Building More Than Structures: Why Shear Structural is a Best Firm to Work For

by Liisa Andreassen 

In an industry where technical excellence is expected, what truly sets a firm apart is how it values its people. Shear Structural, a women-owned structural engineering firm based in North Carolina, has cultivated a workplace culture that resonates deeply with its team — one where engineers are celebrated not just for their calculations and designs, but for who they are as whole people. 

A Culture That Feels Like Family 

“The company is more like a team/family, and we have fun and enjoy the work we do,” shares one employee, capturing the essence of what makes Shear Structural different. This isn’t corporate speak — it’s a sentiment echoed across the firm’s employee feedback, where words like “outstanding,” “positive,” and “engaging” appear repeatedly. 

The foundation of this culture starts at the top. Leadership at Shear Structural prioritizes knowing their staff personally — their families, interests and passions. It’s a simple philosophy with profound impact: treat people like you genuinely care about them, because you do. 

Supporting Growth Beyond the Drawing Board 

Shear Structural recognizes that great engineers are well-rounded individuals with diverse interests. The firm actively supports team members in pursuing their passions, whether that means sponsoring organizations they care about or providing flexible work schedules for personal commitments. 

One employee’s story exemplifies this approach: she’s deeply involved in a competitive choir, which requires early departures for practice and time off for competitions. Rather than viewing this as an inconvenience, Shear embraced it — the entire company received a link to watch her team’s national performance.  

“Our employees are more than engineers,” Malory Atkinson, the firm’s co-founder, notes. “They are well-rounded, creative individuals with diverse interests and passions that make them active members of our community.” 

This philosophy extends to meaningful recognition. Birthdays that fall on workdays? Those are free PTO days, because no one should work on their birthday. New babies, new houses, exam passes, graduations — these are all celebrated with the enthusiasm they deserve. 

A Commitment to Community Impact 

As a proud signatory of the “Go Beyond Profit pledge,” Shear Structural commits to reinvesting at least 10 percent of profits annually back into the community through pro bono work, nonprofit support, sponsorships and education for diversity in engineering. 

This isn’t just a checkbox exercise. Every year, the firm takes on at least one project at no cost for a nonprofit. Past efforts include transforming a warehouse into a youth center and supporting organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs, Meals on Wheels Atlanta, Bike Bearing Works and the Empty Stocking Fund. 

The team regularly joins together for volunteer opportunities and events that encourage youth and diversity in engineering, including ACEC STEM Day, “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day,” and Backpack Bash, which provides 100 percent of back-to-school supplies for students at a low-income, high-needs school. 

Perhaps most memorable is their Giving Tuesday tradition: every employee receives $100 to give to any organization or person of their choice. The following week, the team gathers to share their stories of paying it forward — a simple idea that reinforces shared values and builds connection. 

The Little Things That Make a Big Difference 

If you ever walk into Shear Structural’s office, you’ll find a three-foot LEGO replica of their logo that people can actually play with — a practice called “greebling.” The definition of greebling is “ a technique of adding small, non-functional details to the surface of a model to make it look more complex, detailed and realistic.” This serves as a playful nod to the inner child in all of us and the LEGO-loving origins of many engineers. 

The firm leans into the small touches too. It stocks people’s favorite snacks, drinks and even pen brands. Their marketing voice is fun and punny, extending even to client relationships with creative Valentine’s Day cards accompanied by baskets of Girl Scout cookies and LEGOs. 

Free lunch every Monday provides natural opportunities for spontaneous gatherings. Multiple collaborative spaces throughout the office encourage connection, whether in small groups or larger teams. 

A Voice That Matters 

“Shear Structural constantly encourages their employees to be involved with company planning and day-to-day operations,” notes one team member. “I am heard by my manager and my opinion is valued.” 

This empowerment creates an environment where employees feel genuine ownership in the firm’s direction and daily operations. Combined with what employees describe as “flexible and understanding leadership,” it’s a recipe for engagement and growth. 

The Result: Engineers Who Choose to Stay 

The proof is in the feedback.  

“Best place I’ve ever worked,” says one employee. Another sees it as a place “where I believe I can grow a lot.” These aren’t statements about adequate compensation or acceptable working conditions — they’re endorsements of a firm that has cracked the code on what AEC professionals truly value. 

In an industry facing talent challenges, Shear Structural demonstrates that the best firms to work for aren’t necessarily the biggest or the most established. They are the ones that understand a fundamental truth: when you invest in your people as whole human beings, celebrate their lives beyond the office and create space for joy and connection in the everyday, you don’t just build better structures — you build better careers, stronger communities and a workplace where people genuinely want to be. 

For Shear Structural’s team, that’s not just good business. It’s the foundation for everything they do. 

source https://zweiglist.com/building-more-than-structures-why-shear-structural-is-a-best-firm-to-work-for/