Page 209 - How America's Best Places to Work Inspire Extra Effort in Extraordinary Times

196B RE-ENGAGE

ocean. When we recognize, we want them to not only know who the
hero is, but why they are a hero.
One of my favorite recognitions is our Rackermobile, a BMW con-
vertible that belongs to me. Managers get to nominate Rackers who have
excelled, and they get to drive the car for a week. When someone asks the
Racker about the nice car, they get to say, “This belongs to my boss, but he
let me drive it for a week because I did a good job.”

Q: Do you try to keep a pulse on how well your efforts are being
received?
Weston: We conduct an annual employee engagement survey. We also
conduct frequent online “Happy Checks,” which are mini-surveys we
do to help us maintain an up-to-date sense of engagement.
Jackson: I’m a spoiled Racker. I hope new Rackers will feel the same
way I do, that this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. My wife and
two kids are part of Rackspace. You can’t take the Racker out of me.

: THE VOICES OF JOB ENRICHMENT AND GROWTH
OPPORTUNITIES

Let’s listen in on what some of our 2 million–plus employees had to say
about this engagement driver, or its absence, and how it contributes to
or detracts from overall engagement in two key areas—one having to
do with the intrinsic joys of the work itself and the other having to do
with the individual’s prospects for learning or advancement:

Positive Comments

Challenge and joy in the work itself

: “The company is constantly seeking ways to improve my profes-
sional development through training, professional associations,
and engaging work.”