Loyalty Pawn's Three Balls Chronicle Volume 7 Issue 6

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THREE BALLS CHRONICLE

VOLUME 7 / ISSUE 6

June 2024

IN THIS ISSUE

Letter from the President

Letter from the General Manager

Loyalty Pawn Family

SecurityAwareness

Store Manager Updates

Golden 1 Center Events

Monthly Sales

Monthly Birthstone Guide

Monthly Birthdays and Anniversaries and New Hires

Loyalty Pawn’s Core Goals, Values and Visions

Employee Services Corner

Team Loyalty!

We are almost halfway through 2024 and it has just gone by so fast. We have added some great new events that are happening at the Golden 1 Center, if you haven’t gotten a chance to go, it is such a great benefit that we offer and such a great time, so make sure to get those requests in! Thank you so much to everyone for all of their hard work and dedication that you guys put in everyday, we appreciate it!! Thank you!

President’s Letter

Hello Loyalty Pawn Family,

The year is about half over, again this is just insane to me! I hope that all the moms had a great Mother’s Day and that everyone had the ability to enjoy some enjoyable time with their family and friends. I would like to give best wishes to all the dads out there that you can also enjoy time with friends, family and loved ones. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there in our Loyalty Pawn Family!

We are experiencing strong loan growth as expected in the last month or two and I would imagine that this will continue through the end of the year or at least until the holidays are here. Let us try and stay focused on keeping sales strong and turning pick-ups into loan roll overs and work on keeping strong pawn service charges. As always try to keep us informed of any inventory needs, especially when we are getting client requests. Thank you for the strong first half and looking forward to an even better second half of the year.

Gratefully

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Letter from the General Manager

Greetings Everyone,

It’s hard to believe that we are already going into June While graduations and Father’s day is around the corner, we have already seen an uptick in our sales for May. Even though we are increasing our loans, we are still bringing in sales dollars. In May, El Camino, Florin and Roseville all increased their sales of 20% plus compared to 2022. This is a strong trend and are hopeful this continues into June and July!

As always, we like to highlight the top sales performers. For May, the first-place salesman was Dominic t. The second-place salesman was Norma B. and the third-place salesman was Danni R. So far, the trend for the top salespeople for the quarter are Dominic, Norma and Danni followed by Ah and Josh. We have one more month in quarter 2 and it’s anyone’s game.

When we hit the summer months, generally, we have seen a slowdown in business as a whole. The demand for money still exists though. We expect the retail side to stay strong to help with the lending demand. The stores are hitting their sales goals often and will continue to do so if the stores can support a strong layaway book. Let’s keep securing those layaways for future sales!

I wanted to give an update on some projects that we plan on accomplishing by the end of the year. Each store needs to complete a little work. At the Florin location, the team is helping prepare some space in the back to better suit their break area as well as updating their bathroom. The front showroom is getting a lighting makeover as well. Both El Camino and Roseville will have some touch up painting on the exterior to combat the weathering. Roseville will also have some work finished in their back bathrooms. These are mostly small area projects, but we look forward to their completion.

Sincerely,

“The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today” -H. Jackson Brown Jr.

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Loyalty Pawn Family

Greetings, Loyalty family,

What a great May we had! Three stores were able to secure their 20% over goal, which is phenomenal and a testament to our retail prowess. As you can all see, our loan balance continues to grow. We were just a little over $100,000 in growth for the month of May, and I don't foresee it slowing down for June. We rely on these retail dollars to sustain our tremendous growth, which we will continue to experience in the next few months. Well done to all the stores that hit their goals! We still have plenty of inventory left, including items that you have been asking for. We have listened to your feedback, and we now have what you need. Now it's time for all of us to continue being creative. Let's utilize our trifecta: social media postings, online presence, our layaway programs, and our client callbacks. These are the keys to success when it comes to retail. We have mentioned it time and time again, and our top producers in the company have used this formula to their advantage. It's not a secret; it's out there. It's all about how much you want to utilize it and generate your own success. This month, we have the privilege of getting to know a person who needs no introduction. Someone I have worked with for many years and who is a true testament to Loyalty Pawn's success. Allow me to introduce our general manager, Mr. Wayne Silliman. He epitomizes personal growth and self-accountability. As Wayne himself once said, "Success is not just about achieving your goals, but also about constantly pushing yourself to be better than you were yesterday." Let's all be inspired by his words and strive for personal and professional growth. Remember, it's up to each one of us to make a difference and contribute to our collective success. Let's continue to work together and achieve great things!

