Equally important, he says, is creating an environment people won't want to leave. At Fortis, that effort begins outdoors. Walking paths, picnic tables and flowers in the summer give the grounds a parklike feel. After several employees complained of being attacked by nesting geese near the pond, Fortis bought a border collie, Brooke, to keep the birds at bay. Facilities manager Kent Stennes takes the dog home nights and weekends.
Business people like to measure work-life programs and policies against the bottom line.
For workers, the bottom line of a satisfying job often isn't a visible perk such as on-site massages. It's the intangibles, the relationships, the sense that people belong and can trust their boss. Small employers claim to have the advantage there. He lets warehouse manager Dave Nelson leave early once a week to watch his children while his wife attends nursing school. I want to keep working here.