Give Larry a Fist Bump

Hey you big business owner who treats his employees like a number instead of a person.  Mr. Double Breasted suit & tie guy who carries a briefcase that costs more than the GDP of a third world nation.  Let me introduce you to Sodexo , I think they’ve got a concept that you might want to take a look at.

Personally I work for one of the largest companies in the aggregate industry worldwide.  I can speak firsthand about the good and the bad of working for a big company.  Some days when you meet a deadline a day early a little “good job” would go a long way in making an employee’s day.  Thankfully my company is pretty good about doling out the proverbial “pat on the back”, unfortunately other companies are not.  Corporation recognition of all employees is key to a happier and healthier workplace.  Even Larry the janitor buried in the basement deserves a fist bump from the bosses if his work-related actions warrant it.

Susy in the typing pool is banging out 125 words per minute, while Jane is sitting there painting her nails and swiping right on her Tinder account, yet at the end of the year they get the same kind of blanket raise.  Let’s show Susy she’s number one and bump her up to a bit of a higher tax bracket for her hard earned work.  There is way too much of this that occurs worldwide and it’s time for it to stop.

Sodexo is ready to turn the corporate world upside down by launching their corporate recognition campaign.  They’ve asked little old me to come up with some ideas and I’m more than ready to offer my two cents.  Thankfully I don’t work in a crappy environment so I thought I would offer a couple of ideas my company uses to keep all of us healthy, happy, and more importantly….productive!

Recently I just completed 15 years with my employer what did I receive for my loyalty?  The traditional rah rah form letter and a catalog.  Catalog you say?  Yes a catalog that had options such as a 32 inch LED television and many other valuable items as my company’s gift to me for putting in fifteen years.  I chose a Camp Chef 24 inch propane smoker that was valued at $345.00 USD!  If I can make it to twenty years I can only imagine what is next.  Its little things like this that all companies should strive to do for their employees.

Another example I would offer that my company provides for employees is our wellness program.  At various time throughout the year every employee has an opportunity to sign up for various online tasks that once completed earns money to their individual health fund.  I banked $500.00 alone last year for account by actively participating in every walking program and completing a few online surveys.  As an added bonus one year I won an I-pad mini from a drawing out of qualified entrants for walking a set amount of steps.

If other corporations would take this lead I think we can all agree that the workplace would be happier and more profitable.  Most of us have had a job that we dreaded to wake up and go to.  That mentality needs to change and it is on business owners and large companies to lead the fight!  The occasional office pizza party or catered lunch is a small token to show appreciation for your work force.  Wanda in accounting just found out her child is graduating college?  What’s wrong with an office pitch in luncheon to help her celebrate?  I’ll say it until I’m blue in the face happy employees are willing to work harder.

I’m not trying to re-invent the wheel here, but Mr. CEO cancel that tee time at Pebble Beach every now and again and go spend a little time with your employees.  It will mean more to them than you will ever realize, and don’t forget you were once one of them also!

Skipah’s Realm was sponsored for this post by Sodexo & Havas Public Relations, the thoughts and opinions are 100% mine.