1. What’s your favorite way to spend a day off? Typically, I like to spend my time doing activities with the family outside (weather permitting).

2. Where’s the next place on your travel bucket list and why? I think it would be awesome to do a Europe trip and see Ireland, Germany and France. Other than being interested in the different architecture and views, I would be interested in the history of those places.

3. What was your favorite age growing up? I can’t give an exact year, but I would have to say ages 12 to 16 were fun. This age range was great for building character, personality, habits, likes and dislikes. Influential passions were developed around this time and being surrounded by great mentors helped.

4. Do you have a favorite holiday? Why or why not? My favorite holiday is Christmas. This season tends to bring out the best in people. This time of year, is exciting for children and it’s exciting to see the joy this Holiday brings.

5. What was the last thing you read? The last book I read was Hard Times Create Strong Men – Stefan Aarino

6. What was the last TV show you binge-watched? I typically wouldn’t get sucked in to a story line however, I have recently been drawn into old episodes of Shark Tank.

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7. Are you into podcasts or do you only listen to music? When I listen to podcasts, I turn to Joe Rogan. Joe tends to bring in guests from all walks of life who don’t shy away from open dialogue.

8. What's one thing that can instantly make your day better? I believe that meeting short term goals is a recipe for feeling better about your day. Especially, when your have seen your contributions turn into positive accomplishments.

9. What’s one goal you have for this year personally and professionally?Agoal that comes to mind professionally is to see to it that we stay on a trajectory of positive loan / sales growth.Apersonal goal that I have is to be more engaged with my kiddos on days off with activities. Time goes by too fast!!

10. Ideally, how would you spend your birthday? Ideally, I would spend my Birthday on a beach relaxing.

11. What's your favorite board game? I enjoy playing Clue with the kiddos.

12. What’s the best way the company can celebrate you and your team for successes? The best way the company can celebrate the team is to reward meaningful successes. This would include above and beyond performances from individuals or whole teams.

13. What causes are you passionate about?A cause that is close to me is the cancer society. Sadly, the statistics of those who have had cancer or are going through medical procedures have been far to common. The diagnosis for individuals is no longer rare and is becoming far to common and familiar.

14. What’s an essential part of your daily routine? In our busy lives, it’s easy to forget to exercise. I’m making an intentional effort to work out and eat better. This has changed the way I feel for the better!

15. Who or what inspires you in your career? My Dad is my inspiration. Matching his work ethic is certainly a positive trait that I have learned. I’m also inspired to work with individuals who care about our accomplishments and direction.

16. What’s something an outsider wouldn’t know about your industry? I would say that an outsider wouldn’t know how fun and exciting it is to work with individuals who really care about your progress in hitting your goals.

17. What’s the career highlight you’re most proud of? One of the most rewarding things in my career is to watch individuals grow and take advantage of opportunities that help embrace and enhance their ability to be personally and professionally successful.

18. Do you believe in having a "five-year plan"? Yes, your 5 year plan should include your ability to do today to make tomorrow better. I firmly believe that a self-assessment of where you are, what you are doing and who are you doing it for helps set the compass for your personal growth and direction.

19. What’s the best piece of advice a family member has given you? The best piece of advice is to follow the golden rule. I have received far more than I expected by following this simple rule. Plus, expecting the best outcomes while paying little attention to the undesirable outcomes helps with PMA.

