Investing In People
W. Rogers Company understands that a successful company must invest in its employees. Warren Rogers, son of founder William "Jolly" Rogers, became CEO in 1992 and implemented programs that enhanced employee retention and satisfaction. His management style and innovative practices grew out of a personal desire to continue what his father started-creating a company that people want to work for as well as a company that maintains a standard of excellence.
When new projects begin, W. Rogers Company routinely hires employees from the local workforce, who compliment a core of experienced W. Rogers Company employees. Hiring local talent helps the company become an integral part of the communities that it serves-which is important to W. Rogers Company.
The W. Rogers Company mission statement exemplifies the culture and values the company maintains, "…will always endeavor to employ persons of good character, expect a high level of performance, require a commitment to safety and provide compensation based on merit…we commit our company to the highest level of quality, the pursuit of safe work conditions and the satisfaction of our clients."
W. Rogers Company's innovative management practices and commitment to creating an effective workplace are proof that investing in employees is a valuable and successful business model-turnover is low, safety is a priority, employees are valued and compensated fairly for their work, and business is thriving.
Innovative Workplace Programs/Practices
Success of the company business model is attained through the following innovative programs: adoption of an Employee Care Program, condensed work week for construction teams, ongoing development of Key Employee Program (KEP) and a revolutionary corporate safety program.
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CAREWorks
CAREWorks is a progressive Employee Assistance Program that provides individualized and personalized services to employees and their immediate family members. Care workers help develop healthier, more productive individuals with support services, including hospital visits, funerals/weddings assistance, health/addiction issues, confidential support and 24-hour emergency on-call availability.
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Flexible Scheduling
Flexible scheduling is rare in the contracting industry. W. Rogers established a condensed work week, offering on-site employees four 10-hour work days. Construction teams are often required to travel great distances from home, so a condensed work schedule allows for three-day weekends. From a business perspective, it eliminates time necessary to prepare and take down a job site each day, and increases employee retention.
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Key Employee Program (KEP)
Attracting and retaining quality employees is a high priority for the company. The Key Employee Program was developed more than 20 years ago with the intention of creating opportunities for a career in construction. Employees are eligible for Key Employee status after one year. Program incentives include paid vacation, increased benefits, an annual review and advancement opportunities.
Additionally, the program helps identify employees with exceptional skills who may become candidates for management positions. The company has a long history of promoting from within and believes in cultivating leadership from the existing employee base when possible. Several superintendents rose through the ranks and now manage multi-million dollar projects with large crews. W. Rogers offers tuition reimbursement, and through a partnership with the Associated General Contractors of Kentucky (AGC) they provide opportunities for continuing education (i.e., certifications, craft and supervisory training programs).
A Key Employee Breakfast is held annually to honor and recognize key employees, and boasts live entertainment (from music performances to comedians), along with great prizes and giveaways. Previously during a Key Employee Breakfast, W.Rogers Company gave away a truck. Ironically, the employee who won had been saving money to replace his current vehicle, which no longer worked. At the 2006 KEP event that was themed "Character Counts," Warren Rogers commented on the culture of the company, "The integrity of the individuals who work for this firm and the collective integrity of W.Rogers Company is what set us apart from our competitors."
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Corporate Safety Program
An award-winning corporate safety program was implemented to ensure safe worksites and exemplary training. Weekly on-site briefings are conducted and the safety director regularly visits each jobsite to make certain protocol is being met or exceeded. By emphasizing safety, W. Rogers has seen on-the-job injuries decrease, which has also contributed to an increase in employee morale.