Written by FTMA’s Kat Welsh
Alpine Truss have been making September all about their staff. On the 12th September, RU OK? Day happened, and at Alpine Truss they didn’t just acknowledge this significant event, but they had a service awards ceremony, as well as launching their Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
RU OK? Day, is that event each year that reminds us that any day, at any time, it’s ok to reach out to someone and ask the question ‘are you ok?’ You don’t need to be an expert, you don’t need to solve their problems, you just need to be an ear, and care. If someone is showing signs of struggle, we can all be part of the community that walks alongside them.
Back at the beginning of the year, FTMA put the call out for fabricators to nominate staff members and their years of service. With the certificates we sent out to Alpine Truss, they made the 12th September about truly valuing the staff within the business. Because they know that this goes hand in hand with promoting mental wellbeing in the workplace.
‘It is important to recognise these achievements as it boosts morale, encourages loyalty and commitment. Employees who feel acknowledged are less likely to leave. It promotes a sense of purpose: Recognising employees helps them see how their work contributes to the broader goals of the company, creating a sense of purpose,’ said Cindy Christodoulou, Accounts Officer / Senior Scheduler from Alpine Truss.
During the morning tea, Kit Kats were given out to staff as well, to remind them it’s ok to ‘have a break’, and enjoy the morning where the priority was to focus on their achievements. ‘We value our employees by acknowledging them when they have gone above and beyond their roles. We have 3-4 catered smokos a year to show our gratitude – generally a BBQ or Hot Dogs and we also give out staff bonuses twice a year. We also acknowledge 10, 15 and 20 years of service with a cash bonus and a whole staff morning tea,’ said Cindy.
Taking care of employees isn’t something that can just be tokenistic or minimal, but something that has to have meaning if you want to keep staff happy, dedicated, and efficient. They’ll see you through the good times, and the hard times.
‘Long-term employees have demonstrated loyalty to the organization, often through various phases of growth and change. Recognising their service shows that the company values this commitment. Celebrating work anniversaries shows to employees that the company values their contributions over time, strengthening mutual trust and respect,’ said Cindy.
To add to what they are already doing, Alpine Truss have now taken the step to secure an EAP for staff. The EAP is something that businesses can do to support that bridge between work and wellbeing. In these times where it’s getting harder to keep your head above water, there are many pressures to face, and access to supports isn’t always quick or easy, businesses can make a difference for employees when they can offer an EAP doorway for assistance.
Well done to Alpine Truss for the measures you go to, to genuinely celebrate and care for your employees, something the FTMA places great value on and is at the core of looking after and keeping great people in your business – and the industry.
If anyone else has been celebrating their employees recently, we would love to hear about it! Get in touch with FTMA on editor@ftma.com.au
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