Yesterday I posted on this “determine your own vacation time” approach to management. It is totally foreign to me. Today I come across another company with the same approach. This HRE Online article – In Their Own Words – contains comments provided by Gen Y workers on a recent survey.
First the vacation comment (my empahsis):
CarMax
“Time away from work policy instead of vacation and sick days. There is not a set amount of time you can take, you just work it out with your manager. The office’s atmosphere is very bright and open. Management is very accessible and will answer any questions that you have. They encourage management throughout the company in order to give you a better overall understanding of the company.”
This one is rather astounding:
Quicken Loans
“When I was in training, it was mid-winter. On the first very cold day of the year, I had an amazing experience. I pulled into the very large parking lot and saw about eight people driving golf carts around, picking up employees. It was none other than the owner, CEO and president along with other executives of our company out there in the freezing cold picking us up and driving us to the front door. Upon walking in, there were donuts and warm apple cider waiting for us. If that’s not employee appreciation, I don’t know what is.”
We are up here in the frozen tundra of Minnesota so I am rather appreciative of this effort. Owners, CEOs and Presidents that are willing to actually give of their time and effort for their employees reap greater retention rewards than just monetary rewards. Yes, I know money goes a long ways, but imagine combining a monetary reward with this effort. If I were an employee at Quicken Loans, I would be blown away with this effort.
You know, sometimes the best retention efforts are not wrapped in strategy, planning committees and focus groups. They are simply people serving their employees in an unexpected, thoughtful manner.