When it comes to being a business responsible for the well-being of employees some lessons can be learned from a company that started off as a corner grocer in 1902, re-branding itself in 1982 as "Zingerman's", then setting forth a vision in 1994 that extended to 2020. Adapting to employees as partners and assets to its business is a key factor in success.
A Thrive-Able Wage Vision
Zingerman’s Community of Businesses (ZCoB) ‘thrive-able wage’ vision, which was drafted in 2012, includes the following:We [are raising] wages to a “thrive-able” level throughout the organization and there is a powerful multiplier effect going on. Higher wages lead to higher morale and is the engine that keeps everything spiraling upward. In many cases, productivity increases due to lowered stress levels in the lives of the people in our organization because of assurance that their financial needs are covered….We have less people needing to rely on forms of public assistance like SNAP card benefits and the Washtenaw Health Plan. We maintain the offering of assistance from our Community Chest because it serves as the safety net for employees without personal networks of support or who face disastrous emergencies outside of their control.
Zingerman's Community of Businesses
A fuller description can be found on the ZCoB website.- Zingerman's Delicatessen
- Zingerman's Bakehouse
- Zing Train
- Zingerman's Catering and Events
- Zingerman's Mail Order
- Zingerman's Creamery
- Zingerman's Roadhouse
- Zingerman's Coffee Company
- Zingerman's Candy Manufactory
Zingerman's Commitment to Diversity
A broader description can be found on the ZCoB website.Awaking to Radical Commitment
Back in 2010, a few Zingernauts asked the question, “Does our company reflect the diversity of people in our local community? Could we be more inclusive?” Led by Paul Saginaw, their persistence led all of us to realize that there were untapped opportunities to show all kinds of people the “love and care in all our actions” as our mission states. We wanted to do better at giving the Zingerman’s experience to every guest and every employee. We knew that formally committing to diversity at Zingerman’s would yield better decisions and leadership, in addition to being the right thing for the people in our community.
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