Page 238 - How America's Best Places to Work Inspire Extra Effort in Extraordinary Times

The Never-Ending Source of Engagement C225

gifts as well as basing incentive : “The ‘incentive’ program has
compensation on personal growth become more of a hindrance than
and development.” a benefit. This incentive plan has
: “In my short tenure at the com- caused employees to not work as
pany, I have been rewarded, along a team for the good of the mem-
with my colleagues, for a job bers. It is all about selling, and
well done with lunches as well there is no commitment to help
as monetary rewards. Those of our customers unless there is a
us who braved the snowstorms sale in it for the employee—right
were paid full days’ pay, regard- up to the VPs.”
less of the actual time worked : “There is no incentive for better
those days. I felt my efforts were performance since the best work-
appreciated, and I didn’t just feel ers get the same raises as the
like a number.” laziest workers.”

Feeling “in the Loop” Not Feeling “in the Loop”
: “The company leadership is com- : “Communication is only open
mitted to communicating all infor- among management. Non-
mation, not only the positive.” management employees are
: “Posters are positioned through- informed of most organizational
out the buildings showing new changes from the smoking crew
projects, successful projects, and and not directly from managers.”
company achievements. The top : “I’ve never really felt informed
officers of the company issue an of the company’s future goals or
e-mail each Friday that points out financial health going forward.”
satisfied clients, new projects, : “Staff often has to learn about
and praises the people who led to company promotions/discounts/
those successes.” specials through customers.”
Equitable Recognition Perceived Inequity of Recognition
: “When goals are reached you are : “Team recognition at the expense
recognized, regardless of what of individual recognition allows
job you are in. Who could ask for some people to fly under the radar
more?” while others work double time to
get work done.”