essex?

My work happiness at Essex looks like knowing what I need to do, having support to get it done, and not running into avoidable roadblocks or confusion.

What talent do you have that we don’t know about you and are willing to share?

I can build a house from foundation to roof, including the interior.

(We now know who we can go to for build advice!)

STACIA

How would you describe Essex’s workplace culture? Or what does a successful work culture look or feel like to you?

Our culture has changed since I joined Essex in 2019.  As we’ve refined our joint venture relationship with dsm-firmenich we’ve grown, still retaining the base of a small business/small team feel and layering on a global mindset.  I’m very thankful that my colleagues create a workplace where we can make mistakes, learn from them, and move forward.  It’s a delight to work with people who are wildly competent and fun.  And it doesn’t hurt that Justin plans really great team events for us too!

(100% agree with Justin’s event planning skills.)

What does your work happiness look like at Essex?

Troubleshooting, problem-solving, and learning new things! Nothing makes me happier than working on my instruments (although it’s best when they are running smoothly) or encountering something new and running along the learning curve.  I also enjoy time in the field and doing dishes in the lab.  There’s something satisfying about having some jobs that can just be done.

What talent do you have that we don’t know about you and are willing to share?

I can operate a backhoe.