At Ackermann Group, we’ve always believed that our people are our greatest asset. Over the years, we’ve evolved our benefits and culture to meet the changing needs of our associates, ensuring that they feel valued, supported, and engaged.
Enhancing Our Benefits Package
In the beginning of this initiative, our benefits package was fairly standard—medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability. While these basics were essential, we realized that to truly support our associates, we needed to dig deeper into what they valued most.
Through feedback and ongoing conversations, we’ve transformed our benefits package into a more holistic offering. Yes, we still provide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, but we’ve also added unique benefits that reflect the diverse needs of our team.
For example, two years ago, we introduced a birthday PTO policy. This allows associates to take their birthday off (or the week before or after if it falls on a weekend) to celebrate with family and friends. This simple gesture has been incredibly well-received and reinforces our commitment to work-life balance.
Another unique addition is pet insurance, which we implemented just this year. Recognizing that many of our associates consider their pets as part of the family, this benefit aligns perfectly with our focus on holistic well-being. We’ve seen great utilization of this perk, and it’s just one of the many ways we show that we care about every aspect of our associates’ lives. This also ties into our Furry Friends program pillar which highlights our commitment to pets and pet resources.
Effective Communication and Education
As we continue to enhance our benefits, education and communication are key. We utilize various methods to ensure that all associates are aware of the changes and understand how to take full advantage of their benefits.
Our monthly HR Connection newsletter highlights birthdays, anniversaries, and a benefit-related focus, such as our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or the convenience of Tele-doc services. Additionally, during open enrollment, we hold benefit table sets at each site, providing an opportunity for associates to ask questions and get detailed information about their options.
We also integrate comprehensive benefits education into our onboarding process, ensuring new associates are well-informed from day one.
Aligning Benefits with Our Mission and Vision
Our mission and vision are centered around building a strong, connected community. This principle guides our approach to benefits, ensuring that we offer support not only to individuals but also to their families, in whatever form they may take.
We conduct engagement and benefit-specific surveys to gather feedback directly from our associates. This input is invaluable in shaping our benefits strategy, allowing us to implement changes that truly reflect what our team values.
Cultivating a Vibrant Culture
While HR plays a significant role in shaping our culture, it’s a collective effort that involves everyone from leadership to front-line associates. We strive to create a workplace where people feel engaged, valued, and part of a community.
We organize various events throughout the year to foster this sense of community, such as our Kings Island Day, market-specific baseball games, and our annual Day of Service. These events not only provide fun and relaxation but also strengthen the bonds among our team members.
Looking Ahead: Becoming an Employer of Choice
Our future focus is on solidifying Ackerman as an employer of choice. This initiative involves offering competitive compensation, valuable benefits, and a vibrant, engaging culture. We aim to be a place where people not only want to work but also stay and grow their careers.
Our Employer of Choice initiative encompasses a holistic view of employment, ensuring that every aspect of our associates’ experience is positive and fulfilling. We are dedicated to making Ackerman a workplace where everyone feels supported, valued, and part of a thriving community.
