This Week's Tip!

"Maintaining positive staff motivation during this tough economy is challenging but necessary." Linda Case Founder of Remodelers Advantage

Maintaining Morale During Tough Times

Given the dicey economy and sluggish housing industry, many remodelers have had to forgo cash incentives, profit-sharing, and bonuses for their employees. That’s not to say that you still can’t reward your employees for their loyalty to your company.

The officers of Myers Constructs Inc., boost employee morale, keep their workers warm, and increase the company’s visibility by giving their employees personalized, high-quality company jackets. “These are very nice Carhart Detroit jackets with blanket linings,” says Diane Menke, project manager and chief operations officer of the Philadelphia, Pa.-based design/build firm. “We have the company logo embroidered on the backs of the jackets and employees’ names embroidered on the fronts.”

The jackets aren’t cheap; with the custom embroidery, they cost about $130 apiece. The outlay is well worth it, though. “While raises and bonuses are on hold, we are still able to provide a nice incentive to our group that keeps us all enthused about the company,” says Menke.

The jackets are budgeted under company clothing and are considered marketing since they are nice "walking billboards,” as the remodeler puts it.

That marketing tactic is working. Other people have noticed—and coveted—the jackets. Customers and employees’ significant others have mentioned that they would like to have company jackets, too. To that end, the Myers Constructs will be offering the jackets at a small markup on their company web site.

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