Let the games begin

I’d like to see a reality TV show called “Culture Wars.” In it, we could watch as the out-of-touch manager brags to potential new hires about how the atmosphere is so relaxed that staffers occasionally break out in song and play guitars that are scattered throughout the office just for that purpose. We could see how, in reality, that manager doesn’t actually even know the company’s values or notice that employees are too overworked and disgruntled to ever play the guitars, except for one episode when someone strums a few strings as a sarcastic response to a co-worker’s comment.

We could indulge our tendency toward voyeurism with a bird’s eye view of meetings in which leadership decides that the new retention policy will do away with the offer of bonuses. Instead, they decide to install mini-trampolines in the break room so workers can connect with their inner child while they wolf down a microwaved meal over lunch because - culture. We, the viewers, will shake our heads in bewilderment and fast-forward through the commercials because we can’t WAIT to see how the employees react to that decision.

And we can collectively “aww” and feel wonderful for the employees whose boss tells them to take time during the afternoon to attend their daughter’s t-ball game or leave a little early one day to catch the school play because, “I had four sons and I know that when they grow up, it’s over. You don’t get a second chance to have those moments.” So she encourages them to do what they need to do and doesn’t make them feel guilty for it later. She also knows they will be grateful and will make up the time, because they’re adults and they appreciate being treated that way.

It won’t be hard for viewers to guess which companies will win the culture wars, capturing the grand prize of happy, productive, long-term employees. But we’ll watch anyway because so many of us will be able to relate.

When I joined Prairie Business three years ago, employee retention and satisfaction were certainly on people’s radars, but “culture” wasn’t the buzzword it is today. Over the past 36 months or so, however, the region’s economy has boomed and a severe worker shortage has struck many of our employers, ramping up competition for employees and making it more important than ever to create environments that make workers want to stay put. Last year, we launched an annual “50 Best Places to Work” contest, hoping to draw attention to some of the companies in the area that have done it right. We were pleasantly surprised with the results - more than 1,000 employees from about 100 companies submitted employee satisfaction surveys to tell us what they think their employer is doing well and why they like working there. This year, the response rate doubled. The resulting list of this year’s 50 top workplaces have found ways to keep their workers happy in a highly competitive environment, and while many of them offer fun perks like complimentary snacks, company trips and free beer Fridays, the resounding reason employees listed as a reason why they like working somewhere is more basic: respect. Workers told us they most appreciate open communication, acknowledgement for a job well done and the understanding that if they do well, they will be rewarded financially and with opportunities for advancement within the company. It’s basic, yes. It’s also overlooked far too often.

And yet, sometimes it’s time to move on regardless. This is my last issue as editor of the magazine. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with so many of you and can honestly say I learned something new every single day. I have been inspired by the entrepreneurs and leaders of the area who continue to innovate and drive our region forward through new and exciting opportunities. You’ve left us with no shortage of business news to cover and I expect the magazine will continue to highlight your hard work and dedication far into the future. Thank you for reading. PB

KORRIE WENZEL, Publisher

KRIS BEVILL, Editor

KAYLA PRASEK, Staff Writer

BETH BOHLMAN, Circulation Manager

KRIS WOLFF, Layout Design, Ad Design

Sales Director:

JOHN FETSCH 701.212.1026 jfetsch@prairiebizmag.com

Sales:

BRAD BOYD western ND/western SD 800.641.0683 bboyd@prairiebizmag.com

NICHOLE ERTMAN eastern ND/western MN 800. 477.6572 ext. 1162 nertman@prairiebizmag.com

Editor: KRIS BEVILL 701.306.8561 kbevill@prairiebizmag.com

Prairie Business magazine is published monthly by the Grand Forks Herald and Forum Communications Company with offices at 375 2nd Avenue North, Grand Forks, ND 58203. Qualifying subscriptions are available free of charge. Back issue quantities are limited and subject to availability ($2/copy prepaid). The opinions of writers featured in Prairie Business are their own. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, artwork are encouraged but will not be returned without a self-addressed, stamped envelope.

Subscriptions Free subscriptions are available online to qualified requestors at www.prairiebizmag.com

Address corrections

Prairie Business magazine PO Box 6008

Grand Forks, ND 58206-6008

Beth Bohlman: bbohlman@prairiebizmag.com

Online www.prairiebizmag.com