Case Study: Read Jones Christoffersen achieves high millennial engagement and increased retention with ThoughtExchange

Driving change and increasing retention to boost the bottom line

Read Jones Christoffersen (RJC) is a 60‑year‑old Canadian structural engineering firm whose success depends on a mix of experienced senior staff and some 300 employees under 35. Leadership faced a generational divide and worried about retaining millennial talent—attrition is costly, so understanding what younger staff value was critical to sustaining the business.

RJC partnered with Thoughtexchange to ask under‑35 employees “What can we do to improve your work experience?” The confidential exchange drew over 80% participation and produced a customized, team‑ and city‑level analysis with 200+ prioritized items (top themes: work‑life balance, upgraded offices/technology, and personal development). Results included a business case to move to modern office space, quick “simple wins,” deeper employee connection and improved retention, and ongoing use of Thoughtexchange for continuous engagement.

Read Jones Christoffersen

Arthur Docherty

Manager of Human Resources