Downtown Employee Appreciation Week concluded for Milwaukee workers yesterday. All week there were activities like dancing, walking tours, games, Vball, Downtown Idol, Office Rock Star, besides giveaways and discounts, to show the downtown workforce how much they're appreciated.
There wasn't much celebrating at my company this week. Of the fifteen men who were let go Friday, three had given the company over 30 years of service. No watches were handed out because there were no retirement parties. To large companies a layoff like this probably wouldn't register a blip, but to my small, family-owned company fifteen people is almost half the workforce. Most, including me, probably imagined they'd be there their entire career as long as they did a good job, kept improving their skills and got along with everyone. We've had layoffs before, but in 91 years of business we've never totally closed two full departments.
I've given much thought to appreciation this week. I appreciate having a job but I definitely don't appreciate losing so many of my friends and co-workers. One way I see companies can show appreciation to their current employees is by fair treatment of long term workers when they have to be let go. Sad to say, even with all the activities Downtown, I didn't feel much appreciation at work this week.
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Went to the annual Waukesha County Picnic for county workers yesterday at Naga-Waukee Park. The weather and food was great and there were plenty of activities for everyone. The picnic is one way the county shows appreciation to employees past and present. All are welcome. It's a great reunion where old friends can meet again even after retirement.
