MailChimp is one of the most playful big tech brands out there. From day one, they’ve put their quirky personality into everything they do, from their signature monkey mascot (Freddie Chimpenheimer) to their creative annual reports, to the colloquial, witty messaging — and hint of mischief — that they infuse into just about everything they create.
Not surprisingly, that exuberant disposition comes through in their internal culture as well. MailChimp’s front desk has a mural by Brooklyn artist Never that reads “Passion Never Fails.”
They Have a Rad HQ
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, MailChimp employees over 550 employees who support the company’s 10 million+ users around the world with their email marketing service. The office has a youthful, energetic vibe, with vibrant murals by international street artists, and a boardroom with skateboards lining the walls. Last year they even had four professional skateboarders roll through their 115,126 square foot office (it takes 45 seconds to skateboard from end to end).
They Care about Their People — And Their People Love Them Back
96% of MailChimp employees who posted reviews on Glassdoor said they would recommend the company to a friend, and 96% approve of the CEO.
As one reviewer wrote, “Everyone is brilliant and the company is built on a culture of learning, experimentation, and taking a ‘no sales’ approach to their product marketing. It’s a fantastic company that I would love to be with for a very long time. The benefits and pay are astounding, along with many fun events like annual ping pong tournaments and weekly events, sometimes featuring celebrities or power people in the industry. The CEO will answer an email that you send to him, because everyone in leadership cares deeply for everyone else in the company.”
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Subscribe to Hazel Blog →They Foster a Culture of Giving Back
In 2015, MailChimp built two houses for Habitat for Humanity, which is just a small reflection of what the company does to give back.
Since 2013, they have invested over $2.5 million into their local community. They constantly look for new ways to serve the people of Atlanta, and to “help make our city better, weirder, and more human.” They have partnered with nonprofits like Literacy Action, worked with arts organizations like Living Walls, and advocated for considerate urbanism with the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and MARTA (their transit agency).
“We love Atlanta and want to make sure it’s a place where creativity is rewarded and where great ideas come to life.”
They Encourage Creativity
MailChimp’s CEO, Ben Chestnut, has done such an incredible job fostering creativity in his company, that his employees adopted a new tagline (“Love What You Do”) and slapped it on the footer of the website without consulting him. Instead of getting upset, he demanded that the marketing and design departments create a coloring book featuring baby Freddie Chimpenheimer called Love What You Do (sadly, it no longer exists).
“At first, I was a little worried because stuff like this is significant, and probably shouldn’t just pop up without someone telling me. But then again, it’s pretty spot-on, so I got over it. But I did think that as co-founder of this company, I should at least pretend to be angry and get something in return for this ‘rogue action…’” - Ben Chestnut.
“We provide an environment that allows for, and encourages, acting on spontaneous creativity,” co-founder Dan Kurzius told Fast Company, which noted they want employees to feel comfortable sharing even the goofiest of ideas. “I plant the seed and water it and then stand back and watch it grow. Outside of being accountable to our customers, the less formality, the better.”
They Have Progressive Perks & Benefits
- Health, vision, and dental insurance for all employees and their families
- Generous time off for sick days, vacations, and parental leave
- Every employee can enrol in MailChimp’s 401(k) plan; they match contributions of up to 6%
- Their profit sharing plan puts at least 1% of your salary into your 401(k) each year (based on company performance)
- Every employee gets 16 paid volunteer hours per year to work with nonprofits of their choice
- They offer great snacks and plenty of coffee
- They have intramural sports teams (like dodgeball)
- They have a cool, art-filled office
- They strongly value learning:
“Whether we’re attending conferences, doing internal apprenticeships, or enjoying our weekly Coffee Hour series, we’re always stretching our brains in new ways. Plus, everyone has the opportunity to receive $20,000 in tuition reimbursement to finish school or continue their education. And MailChimp University helps us all stay weird and grow strong.”
Over to You! What Company Cultures Do You Love?
We’re on the hunt for the coolest company cultures out there, and would love your help! Let us know on Twitter, via the comments below, or send us an email to tell us which company cultures you love and why.