20. What is your definition of success? My definition of success is to build a future that encompasses a great deal of trial and error.Alife worth living is one of adventure, not safety. Without risk, there is no reward. Deciding to live for others than myself is a great start to being happy and fulfilled. To gain a high level of success, one must reflect on the attempts to succeed through trials of failure, but never giving up. I’m optimistic that different levels of success will be obtained…. until I stop trying.

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Security Awareness.

In an ever-evolving digital landscape, security awareness is crucial for safeguarding our organization from potential threats. While discussions about security measures are important, it is equally essential to go a step further and actively engage in role-playing exercises. Additionally, incorporating security awareness into one-on-one sessions and morning huddles for managers allows us to gauge understanding, gather feedback, and reinforce the importance of these practices. In this article, we will explore the significance of staying alert, being one step ahead, and the importance of maintaining a secure physical environment.

Staying Ahead of Scammers and Criminals:

Our security awareness page serves as a valuable resource, providing information that can make a significant difference in our ability to stay ahead of scammers and criminals. By understanding their tactics and adopting proactive security measures, we can minimize the risk of falling victim to their schemes. The impact of these practices has already been demonstrated, highlighting the importance of constantly improving our security protocols.

Role-playing for Enhanced Understanding:

Discussions alone may not fully equip us to handle real-world scenarios effectively. By incorporating roleplaying exercises, we can simulate potential security breaches and practice appropriate responses. This handson approach not only enhances our understanding of security protocols but also prepares us to respond swiftly and confidently in the face of a threat. Role-playing exercises should be conducted regularly to ensure that our team members are well-prepared to handle various security situations.

Importance of One-on-One Sessions and Morning Huddles:

One-on-one sessions and morning huddles provide valuable opportunities to assess team members' understanding of security awareness practices. It is essential to ask them if they comprehend the importance of these measures and encourage them to share their key takeaways from the articles. This open dialogue helps reinforce the significance of security awareness, creates a culture of vigilance, and allows for the clarification of doubts and concerns.

Maintaining a Secure Physical Environment:

While cybersecurity is a significant concern, we must not overlook the importance of maintaining a secure physical environment. Regular checks and maintenance ensure that our cameras, battery backups, doors, and fire extinguishers are functioning optimally. By paying attention to these seemingly small details, we can create a more secure workspace that minimizes vulnerabilities and enhances overall safety.

The importance of security awareness cannot be overstated in today's threat landscape. By going beyond discussions and actively engaging in role-playing exercises, we equip ourselves with the knowledge and skills necessary to stay one step ahead of scammers and criminals. Incorporating security awareness into one-on-one sessions and morning huddles allows us to assess understanding, gather feedback, and reinforce the significance of these practices. Furthermore, maintaining a secure physical environment contributes to our overall safety. Let us prioritize security awareness, both in our digital practices and in maintaining a secure workspace, to protect our organization and stay ahead of potential threats.

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Shop Talk Manager Updates

Our Team Loyalty,

With the shadow of Phil Jackson coaching Kobe Bryant to Lakers glory, Team Elco is set for its own threepeat triumph. Just as Phil knew the thrill of consecutive victories, we're driven to achieve greatness. Huge kudos to my incredible team for their outstanding efforts, particularly in managing our inventory alongside other management aspects.

Our June goals are ambitious, aiming for $55,xxx.xx for the 5% target, but truly setting our sights on $80,xxx.xx for the 20% milestone. As we hit these marks, we're primed for celebration! For our May festivities we will be celebrating and catering to all the team members I heard Chuck E. Cheese's serve a great pizza. While we're on track with loans hitting $1.7 million, our focus now shifts to increasing sales and inventory turnover. With June being the month for dads and grads, it's an opportune time to push towards these goals. However, we remain vigilant on the rise in scams, particularly those involving fake IDs and stolen merchandise, demands our attention. Our thorough procedures in qualifying our client base have already proven invaluable, as evidenced by a recent incident involving stolen golf clubs. By asking the right questions and verifying information, we were able to assist in a GTA case, ensuring justice for the victim. Everyone should be part of Pawnbroker Helping Pawnbroker a close Facebook group that is helps us tremendously. If you would like to be part of this group, please reach out to me or your manager.

