The Executive Director has a strong belief that an agency is only ever as good as its people —and its people will be excellent if they believe in what they are doing. Working in a nonprofit is challenging, and the rewards are rarely monetary. The first thing we do to create an exceptional work place is to ask the staff what they want. We do this by surveying them— both formally and informally. Acting on their suggestions, over the past two years we have implemented flexible work arrangements, discounted gym memberships, on-site yoga, stand-up desks, pedometers, and a workplace walking challenge. We have assembled a small committee of managers, called the Motivation, Engagement and Health committee, which is responsible for running numerous small appreciation activities throughout the year. Focus on staff appreciation and retention is embedded in our current strategic plan. And it’s working—in a recent evaluation,
100% of staff say they feel good about their job.