Employees. Our Greatest Asset - Really

This morning I had an opportunity to meet with a former co-worker who lives way up in Maine.  He was traveling through the area and called me and we met and had a cup of good coffee and about 45 minutes of good conversation.  He invited us up to Maine to visit he and his wife.  I've never been to Maine and think it would be a fun trip.  I'd like to try a lobster roll.  He said it is something similar to a "northern po boy!"

I was telling him that back before we began making our own toothpaste, - Read how by clicking here - our brand was Tom's of Maine.  I still use their deodorant.  I like their products.

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But another thing I like about Tom's of Maine is the way they treat their employees. Now, let me preface what I'm about to say by stating that I believe in capitalism. Although imperfect, it is the best economic philosophy that I know of and has lifted many out of poverty and given people better lives. With that being said, sometimes corporations are not good to their employees.  I fully understand that the President and CEO and Board of Directors have a fiduciary responsibility to maximize shareholder value.  What happens too often is that this maximization of profits sometimes takes place on the backs of the workers and this is unfortunate.  Jobs are moved overseas to take advantage of cheaper wages, people are laid off, benefits are cut, etc., putting peoples' livelihoods and families in peril.

Many companies may say "Our employees are our greatest asset," but CLICK HERE to see how Tom's of Maine puts their money where their mouth is (pardon the play on words).  Here's a brief summary of a few of the perks of working for Tom's:

• They have a work out facility for employees with personal trainers,
• They are encouraged to use 5% of their paid work time to volunteer in the community,
• They offer mothers or fathers 4 weeks of additional time off beyond short-term disability following the birth or adoption of a baby,
• Because Maine summers are short, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, employees' have special summer hours, giving them longer weekends,
• Employees are given a $4,000 benefit to purchase a new hybrid vehicle,
• Free coffee, fruit, tea, and spring water,

That's pretty cool!

As I was thinking about that, I was reminded that in our small town of Kinder, I'd like to think that my maternal grandparents, whom we lovingly called Bumby and Poppy, pioneered employee appreciation and community service initiatives similar to Tom's of Maine.  Poppy opened the Kinder Supermarket in 1947 and hired many people - not just people, but friends.  Many of those former employees have gone on to be doctors, teachers, engineers, and successful businessmen and women and fondly remember bagging groceries or ringing up canned goods at the Kinder Supermarket.

Bumby and Poppy were very active in the community and their church, volunteering, sponsoring ball teams, dance recitals, having benefits for those sick in the community.  Around Christmastime, I can remember my grandfather loading up his Ford Bronco with goodies and delivering bags of free groceries to needy folks around our town.  He and Bumby loved their employees and loved the community they served.

As a small boy, I can remember the excitement Bumby had in hosting a Christmas a Christmas Party in their home and inviting everyone over.  Entertaining was Bumby's forte.  She had multitudes of silly games for everyone to play.  One I can remember is she'd separate the employees into 2 groups and give everyone a toothpick to put in their mouths.  They would line up and the first person would be given a livesaver.  They had to pass the lifesaver down the line using no hands - just transferring the livesaver from toothpick to toothpick.  (Some Tom's toothpaste might have come in handy!)  The same general idea but this time with an orange, passed from person to person - using no hands, just holding it between your chin and neck/shoulder.  She'd often read a goofy poem or a silly joke or song.  It sounds so corny, but people really had fun and it built camaraderie, friendship, loyalty and respect.  It built goodwill and trust and was just enjoyable.

Come to think of it, the world needs more 'Supermarket Parties.'  Or more "Bumby and Poppy's!"