These stories are vital role we play in our community as pawnbrokers. As June unfolds, let's all strive for greatness, not just because it's my birth month, but because achieving the threepeat is our collective aspiration. If only we had trophies to showcase our triumphs! Here's to a spectacular June filled with victories and shared success.

Cheers to a new month, Tony Mora

Roseville

Hello Team Loyalty,

I am incredibly proud of our team at the Roseville store for their outstanding performance in May. Brittany, Dominic, Danni, and Matthew went above and beyond to not only meet but surpass our stretch sales goal. Our target was $50,000, and thanks to their hard work and dedication, we achieved an impressive $73,000 in sales. This tremendous accomplishment is a testament to their commitment and teamwork. With this momentum, I am confident that we can achieve our sales goal for June as well. Keep up the fantastic work, team Roseville!

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Broadway

Hello Team,

Our inventory stands as a testament to meticulous organization, with every item diligently scanned and photographed, ensuring thorough documentation and ease of access. However, our "broke zone" now boasts only a sparse collection of items left to be sold out. Despite this, our digital marketplace thrives, boasting over 800 items listed for sale online. This abundance underscores our commitment to offering a diverse range of products to our customers, catering to their varied needs and preferences.

John

Mark

Florin Mall

Hello Everyone,

As we approach the midpoint of 2024, the temperature rises along with the end of the spring season. I wanted to congratulate all families celebrating the graduation of their loved ones this year, including my daughter graduating from Kennedy High School. Time flies by quickly, so let’s cherish every moment with our graduates.

Team Florin had set a sales goal of $83.2k, which is a 20% increase from last May. We are thrilled to announce that we surpassed this target, concluding May with a total of $84.8k in sales. Approximately 15% of our sales were from layaway pickups. I commend our dedicated team for their hard work and commitment to achieving our sales objectives.

One key factor contributing to our success has been our presence on Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp. These online platforms have provided us with a steady influx of new customers, with an average of 2 to 3 clients per day purchasing items listed by our team. This reaffirms the significance of maintaining a strong online presence. Moving forward, our goal is to have our entire inventory listed online, further expanding our reach and customer base.

Looking ahead to June, we anticipate even higher sales figures. Our target for the month is set at $86.7k, reflecting a 20% increase compared to last June. We also aim to end June with a layaway balance of $100k. With our enticing promotional offers for June, we are confident in achieving this milestone.

“Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination” Fitzhugh Dodson

Let's Go Loyalty!

Mark Xiong

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9 Top Performers in May Sales Productivity Phys Transactions 1st Dominic Tognolini (Roseville #3) Dominic Tognolini (Roseville #3) Dominic Tognolini (Roseville #3) 2nd Norma Bobadilla (El Camino #1) Norma Bobadilla (El Camino #1) David Palomares (Florin #2) 3rd Danni Robinson (Roseville #3) Danni Robinson (Roseville #3) Norma Bobadilla (El Camino #1) 4th Ah Xiong (Florin #2) Matthew Stevens (Roseville #3) Matthew Stevens (Roseville #3) 5th Orry McCracken (El Camino #1) David Palomares (Florin #2) Stephanie Alfaro (Florin #2) May End of Month Balances Loan Balance Purchases Layaway Balance Loyalty Pawn #1 El Camino $1,724,337.00 $19,201.00 $73,771.71 Loyalty Pawn #2 Florin $1,881,455.00 $26,751.00 $70,496.25 Loyalty Pawn #3 Roseville $1,260,600.00 $30,527.50 $58,747.16 Loyalty Pawn #4 Broadway $1,033,193.00 $19,922.00 $101,303.29

Golden 1 Center Upcoming Events

Below is the list of events that are posted as of right now and we will be adding events to this list each month as they get posted! The events in green are available and the events in red have already been spoken for. If you would like to request tickets send your ticket request forms to lauren.l@loyaltypawn.com so that I can get your requests in and if you need a request form email lauren.l@loyaltypawn.com and I can send you a copy or you can ask your supervisor! With the Golden 1 Center opening back up there is a limited number of tickets available, so for every event you are only allowed to request and receive 4 tickets per event!

