Look and listen for new ideas
Most of Delta’s unique benefits have
come from employees — either directly or
indirectly.
“I listened to what employees were saying, and not saying, about what benefits
they would like to have,” she says. “You can
pick up on things just by paying attention.”
For example, Tackett often noticed how
much employees enjoyed their lunch hours
when the weather was nice. That led to the
creation of Delta’s outdoor workspace.
Another time, Tackett overheard a conversation between employees that prompted her to install Delta’s outdoor basketball
court.
“And it’s not just me that picks up on
these things,” she says. “The individual
responsible for our energy management
business, Justin McMaster, organized a
laser tag game for the members of his team so they could cut loose and enjoy each
other’s company because he sensed that
the team would benefit from an activity
outside of the office.”
In addition, Tackett takes requests.
“We have tried to adopt most, if not all, of
the benefits that have been suggested,” she
says.
On-site lunches are a perfect example.
“There are certain times during the month
when it is difficult for our associates to get
out of the office for lunch,” Tackett says.
“One of our commuters from Pennsylvania
suggested that we have company-sponsored Chipotle or other semi-fast food during these times, which would allow folks to
stay in the office during lunch.”
The practice has become a benefits staple.
“Listen to what they are saying, both
through words and actions,” Tackett says.
“More than 90 percent of the time, they are
right — and those are pretty good odds.”
To ensure that Delta employees remain
happy on the job, Tackett recently formed an
in-house Employee Satisfaction Committee.
“This committee is responsible for confidentially securing ideas and input from
employees on how to improve their satisfaction with Delta,” she says. “These ideas
are then evaluated by the team and, if
accepted, are presented to management
for consideration.”
The committee comprises a handful of
employees plus one member of the management team: the controller.
“If employees are satisfied with their
work, they are happier, more productive
and work harder to satisfy the customer,”
she says. “And, satisfied customers ensure
profitability and growth.”
In fact, more than half of Delta’s growth
since 2003 has come via referrals from
existing customers.
“And when customers refer Delta to their
peers, it just doesn’t get any better than
that.”
HOW TO REACH: Delta Energy LLC, (614) 339-2600 or
www.deltaenergyllc.com