> PERKS THAT PAY OFF Those type of benefits not only build
a culture of compassion and support — which is especially appealing to younger generations — but they are also good for business, resulting in lower turn- over, more productivity, and increased revenue. Business owners have also found
benefits crucial to attract top talent and a good way to show appreciation at a time when wages have rapidly increased. “People are more likely to work
harder for you if they are empowered,” says Raya Ward, general manager of Nielsen’s Florist & Garden Shop in Darien, Connecticut, which employs 15 part-time workers and seven full-time. “Everyone loves to get paid, but provid- ing additional benefits that show we are listening to and respecting our employ- ees means they will be happy to come in to work, ready to work.” From paid time off to pet insurance,
floral businesses of all sizes have found benefits that work for their budget.
Paid Time Off Minimal Budget Impact Offering paid time off for holidays is an easy way to provide an extra paycheck to employees without hurting the weekly or monthly budget, says Pappas. That’s
“Everyone loves to get paid, but providing additional benefi ts that show we are listening to and respecting our employees means they will be
happy to come in to work, ready to work.” — Raya Ward, Nielsen’s Florist & Garden Shop, Darien, Connecticut
because during a normal week, it would be an expected expense. Accrued paid days off for both
part-time and full-time staff based on tenure and average weekly hours worked is another way many businesses can provide a week or two of paid time off, which is essential to preventing burnout and supporting employees in finding work-life balance. While laws in some states dictate certain parameters around this benefit, those who opt to offer PTO find it is something worth exploring. “It goes further than you think,”
Pappas says, noting that his employees see their paid days off as an acknowledg- ment of their value to the company.
Flexible Scheduling Minimal Budget Impact Ward likes to tout the shop’s flexibility in creating work schedules if someone
needs to come in early or later. It’s a benefit that many of her employees appreciate and recognize. “It’s not a monetary thing, but it
makes a huge difference to them in their work-life balance,” she says. “It can be a bit of a jigsaw puzzle, but if something comes up, a lot of the time the team understands and is willing to jump in for someone.”
Gifts $25+ Per Employee Annually As a major player in the gift industry, it’s only natural that giving gifts for birth- days, holidays, and recognition is part of the culture of many floral shops. It also offers a less expensive way for employ- ers to show their appreciation. “I’m a gift-giver, that’s my love
language,” says Lesa Fenwick, owner of Candlelight Florist, Gifts & Flower
EXTRA BENEFITS Employees at Fort Myers Florist in Fort Myers, Florida, enjoy a variety of benefi ts, from health insurance and 401(k) retirement accounts to more untraditional benefi ts such as pet insurance. The shop is one of more than 30 owned by Family Flowers.
32 FLORAL MANAGEMENT | March/April 2025 |
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