Chinese
One of the leading factors on why employees feel the need to leave their jobs is lack of appreciation. If you don’t feel appreciated in a relationship, why put up with the partner when nothing is changing? The same can be applied in the workplace-if you’ve worked and given your all to a company, why keep showing up if you feel like another cog in the machine? Companies who show constant recognition to their employees can see an increase in morale and productivity because employees see that they matter in the bigger picture. Larsen Manufacturing has a few programs in place to show appreciation to its workers, but none are more memorable as the company rings.
“In our lives, rings are symbolic. In high school and college, there is a ring, you have engagement rings, wedding rings, commitment rings, Fraternity and Sorority rings. The rings allow someone to have a story that they can be proud of, that they’ve earned. That they can share,” said Jeff Olsen, the Business Director in El Paso.
The idea was brought up in a conversation between Jeff and Dave Larsen years ago for Larsen’s 10-year anniversary while discussing an outing for our long-time customers. The thought led to the employees who needed something more than a jacket to commemorate such an important moment in the company’s history. Company appreciation rings were the immediate answer to give to employees and the idea was brought to life after discussing it with Denis and coming up with the ring design.
Jeff believes loyalty and commitment are the two most important things employers need to have a healthy relationship with their employees, not the other way around. The employees who believe in the company’s mission and want to commit to the company and its objectives are the ones who will stick with the company for decades to come. The Larsen Legacy refers to these employees who have dedicated their lives to the company’s vision with the same vigor as its founders.
“To have something that symbolizes that achievement, to show other workers, means a lot to the employees and to me personally. Employees should look forward to receiving one because it is a timeline that symbolically becomes somewhat of a rite of passage. 10 years at one company is a lot. Knowing you’re joining a selective group should feel special,” said Jeff.
The planning for the rings starts in August every year, and people who met their 10-year mark earlier in the year can expect to receive their ring around the holiday times during the work parties. The ring designs vary depending on gender, location and if people spent time working with Electro Metal Products. The blue stone on the ring represents Larsen as a tie to the logo color. Our founders Dave, Denis and their father all have unique rings to recognize their hard work building the company from the ground up.
One employee, Irene Garcia, began working in our Mundelein location back in 2013 and is looking forward to getting her own ring next year.
“10 years is 10 years. I’m so proud of working all these years and grateful that Larsen has given me work to support my children” Irene said.
Countless other employees shared similar sentiments, where their time here at Larsen became second nature to them. The stability of having long-term employment is something most families seek, and here at Larsen, you can expect to be treated not as a cog, but as a valuable member of the team when your work reflects your feelings.
With the 25th anniversary coming in the next few years, Larsen will hope to plan something to recognize the employees who have been with the company since the beginning, with more employees meeting the quarter milestone.
“Employees need to know they are part of something, part of the future and responsible for the growth in the past,” said Jeff.
