Case Study: BKD achieves performance-management transformation and stronger employee engagement with Quantum Workplace

BKD Reinvents Performance Management Strategy to Engage Employees and Elevate Success

BKD, a top national CPA and advisory firm with roughly 2,500–5,000 employees, faced a cumbersome, annual performance process that consumed time and undermined meaningful coaching—costing over $22 million in managerial time, with 70% spent on the appraisal itself rather than ongoing development. The firm needed a more agile approach to engage employees, improve retention, and better link performance conversations to career growth.

Partnering with Quantum Workplace, BKD implemented an Employee Success Platform featuring quarterly 1-on-1 templates, real-time and 360° feedback tools, and ongoing pulse surveys to drive frequent, meaningful coaching and employee-owned development. The transformation launched 9,000+ coaching conversations and delivered strong outcomes: 9 out of 10 employees found the program valuable and would recommend it, client NPS rose by six points, 86% say they’re proud to work at BKD, and 76% credit the firm’s people-first culture for their success.

BKD

Julie Cummings

Managing Director & Chief Human Resources Officer