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Event Day Date Time NF June 8th Saturday 8:00 PM Janet Jackson June 11th Tuesday 8:00 PM Panter Belico June 22nd Saturday 8:00 PM Tim McGraw June 29th Saturday 8:00 PM Jennifer Lopez July 17th Wednesday 8:00 PM Pepe Aguilar July 20th Saturday 8:00 PM Chris Brown July 30th Tuesday 8:00 PM Jhene Aiko August 6th Tuesday 8:00 PM Don Omar August 8th Thursday 8:00 PM Monster Jam August 16th Friday 7:00 PM Monster Jam August 17th Saturday 7:00 PM Monster Jam August 18th Sunday 1:00 PM Peso Pluma August 21st Wednesday 8:00 PM Los Temerarios August 23rd Friday 8:00 PM Los Temerarios August 24th Saturday 8:00 PM 21 Pilots August 25th Sunday 8:00 PM Suicideboys August 27th Tuesday 6:30 PM
Cudi - Cancelled August 28th Wednesday 8:00 PM Grupo Firme August 31st Saturday 8:00 PM Future & Metro Boomin September 3rd Tuesday 8:00 PM Jelly Roll September 4th Wednesday 8:00 PM Carin Leon September 5th Thursday 8:00 PM
Kud
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September 6th Friday 8:00 PM Junior H September 7th Saturday 8:00 PM
September
Monday
PM
Barnum
Bailey September
Friday
Barnum
Bailey September 14th Saturday
Barnum & Bailey September 14th Saturday
PM
Bros. and Barnum & Bailey September 14th Saturday 7:00 PM Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey September 15th Sunday 12:00 PM Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey September 15th Sunday 4:00 PM WWE Smackdown (2 Tickets Left) September 20th Friday 4:45 PM Kacey
September 23rd Monday 7:30 PM Grupo
September 26th Thursday 7:00 PM
Left) September 27th Friday 8:00 PM
Escamilla September 28th Saturday 8:00 PM Fuerza Regida October 5th Saturday 8:00 PM Weezer October 8th Tuesday 8:00 PM Jeff Lynne's ELO October 23rd Wednesday 7:00 PM Disney On Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party November 1st Friday 7:00 PM Disney On Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party November 2nd Saturday 11:00 AM Disney On Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party November 2nd Saturday 3:00 PM Disney On Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party November 2nd Saturday 7:00 PM Disney On Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party November 3rd Sunday 11:00 AM
On Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party November 3rd Sunday 3:00 PM Disney On Ice Presents Mickey's Search Party November 3rd Sunday 7:00 PM Zach Bryan November 29th Friday 8:00 PM Zach Bryan November 30th Saturday 8:00 PM Heart December 9th Monday 8:00 PM
Chayanne
Hozier (2 Tickers Left)
9th
8:00
Ringling Bros. and
&
13th
7:00 PM Ringling Bros. and
&
11:00 AM Ringling Bros. and
3:00
Ringling
Musgraves
Frontera
Elevation Nights (2 Tickets
Franco
Disney

June Sales Flyer

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Monthly Birthstone Guide

This will help educate you about some of the more popular semi and precious stones we come across and it will also help you close some more sales. The idea is to educate you on each month’s birthstone as you can arrange your cases properly and make suggestions to our clients that may be browsing or even looking for a gift. Let’s think outside the box when utilizing this information.

