At The Gerken Companies, we wholeheartedly embrace employee appreciation as a fundamental element of our vibrant culture. We recognize that our incredible team of over 650 dedicated individuals is the driving force behind our success. That’s why we prioritize celebrating and acknowledging their valuable contributions in truly meaningful ways. Through a variety of cherished traditions and engaging events, we ensure that every employee feels valued and deeply connected to our organization.

Fostering a Culture of Appreciation

Our journey of appreciation begins right away with new employees, who are warmly welcomed with a Gerken-branded shirt and a stylish water bottle after completing their first 30 days with us. This thoughtful gesture helps them feel an instant connection to the Gerken family from day one!

Building on this foundation of welcome, we look forward to celebrating Employee Appreciation Week every August. This special time allows us to send appreciation gifts right to each employee’s home, reinforcing our steadfast commitment to recognizing the hard work and dedication of our entire workforce. Additionally, occasions like Administrative Professionals Day offer another important opportunity to acknowledge our essential administrative staff, who play a crucial role in our success.

Throughout the year, we actively engage with our employees by hosting site-visit lunches and creating opportunities to connect directly with our teams at various job sites and facilities. As summer rolls in, we elevate our appreciation efforts with fun office food truck events at our Napoleon headquarters and Maumee office. These gatherings are not just about food; they are lively celebrations where we express our gratitude for our employees’ unwavering commitment.

Recognizing Employee Contributions

To honor exceptional performance, we created our BRAVO Recognition Program. The program allows employees to nominate coworkers who embody our company values and demonstrate exceptional teamwork. Each month, three nominated employees are selected at random and awarded points for gift cards or tangible rewards, making their recognition both meaningful and inspiring. Points are also awarded to the employees who nominated the selected winners.

Similarly, in June, our Gerken Gear Program offers employees certificates they can redeem for stylish, company-branded apparel, allowing them to proudly showcase their connection to The Gerken Companies and nurture a sense of belonging.

Recognition at Gerken extends beyond performance; we also acknowledge work anniversaries. We celebrate milestones starting at five years of service and every five years thereafter, with points that can be redeemed for a variety of gifts to honor loyalty and service. Birthdays are joyous occasions as well, with every employee receiving points to redeem for delightful rewards, ensuring no employee feels forgotten on their special day.

Equally important is our commitment to professional development. We encourage employees to embrace their growth by offering a broad range of development opportunities, including job-specific skills training, leadership development, and educational programs through GerCon. This commitment underscores how much we value their journey to success and aligns with our P.A.S.S. Bonus Program (Performance, Attendance, Safety = Success), which reinforces the behaviors and values that contribute to a safe, productive, and thriving workplace.

Celebrating Each Other

At The Gerken Companies, we proudly endorse the People Are Everything (PAE) platform, which cultivates a culture of peer recognition. This platform allows employees to celebrate each other’s achievements, fostering a strong sense of community and appreciation throughout our organization. As a highlight of our appreciation culture, we eagerly look forward to our annual Employee Appreciation Picnic in August and our festive Holiday Party in November. These joyful events bring employees and their guests together, providing opportunities for families to connect and enjoy quality time outside of work.

Finally, as an extra touch of gratitude during the holiday season, each employee receives a special Christmas gift delivered right to their door, spreading joy and warmth.

With every initiative we launch, whether it’s the Employee Appreciation Picnic or the New Hire Welcome Program, our mission remains steadfast: to cultivate an environment where every employee feels truly valued and recognized. At The Gerken Companies, we believe that appreciation is not merely a gesture; it is the cornerstone of a thriving workplace. We are deeply committed to ensuring that our employees feel like vital contributors to our shared journey, and we are excited about what the future holds together.