Page 34 - Anne Bruce - Building A HIgh Morale Workplace (2002)

14 Building a High Morale Workplace

the one’s who should be locked up.” How’s that for com-
pany morale?
• To celebrate five years of no lost time due to accidents,

the company held a steak and lobster feast for its
employees.
• Furst and other company leaders have dressed up as
women, dyed their hair green, and hired magicians, musi-

cians, and comedians to entertain their employees at
company events and various other activities.
• Kryptonite kids get to attend holiday parties and Easter
egg hunts.
• Instead of holding the typical company picnic, the firm

creates teams that lead fierce but fun competitive events
and games for all ages.
• Barbecues are held every other Friday during the summer
months.

Furst believes that managers have to find innovative,

provocative, fun ways to boost employee morale and motiva-
tion. He stands firm on his belief: “Work can either be a drag or
a lot of fun.” It’s clear that
working at Kryptonite is
Senior Managers no drag!
Wash Employees’
Cars Case Study: Land O’
While employees of lock-maker Lakes—Leader in Making
Kryptonite were celebrating a record
People Feel Special
month of business with a barbecue
and ice cream, the senior manage- “Building on our best” has
ment team washed everyone’s cars. long been the tradition at
According to CEO Gary Furst, man- Land O’ Lakes, a long-time
agers have to do stuff that’s not leader and innovator of
expected and constantly keep people dairy foods and agricultural
guessing. It’s got to be interesting!
services headquartered in
Arden Hills, Minnesota. So
when Dan Hanson was named president of the Fluid-Dairy
Division, he quickly became frustrated with what seemed to be
going on. As Hanson put it, “People didn’t seem to be finding