Laurie Ruettimann discusses the importance of mission-driven organizations and how company culture affects employee engagement and retention. She highlights unique practices from various companies, such as Tender Greens' initiative to empower homeless teens through internships, and emphasizes the need for clear communication of a company's purpose. The session promotes a two-way loyalty relationship between employers and employees for better workplace dynamics.

2. Today’s Presenter
Laurie Ruettimann
HR Strategist, Writer & Speaker

3. Topics We’ll Cover
Mission-driven
organizations are
more fun.
Culture is a
choice.
Straight-talk with
employees beats
buzzwords and legalese.
You can learn from
the best. Improved
engagement and
retention are possible.
Money is part of
the equation, but
there’s more.
Loyalty is a two-way
street, and it goes a long
way.

4. Live Poll
How would you grade your company culture?

5. Headquarters: Louisville, KY
Employees: ~45,000 “Roadies”
Locations: 430

7. Indeed Reviews
job work/life balance
management
job culture
Glassdoor Review
91%
approve of
the CEO
2015 American Customer
Satisfaction Index
Ranked
#183 of 100 points

8. Headquarters: Columbus, OH
Employees: ~600
Locations: 28

10. How Jeni’s does things differently
Calls frontline team members
“Ambassadors”
Calls company accountants
“Mathletes”
Holds monthly lunches where
everyone else in the company
cooks for the kitchen
Produces an annual report and
shares it with their customers

11. Headquarters: Culver City, CA
Employees: ~1,000
Locations: 17

13. Sustainable Life Project
In 2009, Tender Greens began hiring homeless teens
to work in their restaurants to help them become
empowered, self-sufficient young adults.
Six-month, paid culinary
internships at Tender Greens
Field trips to farms
and markets
Cooking and
nutrition classes
Life skills and
employment workshops
Upon completion, students are given an opportunity to apply for a full-time job at Tender Greens.
15
Graduates
8 employed by Tender Greens
5 working as interns

14. Headquarters: Boston, MA
Employees: ~350
Locations: 15

15. John Pepper
Co-founder & CEO
Who in their right mind would
choose to do this work?
Who would agree to get paid so
little to do it?
Where did people ever think this
job would lead?

16. Team Member Perks
Transportation discounts
English classes
Comfortable lounge areas
for breaks
Increased wages
2001
$8/hour
Today
$10-17/hour
Record sales and profits and
continued growth

17. Lessons from John Pepper
Make sure your organization has a
purpose statement that inspires people.
Answer the WHY for the company.
Communicate it clearly and often so
everyone in the organization gets the
picture. Use technology to enforce it.
Understand the mission, vision and
values of your company and help your
employees understand them as well.
Work on becoming an authentic, self-aware
leader who engages in behaviors that make
people feel you believe they matter. Be open,
curious and vulnerable with your team.

19. Headquarters: Washington, D.C.
Employees: ~900
Locations: 15

22. What did we learn?
Mission-driven
organizations are
more fun.
Culture is a
choice.
Straight-talk with
employees beats
buzzwords and legalese.
You can learn from
the best. Improved
engagement and
retention are possible.
Money is part of
the equation, but
there’s more.
Loyalty is a two-way
street, and it goes a long
way.

23. Q&A
Laurie Ruettimann
HR Strategist, Writer & Speaker

24. HRCI
Program ID: 260878
Recertification Credit Hours Awarded: 1
Specified Credit Hours: HR (General)
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Performance Management
Date: Dec. 16 at 1pm ET/10am PT
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