Rockstars@Work: Behind-The-Scenes At Dreamworks Animation

At the RockStars@WorkConference, hosted in Minneapolis on October 20, 2009, Meredith Berens, head of Human Resources for DreamWorks Animationgave us the insider scoop on what it’s like to work for the leader in family-friendly entertainment.

At the RockStars@WorkConference, hosted in Minneapolis on October 20, 2009, Meredith Berens, head of Human Resources for DreamWorks Animationgave us the insider scoop on what it’s like to work for the leader in family-friendly entertainment.

DreamWorks Animation SKG has two campuses in California and was recently named ‘One of the Top 100 Best Companies to Work For’ by Fortune Magazine.

Employees are the most important asset to DreamWorks Animation,and there is a lot that goes on to recruit, retain and engage them at work.

According to Berens, Jeffrey Katzenberg, CEO of DreamWorks Animation, is known to get very involved in recruiting new employees, to show that every individual team member matters. He is actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the company and also hosts a new hire breakfast each month to interact with employees in a small setting.

On the job, employees are able to immerse themselves with the animated characters they are creating, actively involving themselves in the roles.

Long hours are spent at work prior to the release of new films, but DreamWorks employees are valued greatly, so the work doesn’t go unnoticed and they are encouraged to take ‘sabbaticals’ following the completion of a film.

DreamWorks Animation has committed to producing and releasing five movies every two years–so there is a lot for audiences to look forward to–but also a lot of work that employees will need to get done.

As a result, DreamWorks Animation offers free breakfasts and lunches daily to their employees on both of their campuses. The company also provides variety of professional development and wellness courses.

Inclusiveness has been a top priority for the company in 2009. Berens said DreamWorks Animation has worked hard to make sure everyone feels valued and safe and the committed to the policy of no layoffs.

As Berens stated at the conclusion of her presentation, ‘When you bring an array of people together in common purpose to produce something worthwhile, they help make dreams work.’