Posts

#WorkTrends Recap: Pet Insurance as an Employee Benefit

/ /by

Chris Middleton spent 18 years in the technology industry, before he decided to take a different direction. This decision led Chris, who was already a pet enthusiast, to become a marketer for pet insurance company.

Chris eventually became president of Pets Best Pet Health Insurance, which was the first pet insurance company in the United States.

From his vantage point, Chris has seen the demand for pet insurance grow. From my perspective, I see employers across the country acknowledging that pets play a crucial role in many employees’ lives, delivering companionship, support, and love.

These wise companies are including pet insurance as an employee benefit. As Chris says (and I agree), “Any time an employer listens to their employees and reacts to their needs; it’s a good thing.”

Here are a few key points that Chris shared:

  • Pets are central to an employee’s well-being
  • Employers are more attractive to candidates if they offer pet insurance benefits
  • The love of pets is multi-generational
  • Pet-friendly offices are active but fun!

Did you miss the show? You can listen to the #WorkTrends podcast on our BlogTalk Radio channel here: http://bit.ly/2fT74At 

You can also check out the highlights of the conversation from our Storify here:

Didn’t make it to this week’s #WorkTrends show? Don’t worry, you can tune in and participate in the podcast and chat with us every Wednesday from 1-2pm ET (10-11am PT).

Remember, the TalentCulture #WorkTrends conversation continues every day across several social media channels. Stay up-to-date by following our #WorkTrends Twitter stream; pop into our LinkedIn group to interact with other members. Engage with us any time on our social networks, or stay current with trending World of Work topics on our website or through our weekly email newsletter.

Photo Credit: Trupanion Pets Flickr via Compfight cc

#WorkTrends Preview: Competing and Caring for Employees

/ /by

Matt Rizzetta, CEO of North 6th Agency, an award-winning brand communications agency with locations in New York City and Toronto, has a roulette wheel in his office that employees can spin to win cool prizes. He also provides delectable catered lunches on Thursdays. Those perks are nice but he is the first to say that treats alone don’t begin to define the company’s culture.

When I talk to people about what they want from corporate culture, I hear about their desire to find a “fit,” to understand their role in their organization’s success, and to have an environment where there is courage to make change when it is called for. Leaders tell me that being attuned to the organizational culture is as important as balance sheets and sales numbers.

One of Matt’s favorite truths about culture is that leaders need to be brave enough to experiment and find what works, even if it means ending experiments that sounded promising at first. Status quo is not the perfect environment for a thriving corporate culture.

Matt wrote in a recent blog, “While I’m proud of the culture of experimentation that we’ve cultivated through the years, it’s come at a steep price. Lots of time, commitment, and many painful lessons along the way as experiments have been developed, implemented and scrutinized at every step of the test lab.”

Are you in an environment where the balance of culture to perks is skewed? Would you prefer five minutes with a boss who truly listens to you or a certificate or plaque?

This #WorkTrends chat will explain exactly what high-performance organizations need to do to build (and keep) camaraderie, trust, and mentorship. Matt will also speak specifically to companies in growth mode, which face the additional challenge of learning how to maintain morale, hold to their values, and culture promises as they expand.

Whether you are an employee seeking a better understanding of corporate culture, or a leader trying to build something incredible, you’ll gain insight from Matt’s experience and perspective.

Join #WorkTrends host Meghan M. Biro and her guest Matt Rizzetta, CEO of North 6th Agency, on Wednesday, September 27, 2017, at 1 pm ET as they discuss great ideas for how companies can grow and scale without losing sight of their values and culture promises.

Competing and Caring for Employees

 #WorkTrends Preview: Competing and Caring for EmployeesJoin Meghan and Matt on our LIVE online podcast Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 1 pm ET | 10 am PT.

Immediately following the podcast, the team invites the TalentCulture community over to the #WorkTrends Twitter stream to continue the discussion. We encourage everyone with a Twitter account to participate as we gather for a live chat, focused on these related questions:

Q1: Why is so much emphasis placed on work culture? #WorkTrends (Tweet this question)

Q2: What stands out most in a great work culture? #WorkTrends (Tweet this question)

Q3: What steps can leaders take to build a productive culture? #WorkTrends (Tweet this question)

Don’t want to wait until next Wednesday to join the conversation? You don’t have to. I invite you to check out the #WorkTrends Twitter feed and our TalentCulture World of Work Community LinkedIn group. Share your questions, ideas and opinions with our awesome community.

Photo Credit: maisiedjohnson Flickr via Compfight cc