JANUARY – Garnet

MARCH – Aquamarine

MAY – Emerald

JULY – Ruby

SEPTEMBER – Sapphire

NOVEMBER – Citrine & Topaz

FEBRUARY Amethyst

APRIL – Diamond

JUNE –Pearl & Alexandrite

AUGUST – Peridot

OCTOBER – Opal & Tourmaline

DECEMBER – Topaz & Turquoise

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Anniversaries, Birthdays and New Hires

June Birthdays

Orry McCracken June 5th

Tony Mora June 7th

Lewis Ramsey June 21st

June Anniversaries

Wayne Silliman 25 years

Javier Becerra 23 years

John Mark 17 years

Dominic Tognolini 6 years

Isaac Martinez 1 year

May New Hires

We have no May new hires this month

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Loyalty Pawn’s Goals, Values, and Visions

“The Leader in Local

Lending”

Company Wide Goals

• To Offer Immediate Relief with a Short-Term Loan.

• To Develop, Recruit and Inspire an Elite Work Force, Driven by Loyal Business Practices.

• To Provide the Highest Standard of Quality, Commitment and Value to Every Customer in Our Loyalty Pawn Family!

Core Values

• Loyalty

• Dedication

• Creativity

Company Vision

• Loyal People Committed to Everyday Satisfaction

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Loyalty Pawn Employee Services Corner

JUNE…

Ah, happy day, refuse to go! Hang in the heavens forever so! Forever in midafternoon, Ah, happy day of happy June!

JUNE CALENDAR OF NATIONAL EVENTS

✓ June 5 is World Environment Day a day meant to raise environmental awareness across the globe.

✓ June 14 is Flag Day (U.S.). Be sure to raise the flag! Learn about the U.S. Flag Code, which provides guidelines for displaying the American flag properly.

✓ June 16 is Father’s Day this year.

✓ June 19 is Juneteenth (also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day). On this day in 1865, Union General Gordon Granger read the Emancipation Proclamation aloud in Galveston, Texas, effectively liberating enslaved people in the state, which had thus far been beyond control of the Union Army.

✓ June 20 is the summer solstice, which heralds the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s the day with the most hours of daylight. In the Southern Hemisphere, winter begins at this time.

✓ June 21 is this month’s Full Moon. Find out why it’s called the Strawberry Moon!

✓ June 24 brings Midsummer Day, also St. John the Baptist’s Feast Day. Traditionally, this was the midpoint of the growing season, halfway between planting and harvesting. It is celebrated in many cultures on the night of June 23, as Midsummer Eve!

✓ June 28 is the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots a watershed moment for LGBT rights in the United States.

“Just

for Fun” Days of June 2024

• June 1: Say Something Nice Day

• June 3: Chimborazo Day

• June 6: National Yo-Yo Day

• June 8: Upsy Daisy Day

• June 21: Go Skateboarding Day

• June 30:Asteroid Day

FULL MOON OF JUNE –

The full Strawberry Moon rises on Friday, June 21, 2024. This year, it is special because it is a Solstice Full Moon! What is the true origin of the name “Strawberry Moon,” and what are some other June Moon names? Will it be pink?

On the evening of Friday, June 21 just after sunset look towards the southeast to watch the full Moon rise gently above the horizon. There, it will appear large and golden-hued.

June’s full Moon will reach peak illumination at 9:08 P.M. Eastern Time.

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Is Dating a Coworker a Bad Idea?

The Good. The Bad. The Ugly. Risks and Solutions,

Workplace romances come with a lot of challenges and they can, at times, end in disaster but they’re also very common, and for good reason. In this issue of Three Ball’s Chronicles, we will cover workplace romancing and explain the reasons why they can backfire and/or hurt your Loyalty Pawn career.

Many people meet their mate at work, but savvy employers know that love is complicated. When romance is in the air at work, an employer may be faced with gossip, lovers' quarrels, and distracted employees. Even worse, this may lead to sexual harassment, retaliation, favoritism, and workplace violence.

In fact, that is the biggest danger of having an office romance. If the affair blows up so may the workplace environment. It could lead to one employee doing everything and anything to avoid the other; difficulties in getting work done when working together; and, in the extreme, cyber-bullying.

