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Today’s job market is highly competitive, and job seekers are looking for more than just decent pay. More often, employees are looking for a workplace that offers something more. One-third of a person’s life is spent at work, and people are beginning to realize that a person-centered workplace is the better option for spending all that time.
Asim Hafeez, owner and operator of Empower Energy Solutions, has taken this new view of the modern workplace and applied it in spades to his organization. “Solar energy is our product,” he explains, “but we are a people company.”
Through unique benefits, management, and hiring approaches, Empower Energy has created a truly person-centered organization that has led to impressive retention rates and happier employees. Here are the top five unique practices that make Empower Energy a top workplace for employees seeking more than just the status quo.
1. Genuine care for your people
“My idea of leadership is remembering that you’re working for people, and your job is to serve them,” says Hafeez. This mindset translates into genuine care for his employees.
According to Hafeez, Empower Energy makes an effort to connect personally with its employees, celebrating triumphs and helping them reach personal goals. “No one likes feeling like a number,” he explains, “so we have to have a plan for people to feel appreciated and cared for.”
At Empower Energy, this plan includes sending birthday gifts, remembering their family members’ names and values, giving employees resources to better their lives outside of work, recognizing a job well done, and rewarding people for their efforts and contributions to the company. “We are spending so much time in the work environment, and I think all of us are craving real relationships and connections,” says Hafeez.
2. Company vacations
While perks such as PTO are becoming standard for many businesses, Empower Energy takes it a step further with company-wide vacations. Twice a year, Hafeez and his leadership team take their entire staff to a tropical destination or a European location where they can relax, unwind, connect, and take their minds off the hustle and bustle of work.
“People love to travel, and vacation just feels different when someone else pays,” says Hafeez. Though he acknowledges the benefits of their twice-a-year vacations — namely, retention and a higher level of productivity from his staff — Hafeez says the benefits his company receives are simply a byproduct.
“We’ve had new employees not believe us when we told them we do two vacations a year because many companies may say things but never follow through,” says Hafeez. “We aim to create a work culture that allows employees, past or present, to look back at their time with us and say, ‘Wow, that was an amazing company to work with.”
3. Financial advising
Empower Energy cares about its employees and ensures they live well outside of work. That’s why the company pays for every employee to have access to the Dave Ramsey Personal Finance program. The program includes Financial Peace University, which helps people take control of their finances and pay off debt, as well as access to the EveryDollar budgeting app so they can build habits that help them become financially free.
“The financial resources and mentoring are part of the push to genuinely care for employees, not just to pay them, but also to help them manage their entire financial futures,” Hafeez notes.
4. Giving back
While showing his employees that they matter is a significant part of the Empower Energy Solutions platform, giving back is also important to the company.
Through part of what they call their “Empower the World” promise, Empower Energy has helped the HCP Cure Blindness charity pay for over 2,200 eye surgeries for people around the world. It’s all part of the company’s goal of caring for others and making sure those he comes in contact with — from employees to customers to beneficiaries of their giving — know that they matter.
5. Environmental matters
Empower Energy Solutions is built on sustainable energy solutions, so it makes sense that they care about building a sustainably minded business model. Today’s employees, especially Gen Z, believe it is important that their employers act on environmental issues. Many workplaces have directed their attention to green efforts such as carpooling, curbing energy consumption in the office, and controlling paper waste.
“Having a green business is a mindset that trickles through your business practices,” says Hafeez. “Many of our employees believe in the quotes, ‘We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children,’ and ‘There is no ‘Plan(et) B.’”
Empower Energy Solutions’ innovative and employee-centered strategies have created an environment where employees feel seen, valued, and motivated to succeed, making the company a workplace to watch. The company’s success is a testament to how people-centered, progressive management approaches can transform a workplace and create a thriving community.
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This content is brought to you by Scott Bartnick
Photo provided by the author.
