Toonders remarked that he had never before witnessed a hundred coworkers so still.
It is uncommon for employers to do something special for their employees. But when they do, it demonstrates genuine concern and fosters a positive work environment. Yonego, for example, went above and beyond to surprise its employees with a folder, a shopping bag, and a gold envelope. The owner of Yonego, Joris Toonders, then instructed all employees to place their December supermarket receipts in the envelope. An employee stated, “No one knew, and it took some time before it became clear.” There was an extended period of complete silence. Then, people began to applaud. As reported by SunnySkyz, I’ve likely expressed gratitude a thousand times”.
Toonders remarked that he had never seen a hundred coworkers so quiet. The company did not place restrictions on the groceries because they have faith in them. Toonders stated, “I don’t know what people normally do for groceries and whether they’re going to buy something extra, but I trust my colleagues.”
He added, “You have to trust your colleagues and they have to feel that way too.”
Champagne and caviar could be shipped, but we are expected to handle them properly, so we do. “Champagne and caviar could be done, but we are expected to handle them properly, so we do that.” “That’s how we always treat each other here. That is why something like this can also be given.” Another employee said that she wanted to “throw everything in her basket but not too much.” “So I walked a bit like a headless chicken through the Albert Heijn.” “I only bought a steak and a somewhat more expensive wine. I wouldn’t buy that otherwise.” Reportedly, there were many from other companies who loved the initiative. A woman said, “What a beautiful Christmas idea!” “Especially in this day and age, I love it.” I especially enjoy it in this day and age.
Day 799: Let’s have more nice things…
— Brad Ferguson (@BradFergus0n) December 9, 2022
…Like more than 100 employees of Netherlands company, Yonego being gifted free groceries for the entire month of December, with no limits.#MoreNiceThingshttps://t.co/iiBmuvcDio
Toonders is not in a rush to come up with an idea for next year. “Once this idea came into my head, I couldn’t wait to tell everyone. We will see what we do next year.” In another heartwarming story, a Miami Chick-fil-A operator proposed a three-day workweek for its employees. “I want to lead with generosity,” Lindsey told TODAY. “And generosity for me is two things: It’s pay and it’s time.”
“Honestly, I can do better,” he recalled. In February, he established two “pods” of employees who would work three 13- to 14-hour shifts per week. Approximately 24 of the 140 employees agreed to the new schedule. He stated, “The reality is this schedule doesn’t work for everyone. Not everyone wants to work longer days.” “But for the ones that it does, it’s cool to see the positive impact it’s had on their lives.”
Lindsey still believes that the program is successful. According to her, it gives employees a clear schedule and allows them to plan their personal lives in advance. Additionally, someone receives a seven-day break every month. “We’ve taken the guesswork out of the schedule,” said Lindsey. “Team members can now plan their lives in advance. They can plan childcare, school, vacations, etc.”