Workplace romances can be harmful for a number of reasons, including:

• Distractions - Employees may be distracted by their romantic relationships, which can lead to decreased productivity

• Gossip- Coworkers may gossip about the relationship, which can damage reputations and create patterns of distrust

• Favoritism-Coworkers may perceive the relationship as a sign of favoritism, which can negatively impact morale.

• Conflicts of interest-Relationships can lead to biased decision making and other inequities, especially if one person has authority over the other

• Harassment-The line between flirting and harassment can be blurred, and one person may be subjected to a toxic work environment

• Legal issues-Souring relationships can lead to legal entanglements, especially if one person has authority over the other

• Awkwardness-When a relationship ends, one person may want it to continue while the other doesn't, which can lead to lingering awkwardness

Romance in the Workplace – The Good

These days, people spend the bulk of their time at work, which makes the temptation to start a workplace romance strong. After all, these are the people you see every day. You have a lot in common with them. When you spend this much time with someone, you get to know them on an intimate, day-to-day level. You get a feel for their intelligence, personality and ethic and this can create a type of chemistry that could lead to something more.

Also, when you date somebody at work, they get you and the pressures of your job. There are groups like law enforcement and the investigative agencies that have had great success actually encouraging relationships because the demands and pressures being put on them are often unique to their professions.

Being in a relationship where someone knows those demands and how that can likely impact time and availability is vital for any kind of relationship growth. People inherently understand and are attracted to others who “understand” that part of their life. And, once the romance starts, it can be very exciting pretending to your

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colleagues that you’re not dating. Practically speaking, two people in an office romance can also be a force for good; sharing notes/ideas and collaborating well together.

Romance in the Workplace – The Bad

There are also a lot of “cons” to dating your co-worker. The most common one being, if it doesn’t work out, you still have to see your ex and work with him or her every day. This is especially hard on the person who didn’t want the relationship to end. This type of situation can lead to poor performance, increased absenteeism, workplace drama and a possible hostile work environment.

Also, workplace romances rarely, if ever, stays between two people. Soon the rumor mill gets started and it’s everybody’s business. Now your love life is the subject of gossip around the worksite and all eyes are on you and the person you’re dating. Relationships need time to grow between just two people before being brought out into the open. Constant scrutiny can drive a quick wedge between you.

Another reason work and romance rarely mix is it can put a serious hamper on job performance. You may find yourself taking longer lunches together or finding ways to sneak off to be alone. This could lead to jealousy among co-workers who may view this behavior as “slacking off”.

Romance in the Workplace – The Ugly

Aside from creating a tense office environment, having an office romance can also lead to potential legal consequences. For example, if one party wants to end the relationship but the other one doesn’t, a sexual harassment claim may come up. Another potential ugly consequence of workplace romance? The person you’re dating may already be in a committed relationship. Imagine the embarrassment of finding this out through a nasty phone call or email from a furious significant other!

Romances gone wrong can lead to workplace violence. Remember this; just because you work with somebody doesn’t mean you really know them. The person you’re dating may have a serious mental illness or some type of emotional instability you’re not aware of. The closeness and intimacy of a romantic relationship and the subsequent loss of this relationship could trigger a sudden and violent response.

The Supervisor/Subordinate Relationship – Double Trouble?

The supervisor/subordinate relationship is one of the trickiest office romances to navigate since there are so many potential pitfalls. For one, favoritism is going to be an issue. Think of it this way: If your supervisor has ten other employees under him but he’s dating you, your coworkers are going to start treating you differently. Whether he is or isn’t offering you any special “perks”, such as raises or time off, people are going to believe he is. You may even risk turning into the worksite outcast.

As a supervisor dating a subordinate, you may run into some issues as well. Say you’re the supervisor and the person you’re dating suddenly believes they no longer have to work as hard or even do their job at all. Normally, you would reprimand the person but considering the relationship, your hands are now tied.

Supervisor/employee office romances may also lead to legal consequences in addition to the awkwardness the relationship undoubtedly will create, there is a legal issue with respect to potential harassment or discrimination claims. For example, giving raises/promotions to a subordinate simply because of a relationship he/she has with a superior or the perception of the relationship having an impact exists.

