Insight on Business

w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m D e c e m b e r 2 0 19 • I NSIGH T | 53 ese days, there's a lot of talk about "the millennials." It must sometimes seem, especially to many in that age group, that they're cast as some sort of mythical, other demographic with unprecedented workplace wants and needs. Really, though, millennials' career wishes don't deviate far from what anyone wants: to feel valued and engaged in important work. A recent initiative the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce unveiled underscores this idea. e chamber launched the Fox Cities Employee-Friendly Workplace program at the end of October at an event held at Werner Electric Supply. e collaborative effort between businesses and community partners encourages employers to adopt employee-friendly workplace practices, policies and benefits. e program includes four certification categories: paid leave and flexible work schedules; health and wellness support; financial support and perks. Participating employers can attain certification at the bronze, silver, gold or platinum level. Jennifer Brown, director of existing industry and innovation at the Fox Cities Chamber and Regional Partnership, says in the face of record-low unemployment and changing demographics, employers must do more to differentiate themselves. It's important to meet employees' needs at any life stage, whether it's parents of young children, those caring for aging parents or young professionals who are new to the area and don't yet have a support network, she says. What's in it for employers? Employee- friendly benefits lead to increased productivity and a reduction in absenteeism, and a supportive work environment improves employee engagement and loyalty. "An employee- friendly workplace does provide a competitive advantage," Brown says. Employers including Werner Electric Supply, Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group and United Way Fox Cities have already become sponsors and partners of the program. e launch event included a panel discussion with participants from Werner Electric, Jewelers Mutual and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley. Tiffany Schroeder, human resources manager for Werner Electric, took part in the panel and shared her own experiences as a new mom of twins. She says Werner listens to employee feedback on benefits and conducts focus groups. e company has begun implementing new benefits and continues to look at adding more. e panelists, who also included Jenna Murphy of Jewelers Mutual and Bev Grabow of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Fox Valley, agreed that it's important for employers to collaborate and work together to li the reputation of the Fox Cities. As for generational needs, they're not all that different, Schroeder says. "You're a person. All people, for the most part, want the same things. ey want to feel valued. ey want to feel supported." Reaching for employer excellence Women of Influence nominations due Dec. 12 COMMENTARY Jessica Thiel Associate editor jthiel@insightonbusiness.com e inaugural Insight Women of Influence Awards will honor women from across the New North region for the differences they make in their communities and businesses. While several chambers of commerce honor women in business, the Women of Influence Awards seek to honor women from throughout the region in multiple categories and share their success stories with a wider audience. Nominations are open through Dec. 12 for the awards, which will be handed out at a special luncheon on March 31 at the Bridgewood Resort Hotel & Conference Center in Neenah. A panel of independent judges will choose winners in five categories: • Mentor: Honors a woman who enriches the lives and careers of others by sharing the benefits of her experience and knowledge. • Difference Maker: Honors a woman who goes beyond the call of duty to devote her time, energy and resources to support her community either as a volunteer or the leader of a nonprofit organization. • Corporate Leader: Honors a regional female executive who is making her mark in her community and industry. • Business Owner: Honors a woman business owner who has guided her company through significant growth. • Young Influencer: Honors a woman professional under the age of 40 who is already making a difference in her industry or is a successful entrepreneur. e winners will be featured in a special section inserted into the April 2020 issue of Insight. All nominations should be as detailed as possible to help the judges in their decision. For more information or to nominate a woman for an award, please visit insightonbusiness.com/women. Self-nominations are encouraged. DON'T MISS B Y M A R Y B E T H M AT Z E K OF I N F L U E N C E WOM E N

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