The DU Lounge
Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsThere's a place in Dallas that defies the image of the evil employer
They have maybe 450 to 500 employees worldwide, but most of the 450 or so employees work out of the main office in Dallas.
They gave every non-executive employee a $150 cash Christmas bonus.
They just had a huge Christmas bash, honoring all long term employees by name, as well as honoring all special accomplishments.
They just had a raffle at the Christmas party for all non-executive employees (about 400). Each employee got 40 tickets, which were put into a huge drum. There were about 60 prizes, and not one of them was trivial. Expensive his and hers bikes (the $700+ per type), 48 inch state-of-the-art TVs, ALL things of that caliber. Everyone clapped when the top 48 inch TV was won by a guy in the shipping department who makes maybe $30,000 a year (still decent entry-level salary for Dallas).
Years ago, these people also once fired a guy for ineffective work and emotional issues. But on the books, since he had been there for years, they kept him on the payroll nominally so he would have his health insurance until he found a new job. They also have a once-a month "everybody's birthday" celebration and once-a-month monster pizza deliveries to all offices. Everyone is addressed on a first name basis, even the top execs.
Needless to say, the place has good company morale, very little employee turnover and a lot of employee loyalty. They're fairly successful, so they can afford to do this, but still, there's nothing wrong with spreading it around even if you don't have to.
Scuba
(53,475 posts)DFW
(54,379 posts)I'd say that this has not gone unnoticed.
They also promote people who have ideas and common sense. One guy who used to be sort of a gofer and did menial tasks 20 years ago now does logistics, customs issues, etc. He gets sent to Hong Kong, New York, wherever they feel his talents are needed. From gofer to trips to Hong Kong is kind of an incentive in itself.
malthaussen
(17,195 posts)Be nice to know if someone were looking for a job in Dallas.
-- Mal
On edit..I don't know if everything I mentioned was for public consumption. Anyone interested can PM me if they're interested in a job in the Dallas area.
geardaddy
(24,931 posts)I worked for a company that would give a giant jar of cashews as a bonus. I love cashews, but I felt for the people with nut allergies. We did also get a decent holiday party with an open bar for one hour and free appetizers and dinner. The rest of the night it was a cash bar.
I haven't worked at a place since that has even made an effort to celebrate its employees.
IrishEyes
(3,275 posts)We had a big christmas party every year where the owner would personally hand each person their Christmas bonuses and a gift. One year the gift was a backpack, another year it was a sweatshirt. They would have a raffle and they gave away cool prizes like dinner for two at a fancy restaurant, bottles of wine, theater tickets, dvd players, etc. There was a really good buffet and an open bar. They also had a company wide secret santa where everyone who wanted to would participate. I think that gifts were capped at $15 or $20. It was a nice way for people in different departments to get to know each other. There were 100 or so employees. That company is still in business and successful. Many of their employees have been there for years. Unfortunately, I moved out of town so I had to leave that job.
DFW
(54,379 posts)Like about 6000 miles from Dallas!
CaliforniaPeggy
(149,620 posts)I read somewhere a saying that says: If you treat your employees as though they make a difference, then they WILL.
DFW
(54,379 posts)There can't be too many companies in Texas that ask the lower level employees, "OK, who wants to go to Hong Kong for a week?"
steve2470
(37,457 posts)Merry Christmas to you and your family, DFW One day I'll make it to Germany!
DFW
(54,379 posts)Or somewhere within a 1000 km radius anyway!