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Investing in Employees

Lots of owners claim they take care of their employees even before they take care of their clients. But a few are paying more than just lip service to their staff. Which companies are putting forth the effort to make work a great place to be?

by Salon Today Staff
August 2, 2004
1 min to read


  • New York City’s Dashing Diva Nail Boutique offers free English classes for members of its primarily Korean staff who wish to polish their language skills.

  • Employees with pluck have responded enthusiastically to Tweezerman Corporation’s recently introduced, on-site yoga classes.

  • Staffers at D.C.’s Tai Sophia Institute, an acupuncture school, can literally sow their oats in the botanical garden, as well as visit the staff herbalist and participate in free qi gong sessions.

  • Virginia-based Ratner Companies, which manages Hair Cuttery salons, provides weekly free breakfasts at the corporate headquarters, holds quarterly meetings at the local water park and even allocates funds for adoption assistance.

  • Fredric’s Corporation, a distributor known for its dedication to the environment and employees, boasts on-site childcare, fitness facilities and an organic cafe.

  • Flexibility is key at Neill Corporation, which has held in-office chiropractic sessions, permits flextime hours and lets employees bring nursing infants to work.

  • Habitude Salon and Day Spa in Seattle matches employees’ 401(k) contributions dollar for dollar and frequently recognizes staff with “Caring Awards.” Maybe you can’t do it all, but consider what you can (complimentary services? well-being workshops? healthy snacks in the vending machine? fun staff outings?) and weigh the costs of the investment versus the exponential return. Satisfied employees make for satisfied customers.

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