TIP: Got staff? Fun for staff doesn't have to cost a bundle

MONEY SAVING TIP: If you own a business, you don't have to spend a bundle to thank them! It's possible to show your appreciation with a small budget. Last week we said a “Big Thanks” to our employees as part of a year-long monthly effort. We served hot dogs to our staff of 35 last week for less than $55. Like other companies, we have tightened our belts to make it through these challenging financial times. But we figure that doesn’t mean we have to curtail the fun and festivities…especially when it comes to showing staff members just how much they are appreciated!

Last month we had a Pancake Breakfast where we served up heaping stacks of fresh-cooked pancakes and equal helpings of “pats on the backs” to our employees.

These low-cost thank you days were the brain child of our VP of Human Resources, Florence Botbol. “We fed 35 people for under $40 and everyone had a smile on their face,” said Florence. “We're trying to go light on the expense and heavy on the kudos to make sure every one of our staff members knows how much they mean to the success of our member owned, not-for-profit financial institution.”

Other monthly “Thank You Days” coming up including: an Ice Cream Day, a Late Summer Cook-Off, a Halloween Potluck, a Bagels Bonanza, and a Holiday Potluck. “Our wonderful employees go above and beyond to make sure our member/owners are well satisfied and taken care of in these lean financial times, so we want to do the same for them,” Botbol said. “It doesn’t cost much to dish up a heaping helping of thanks!”