160 Employees
Asheville • Boone • Durham • Greensboro • Marion • Sanford • Wilmington
Mike Gillis, partner and CEO of DMJPS PLLC, has two children in their thirties, and when he was a young dad — being an active part of their life was important to him. Now that he’s managing 160 employees, he estimates that 80% of his staff are parents. As CEO, he’s dedicated to creating a work environment where family comes first.
“I always tell my young staff, ‘When my kids were young, I never missed a school event. I never missed a soccer game. I was a Cub Scout leader, a hockey coach and a Booster Club president. You can’t get that time back,’” Gillis says.
DMJPS PLLC, an accounting firm with seven offices across North Carolina, is a Family Forward NC® Certified Employer, due to its deep-rooted culture of flexibility and understanding. Recognizing that employees have diverse needs and responsibilities outside of work, the firm has implemented policies that empower employees to manage their time effectively and achieve a healthy work-life balance.
“We have maximum flexibility,” Gillis says. “Employees can work remotely or in the office, and we have an unlimited PTO policy. As long as work goals are met, we trust our team to manage their time effectively.”
This flexibility is not just lip service; it’s a lived reality for employees like a senior tax manager and new mom, Robin Bennett. She’s worked at the company for four years and enjoys the work-life balance the company offers.
“The firm’s understanding and support allowed me to navigate the challenges of early parenthood while maintaining my career,” Bennett says. “For example, when I was going through IVF treatment, everyone was very understanding and supportive of my doctor’s appointments. After my son was born, I enjoyed the extra two weeks of paid time off with our parental leave policy.”
Now, she’s able to be home for her one-year-old’s bed, bath and dinner routine, along with taking time out of her workday for swim lessons and doctor’s appointments.
DMJPS understands that work-life balance is not just about flexible schedules; it’s about creating a supportive environment where employees feel valued and connected. The firm fosters a close-knit, family-like atmosphere where employees feel comfortable celebrating milestones together and support each other through life’s challenges.
“We’re more like a family than co-workers,” Bennett says. “We celebrate birthdays, baby showers and other special occasions together. We also have regular social events, like happy hours and team-building activities, that help us connect.”
This sense of community extends to family-friendly events, like company outings to the North Carolina Zoo and baseball games. By creating opportunities for employees to connect outside of work, DMJPS strengthens bonds and builds a more cohesive team. Children are welcomed in the office and Gillis will joke with an employee, “Is that your new intern?”
From a business perspective, the certification is a powerful recruitment and retention tool.
“This certification is a testament to our commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel valued and supported, personally and professionally,” Gillis says. “Our employees are incredibly proud of this achievement. They’ve been sharing the news on LinkedIn, and it has generated real buzz around our company.”
In response to those who may be challenged to understand a family-centric workplace culture, Gillis reflects upon how a flexible work environment can benefit organizations on many levels.
“My generation was in the office every day, wearing a suit and tie and cranking out work,” Gillis says. “As a CEO, I understand the sacrifices made, but believe that we can now benefit from this new work environment. Recruiting great young professionals and retaining them can be challenging — they saw everything our generation gave up for a job; and they don’t want to do the same thing.”
Especially with the rising cost of healthcare, another advantage that Gillis is proud to offer is a generous medical policy that pays 100% of the employee’s premium and a portion of an employee’s dependents. The firm offers dental and vision insurance, along with short-term and long-term disability; plus an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
“I’ve seen first-hand how a comprehensive medical benefits package attracts and retains top talent,” Gillis says. “When employees feel valued, they’re more likely to thrive, both professionally and personally.”
DMJPS PLLC remains committed to continuously improving its family-friendly policies and has an executive committee that reviews new workplace policies and procedures to bring to Gillis’s attention.
“If an employee comes to us with a policy they want, we’ll consider it,” Gillis says. “It’s not like people are coming to us and saying, ‘Give us a $20,000 bonus.’ One employee suggested we close our offices at 3 p.m. the day before each holiday — which makes it easier for people to travel to see family and friends. It was a great idea — and something we do now on specific holidays.”
Learn more about becoming a Family Forward NC employer here.
Sample Benefits:
- Paid parental leave: Two weeks paid for both parents (including foster and adoption)
- Unlimited PTO
- Emergency sick leave policy
- Remote work and flexible scheduling
- Lactation space
- Medical: DMJPS PLLC pays 100% of the employee’s premium and a portion of dependents
- Dental and vision benefits
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Short-term disability and/or long-term disability