Page 236 - How America's Best Places to Work Inspire Extra Effort in Extraordinary Times

The Never-Ending Source of Engagement C223

: “Our CEO meets with all employ- : “I would like to see management
ees and asks for ways that the begin to ask the employees what
company could be improved. He they want and stop assuming they
then compiles a list of all sug- know what we want or need. They
gestions and notifies employees are so off-base.”
when action has been taken.” : “Things have changed in the last
: “Management listens to you year or so that have made many of
when you have an idea that could the employees feel less important
improve the quality of work for you and that their input is not only not
or your team. They then allow you welcome, but not needed.”
to move forward with that idea
and support you and promote your
idea along the way.”

Feeling Important or Valued Feeling Less Important or Valued
: “A map was created with every- : “For the most part I feel very
one’s home address represented by underappreciated and underpaid.
a pin (so that consideration in terms The management team here does
of commuting could be given to all). not recognize employees enough.
Last week, HR sent us a top 10 list The director will not even speak to
about the new space—it was really us at times; she just acts like we are
great, and everyone is buzzing with not there.”
excitement!” : “We are underpaid, overworked,
: “(1) Our leaders know everyone by spit on by patients, cursed at by
name, and we have about 120 em- family, ignored by management.
ployees. I was called by name by We can’t get equipment that
almost everyone on my very first works or supplies to do our job.”
day, not just a generic greeting. I : “Often we lack the supplies and
walked down the hall, and other resources needed to do our job
staff I don’t work with would greet adequately. Look at our retention
me by name. I was absolutely level . . . there is no effort to keep
amazed. (2) The CEO comes by loyal employees. In fact no one
periodically to ask how I am doing. from management has met with
(3) Achievements are recognized employees to address what they
and people are thanked in our feel they need or want to do their
weekly community meeting.” jobs or make them want to stay in
: “I have worked as a room cleaner this organization.”
for 35 years and have never felt as
valued as I do here at my hotel.”