December, 2006
Can you Bottle your Employees’ Holiday Spirit?
Letter from the Editor

We are in the midst of the holiday season already.  Time flies so quickly.  Our fast-paced society and business world can be difficult, and at times very stressful.  However, this time of year does bring out the best in people.

We can only wish that holiday cheer could be bottled up and used throughout the year.  Maybe we can do just that!

A client of mine wanted to enhance the culture of his company by creating a happier work environment.  His belief is that a happy worker is a productive one.  He’s right!  To accomplish his goal, he created a “Smile Squad” comprised of both management and employees. The Smile Squad’s task is to surprise the workforce on a monthly basis with “cheers and treats.”

Members of the squad dress for a theme and deliver treats.  For example, in June they dressed in baseball attire and handed out hot dogs and peanuts.  The employees loved it!  When the team completed their visits around the building, they selected the new members for the next month.  Employees are always guessing what will be next, and many volunteer to be a Smile Squad member.  

The activity has changed how people interact with one another, and has proven to be a great way to build a better atmosphere for everyone.

If all of us looked for ways to expand holiday spirit in the workplace all year, the results would be gratifying.  All it takes is a little imagination and teamwork.  I challenge you to find ways to extend this feeling toward you employees, vendors and customers.  The results could be like Christmas in July!

On behalf of everyone at VerseOne, we would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

To your success,