Incentive - October 2008 - (Page 26)

CASE STUDY “We believe that what differentiates us is talent, so we try to allow for flexible work arrangements.” also translates to more innovation, the heart of the company’s researchand-design heritage, Whitmer says. Providing flexible work arrangements and learning opportunities to employees is part of Herman Miller’s focus on taking care of the whole person, Emenheiser says. “We believe that what differentiates us is talent,” he says. “So we try to allow for [flexible work arrangements] if there’s talent that we want to keep.” The company also works to honor the gifts and diversity of each employee, Emenheiser says. Symbolizing this core value is a statue that stands near a small pond on the company’s grounds. In the water, Strength in numbers—part of the happy workforce at Herman Miller beams of light project the names of all employearned her MBA and a master’s degree in ees with 20 or more years of service at the accessibility and inclusive design. Whitmer company. Called the “Water Carrier,” the considered leaving the company at one statue is based on the Native American belief point, but a home office position opened up that every job, regardless of title or level of in 1995, allowing her to fulfill her lifelong skill required, is critical to the group’s surdream of living in Florida. She jumped at vival. To show its gratitude, the company the chance. “I think flexibility has always gives employees with 20 years of service a been a real draw for me.” Water Carrier award at a special ceremony Whitmer is convinced that the company’s held each year, Emenheiser says. flexibility has helped retain many other The company also recognizes employees employees too. Allowing individuals to with a variety of other awards throughout explore different career paths is closely the year. Named after a longtime employee, aligned with core values at Herman Miller, there’s the peer-nominated Pep award, she says. Encouraging that kind of curiosity which is given to employees who exhibit and exploration in employees’ personal lives –Dave Emenheiser, Herman Miller qualities that demonstrate some of the company’s core values. Each year, employees who help salespeople achieve their goals receive crystal cube awards, while the top performer receives the prestigious brass cube award. Throughout the year, managers also reward employees with gift cards, merchandise of moderate value, or cash for jobs well done, Emenheiser says. The gift certificates generally start at $25 and allow employees to purchase items at various local merchants. And to help employees combat high fuel and commuting costs, the company now is offering a $100 reimbursement toward bicycle purchases and a $500 reimbursement for purchasing a fuel-efficient car, he says. The company also holds a number of events for employees and their families, like Spirit Week, an annual weeklong celebration for employees and their families. This year’s event included a picnic as well as free nights for employees and their families at a local movie theater and other locales. Herman Miller spreads its goodwill out into the community, too, Emenheiser says. Employees receive eight paid hours to do volunteer work each year. This year, the company’s goal is to donate a total of 10,000 hours of volunteer work in the surrounding community and beyond. Many employees donate their time to Habitat for Humanity and other organizations. But many also start their own programs. One employee started a bike challenge to raise money for cancer patients. Another started a program to fill backpacks with school supplies for area school children—an effort now supported by volunteers companywide. Giving back to the community and creating a better world are part of Herman Miller’s core values, Whitmer says. “We’re an organization that is about relationships.” s Send comments to feedback@incentivemag.com 26 | Incentive | October 2008 | incentivemag.com http://www.incentivemag.com

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Incentive - October 2008 Contents Editor's Note Headlines Cover Story: Face Time with Senior Executives is the Top Motivator of Cisco Systems' Chairman's Club Winners Incentive Interview Safety Incentives: Safety Drives a Limousine Service's Motivational Efforts Case Study Primer Learning: Diving into Incentives for the Mind Enhances Both Loyalty and the Bottom Line Research: Travel IQ Travel News Florida Coast to Cost Caribbean Escape Potentials Here and Now Gadgets & Power Tools: High-End Roars Seen at the Motivation Show Advertisers Index Off the Cuff

Incentive - October 2008

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