11 Online is a custom web solution business out of Albuquerque that’s been growing over the last couple of years. Originally two companies (Hermes Development & 11 Online) that have since merged. This tech company has used some interesting techniques that encourage employee growth and have kept the company at zero turnovers.
Investing in Their Employees
Instead of dealing with a long search to find employees experienced in the particular field they need, 11 Online hires from places like the CNM Deep Dive Bootcamp.
Why? Co-owner and Technical Project Manager, Alonso Indacochea, says “Because a lot of us came from the CNM Deep Dive Bootcamp. We know what the curriculum is in Deep Dive and we already know the value the program delivers and what we can add to that.”
“Also, We felt we’re in the best position to get to know the people who have the best ability to learn and grow and take on those people who might not have a shot somewhere else.”
The employees are then involved with a lot of on-the-job training.
Developing Talent with the TechHire Program
The NMTC President and CEO, Nyika Allen, helped turn 11 Online, an NMTC member, onto the TechHire program. The program helps pay for some of the time that the company invests in training their employees.
The TechHire Program is from the New Mexico Workforce Connection. As per Tawnya Rowland, TechHire New Mexico Program Director, “The TechHire New Mexico grant program goes through June 2020, and we have committed to training and finding IT employment for 450 participants. Employers must be IT or IT related, and located in New Mexico.”
The program has definitely helped 11 Online. “This helps us throw more challenging work at our newer employees,” says Alonso. “It also takes the cost piece of training and minimizes it. This has definitely helped us make more long-term investments.”
Adding Benefits on Top of Training
11 Online also invests in their team and individual employees by having lunch brought in once a week; giving the team three hours a week of time to work on their own projects; and offering a combination of working out of a coworking space, FatPipe ABQ, and working from home schedules. They also send their employees to conferences for additional education, offer a health plan, and will soon offer a 401k through the NMTC’s new program.
Paying off
Not only is there no turnover in their employees, an employee was approached by another tech company and she decided to stay with 11 Online. The reason? She felt she could grow and learn more by staying.
At twelve employees and two new interns, they don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
Get some ideas for your own business? We hope so! If you want to become a member of NMTC and join the ranks of 11 Online, check out our membership page. We hope to see you!
