So we’ve all been bombarded with talk lately of high unemployment rates, while company cultures suffer as a result of downsizing and people are enduring less than desirable conditions at work (in jobs they can’t leave, because where would they go?).

Some of these people are friends of mine and I feel for them. Some have recently been told by their employers that they need to take two weeks of unpaid vacation before the end of the year. Everyone is weathering change in these tough times and sadly, some companies are using the economy as an excuse to make cuts in company benefits and perks, ignoring culture every step of the way.

It all makes me to feel lucky to be part of a company that has been able to stay true to its employees and culture during this time. We have not cut back on all-company meetings and learning sessions that everyone can benefit from.  We have actually revamped our health insurance to avoid cost increases for employees, without sacrificing coverage. We have even added opportunities for new benefits. The company is still matching retirement dollars up to 3% and continues to offer employees 1.75 days per year of Paid Volunteer Time Off. Is that amazing or what?  This particular benefit allows every employee to choose their own charity/community interests IN ADDITION to what the company does through KS95 For Kids (benefitting Children’s Cancer Research Fund and Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare).  I recently had the opportunity to take the time I needed to plan and manage a charity event even though it was held on a work day.  

(See www.TheResiders.com for more detail about our company’s charitable focus.) 

I do believe things will pick up soon out there soon. I am hearing from several friends that that contract positions with the potential for full-time are popping up everywhere, which is a great sign. I have three friends that recently accepted full-time positions and three more in the final stages of interviewing. What I would tell all of them, and anyone who is on the hunt, is that there are still company gems out there that continue to show a deep commitment to employees, a positive work environment and a resolve to forge ahead with confidence. After all, it’s the happy, respected employee that’s going to be motivated to take his/her company to the next level in any economic time.

Perhaps that’s why we just enjoyed a killer sales summer, hired two people and got an invitation by the CEO to celebrate our teamwork over dinner and drinks at his home tonight.  Cheers to culture!