PORTLAND, Maine — Founded in 1923, the Portland Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is widely regarded as one of the top symphony orchestras of its size in the country. PSO bands together to make beautiful music on the stage. The harmonic relationship continues when the curtain closes, as leadership builds a collaborative culture that supports a healthy workplace. Staff work together to enrich the community and do so with mutual respect, openness and collaboration.
Staff meetings are held regularly to share events and schedules across the departments. Unified concert planning sessions are held monthly during the season to ensure that all departments are current with the production of, and their role in, upcoming concerts. These connections and an open office environment ensure good communication, which increases efficiency and helps to reduce stress.
With the PSO’s full calendar of events on weekends and weekday evenings, maintaining work-life balance can be a challenge. The solution: Staff are given the week off between Christmas and New Year’s and days off after July 4th in addition to their paid vacation/sick time to make up for the high peak work periods. In addition, each employee may have two free tickets to each performance, which enhances their knowledge of symphonic music. Employees are also encouraged to attend events held in the community and public schools to expand their understanding of the PSO.
The PSO recognizes the importance of continuing education and professional development. Numerous senior staff have completed an external yearlong training that provides the leadership skills, knowledge and connections to serve as leaders in nonprofit organizations.
In addition, staff members who are not considered senior staff are encouraged to assume leadership duties. A member of the development team, for example, leads the largest fundraiser of the year. Another member of the development team led the software transition for the organization. The PSO encourages ownership and leadership within departments to promote employee development, responsibility and pride.
Portland Symphony Orchestra: Portland, Maine
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Additional workplace practices
Employee Recognition
Employees recognized in communications to peers, musicians, trustees and president’s council.
Employee Growth and Development
Senior staff participates in yearlong training to grow as nonprofit leaders.
Employee Involvement
The role of chair rotates at each weekly all-hands meeting so everyone has the opportunity to lead.
Outcomes
- The organization is fiscally healthy. PSO has operated in the black for the last nine consecutive years, with a portion of the surpluses reinvested in staff and musicians through a professional development fund and staff bonuses.
- 100 percent of employees report active participation in meetings.
- 95 percent believe the culture of the board encourages them to speak up.
- 95 percent say communications help them be more engaged and effective.