Life at GAFRI
GAFRI's corporate culture flows from the guiding principles set forth in our
Social Contract that associates from across our organization updated
and signed in 2005. This foundational document summarizes how we treat each
other in our day-to-day working relationships. Together, we cultivate an
energizing workplace atmosphere characterized by honesty, respect, teamwork,
encouragement, sensitivity, and accountability. We also balance our
professional environment with a healthy dose of fun, which is perhaps best
exemplified by the variety of special events sponsored by our Associate
Programs Committee.
Take a Closer Look: Watch Our "GAFRI People" Video
What do GAFRI associates have to say about working here? GAFRI is ... "a company that
really makes you feel appreciated" ... "a very collaborative
environment" ... "a company where people enjoy coming to work" ... "a fun place to be."
Find out for yourself why GAFRI is an experience like none
other by viewing our "GAFRI People" video.*
Associate Programs & Special Events
Associate Programs and special events foster a fun, collaborative spirit in
our workplace. Our special events have included an Independence Day Celebration
and "fun"-raising initiatives such as the Texas-style Chili Cookoff (sponsored
by Information Technology). Associates enjoy occasional Omelette Days and Reds
Opening Day coney lunches.
We have also participated in Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, offering a special
curriculum with day-long activities for our young visitors. This year dozens of
children received red shirts emblazoned with "I'm a GAFRI Apprentice," a theme
inspired by the TV show The Apprentice. In addition to shadowing their parents on
the job at GAFRI, the kids learned about the importance of saving for retirement,
toured our data center, and created TV commercials and ads for GAFRI products
and services.
Friendly creative competition among associates is promoted, too, through events such as
our Floor Banner Contest, where in 2005 employees illustrated "Only in America" on banners
displayed at our company-wide Independence Day Celebration.
After a day of working together, many associates gather after hours for athletic fun.
Through Associate Programs, the Company sponsors bowling, softball, soccer, and volleyball
leagues.
Celebrating Diversity
One of the main tenets of GAFRI's Social Contract is to "respect and value one another,
appreciating individuality and diversity." Honoring diversity is an important aspect of
our work life and culture - as illustrated by our participation in the YMCA Black Achievers
program and our recent in-house Diwali celebration.
The YMCA Black Achievers program is a cooperative venture that marshals the resources of
the home, school, corporate community, and YMCA to help minority youth set and attain high
education and career goals. Out of the many candidates nominated by GAFRI associates, two individuals – Denise Cargile and Michelle Carter – were selected to participate in this year's YMCA Black Achievers program. Their responsibilities
include volunteering one year of service acting as role models in a year-long teen program
focused on career development, academic achievement, and college readiness. These are
individuals who step out of their comfort zone to make a difference.
This past fall GAFRI's Information Technology group sponsored a Traditional Indian Diwali
Celebration by inviting associates to share an Indian meal together. Diwali is one of the most
important festivals celebrated in India. Special events like Diwali at GAFRI help recognize and
celebrate the diverse cultural makeup of our workforce.
Rewards & Recognition
Because at GAFRI we believe that employees are our greatest asset, we have developed
On-the-SPOT and Service Awards to help recognize associates for outstanding work and
years of service.
On-the-SPOT Awards
It's easy to acknowledge Superior Performance and Outstanding Teamwork with an On-the-SPOT
Award. Through the use of technology, associates can also recognize the efforts of others
by electronically sending an e-SPOT.
All Cincinnati GAFRI associates may award and receive On-the-SPOT recognition - including
administrative assistants, directors, vice presidents, and customer service representatives.
Everyone is eligible. The program is intended to help spotlight special things that associates
do outside of the normal daily activities that are required in our jobs. e-SPOTs are also linked
to our company goals. After collecting a minimum of 15 e-SPOTs, associates receive a free gift
card (the more e-SPOTs you receive, the greater the value).
Here are just a few examples of the types of activities that deserve and receive
e-SPOT recognition at GAFRI:
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Maintaining a positive attitude with another associate, teammates, and/or
customers in a very difficult situation.
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Putting in extra time to help attain a team deadline.
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Assisting someone with a project or service in a way that was above and beyond
the norm and made a positive difference in attracting or retaining a customer.
Service Awards
GAFRI associates achieving a service milestone of five, ten, fifteen, or more years
are recognized each quarter at a breakfast hosted by Chief Operating Officer Chuck
Scheper and other members of senior management. Each participant receives an award
packet containing a certificate marking the achievement and a catalog from which to
select a gift in recognition of their years of service with the Company.
Open Communications
Another key element of our Social Contract is open two-way communications. GAFRI
strives to maintain a work culture that values, proactively solicits, and acts on
the opinions of our associates. Senior management fosters transparent communication
with associates by sharing information and requesting feedback on a regular basis
through the following:
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Town Hall Meetings
– Periodically, all associates gather to hear a report card of the business,
interact with senior management to ask questions, and celebrate our quarterly
Eagle Award winner.
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Town Hall Meeting Surveys – Associate feedback
about the Town Hall Meeting is immediately collected to determine the meeting's effectiveness,
important concerns, and outstanding questions.
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"Voice Breakfasts"
– Chuck Scheper, GAFRI's Chief Operating Officer, sponsors these periodic
breakfasts to maintain ongoing dialogue with associates to get to know
individuals on a more personal basis, listen to their feedback, and address
their concerns about the business. Both the Town Meetings and "Voice
Breakfasts" are excellent opportunities for associates to learn more about our
industry.
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New Hire Breakfasts
– New associates are welcomed to GAFRI and have the opportunity to become
acquainted with our Chief Operating Officer.
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Quarterly Business Scorecard – This online report, published internally for associates, tracks our progress in the marketplace and operations. The Quarterly Business Scorecard includes financial and people measures (e.g., employee satisfaction) as well as achievements in sales and corporate business goals.
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Employee Satisfaction Surveys
– These surveys give associates the opportunity to communicate their levels of
satisfaction in various areas of the workplace.
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Departmental Surveys
– These additional surveys are conducted throughout the year by Human
Resources, Information Technology, and Communications to measure the quality of
their services for continuous improvement.
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The Newsstand – This Intranet publication is
regularly updated to keep associates informed about the latest business
developments, corporate initiatives, industry news, special company events,
newly hired associates, birthdays, and service anniversaries.
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