At WithersRavenel, we know we have a lot to be thankful for. Our Core Values of Integrity, Respect, Collaboration, Quality, Sustainability, and Community create a positive environment to work in every day. Being 100% employee-owned means we invest in our staff through professional development and total compensation, because we know that better performance leads to a better bottom line for everyone. We also believe that work-life balance is a critical part of healthy ownership culture, and we encourage employees to use their time off to recharge and refocus on what’s important to them.
We asked our employee-owners to name one thing they’re thankful for this holiday season. Their top 5 responses are below.
5. Special Milestones
Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and personal achievements may have seen smaller celebrations this year, but our staff haven’t let that dull the shine of their special occasions.
Remote Sensing Project Manager Travis Howell and several other employees were excited to be able to expand their families this year, and to them we offer our warmest congratulations. We stand alongside Land Development Project Manager Jim Clark in cheering for his dad, who beat cancer this year. We also couldn’t be happier for Emily Murawski, one of our Utilities Staff Professionals, who will be spending her first holiday season with her fiancé.
These and other milestones remind us that we continue to grow, change, and find joy even in the midst of hardship.
4. Time & Ability to Connect
There’s no doubt about it physical distancing has been tough. We miss collaborating in person, grabbing after-work drinks with coworkers, and visiting our loved ones. But we’re also deeply grateful for the ways in which we can stay in touch.
Tesla Hausman, a GIS Technician, expressed her appreciation for “technology that allows families to still spend time with their loved ones while at a distance over the holidays.” Others, like recent hire and GIS Project Manager Mark Smith, are thankful to be able to spend more time with family.
Replacing commuting with teleworking has freed up our employees to devote more time to their relationships and hobbies. GIS Technician Bryce Gardner reported: “My work and personal life [are] in a healthier balance.”
3. Employment
At a time when employment feels uncertain for many, our employee-owners are glad to have the “ability to do meaningful work, telework, and feel essential,” to borrow from Thomas Poe, a Utilities Senior Technical Consultant.
“I lost my last job due to COVID,” shared John Scott, a member of our Land Development design team, “and [I] am very grateful to be with a great firm and getting to know amazing people.”
WithersRavenel has been fortunate to be able to continue to hire new staff this year, and we are thankful for the contributions and determined attitudes of our newest team members as well as our seasoned veterans.
2. Family
It’s no surprise that “family” ranked highly on the list of things our team is thankful for, especially during the holidays. To all of the awesome spouses, loving children, and extended families who keep in touch despite the distance thank you for keeping us safe, sane, and supported.
1. Health
Good health was by far the most popular response. We are so fortunate for our health and the health of our families, friends, and coworkers. We also couldn’t agree more with Director of Natural Resources Troy Beasley, who said, “I’m thankful to work for a company that has put employee health and safety as the highest priority during the COVID pandemic.”
This holiday season, we hope that you and your loved ones also enjoy the benefits of health, family, employment, connection, and special milestones.