And don’t forget about sexual harassment. Especially in a case like this. Even if the relationship was consensual, you always run the risk of a sexual harassment claim from the subordinate who can claim feeling pressured to

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continue the relationship out of fear of losing their job. The up side is that if the relationship works either as a romance or closer friendship, the subordinate wins more intimacy with no downside and the subordinate wins a lover and/or friend and possibly protector and mentor as well.

What to Do When Romance is Unavoidable

Some workplace romances go beyond the excitement of a mere fling; they’re the real thing. If you and the person you’re dating believe this is something lasting, it’s best to disclose the relationship with a supervisor or management above both your positions for a fair analysis of the situation.

Many companies today are creating “Love Contracts” for people that are dating each other from the same company. The purpose of these contracts is to clearly outline specific guidelines and acknowledgements by both parties in the relationship. This protects the company, as well as defines the responsibilities and behavioral guidelines of the parties involved when they are at work.

At Loyalty Pawn, we strive to create and maintain a safe and comfortable working environment for all our employees. Policy reminds us that specifically if a relationship between a store manager or store keyholder and asubordinateis madeknown,reporting changes must bemadeto ensurethat thereporting relationship is modified so that all employees can continue to work harmoniously. This may mean that shift schedules might change, or one of the employees is moved to a different worksite location, to name a few. There’s no one size approach that fits all situations. Careful consideration and open communication here is key.

When it comes to workplace romance, it’s best to weigh the good, bad and ugly things first. You might find the love of your life or lose the best job you’ve ever had. At the very least, a workplace tryst will change the dynamic ofyourworking environment. Besureto thinkitthrough beforejumping right in. Andat LoyaltyPawn,remember that we encourage employees to connect with our HR Practitioner to review each person’s unique situation to protect the company as well as define responsibilities and behavioral expectations of all parties involved when they are at work.

Next Month…we’ll discuss dating Workplace Gossip: How to address and avoid it. If you have additional questions or need support, Loyalty Pawn Employee Services (HR) is only a phone call, text, or email away. Until then, keep relationship and conversations at work, healthy, productive and work-related. ~Dmae

LOVE PEOPLE? COOK THEM TASTY FOOD! May Recipe. Pie, Pie, Me Oh My!

Strawberry Rhubarb Chaat. Chaat is no single dish or recipe; it encompasses a range of snacks with a riot of textures and flavors. Here, tart rhubarb plays off the sweetness of strawberries; puffed chickpea cereal (boondi) delivers that essential crunch.

How to Make Strawberry Rhubarb Chaat - so scrummy! https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/strawberry-rhubarb-chaat

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401K-Loyalty Pawn Retirement $avings Program

Are you saving for retirement? Why not start today?

Once you have completed 12 months of service with Loyalty Pawn, you’re eligible to participate and start putting away those pretax (or post tax Roth) dollars into your very own 401k account.

To enroll, send me an email and I’ll help you get started. Plus who doesn’t want to receive a 3% employer match each payroll cycle?

Contact Employee Services at employeeservices@loyaltypawn.com Start saving for retirement’s tomorrow, today!

When it comes to 401(k) plans, it's your money. But your boss and the government make the rules. Need more 401k investment info and advice? Contact our Investment Advisor, John Malhotra.

John S. Malhotra - Financial Services Representative CA Insurance License # 0K09207 1478 Stone Point Drive, Suite 390 Roseville, CA 95661 d (916) 607-9754 | f (844) 2958527 e malhotra.john@principal.com w www.principal.com

Shout Out→Thank you to my subscription to the Old Farmer’s Almanac for inspirational quotes and content for LP’s Three Ball’s Chronicle each month. If you need HR, Payroll, Benefits, or Family support, Loyalty Pawn’s Employee Services is only a phone call, text message, or email away, on demand, anytime! 916-752-2255 employeeservices@loyaltypawn.com

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Sacramento,
Loyalty Pawn Corporate Office: 1708 Broadway
Ca 95818

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