Mailbox - Letter to the Editor

Workforce, Nov, 2001

Going Green

I just wanted to tell you that I read (and appreciated) Todd Raphael's piece on employees and corporate social/environmental responsibility (Think Twice, "Ecology, the Next Apartheid," July 2001). As a long-time former (and occasionally current) journalist and media critic, I thought it was solid all-around. Accurate, fair, newsworthy, and interesting. What more can one ask for?

Mark Lowenthal

Program advocate

ecopledge.com

It's Not All About Money

I read with great interest your article on "Retention Strategies That Respond to Worker Values" (July 2001), and I agree with many of the trends you noted.

By putting less emphasis on monetary rewards as incentives to retain top talent, companies are appealing to the personal value and lifestyle choices of today's employees. You mentioned that workers are willing to sacrifice more money today than they were seven years ago, in order to achieve a greater work/life balance. A recent global poll of Drake Beam Morin (DBM) consultants revealed that less complexity in life and a better work-life balance is a key desire of many executives in transition. Having held high-power, high-pressure positions at the top of organizations, many senior executives are looking to downshift their careers and get more balance back into their lives.

Another key factor in retaining employees is creating a sense of affiliation within the organization. A recent retention study DBM conducted with over 400 companies across the U.S. revealed that creating an inspiring vision-motivating employees to feel a strong sense of purpose in their organization-is critical to building a sense of affiliation for employees with their organizations. The stronger the affiliation, the higher the retention and productivity.

The issues you addressed in the article are key to retaining top talent. "Show me the money" is not the only mantra of today's worker, and organizations must recognize that and adapt their retention strategies accordingly.

Ron Elsdon

Director, Retention Services

Walnut Creek, California

Drake Beam Morin

Getting Past Stereotypes

I wanted to comment on the article "Savvy Companies Build Bonds with Hispanic Employees" (Buzz, September 2001). I must say that I have not read a more sensitive and informational article in many years. Your article demonstrated a clear understanding of cultural awareness and sensitivity that many (including some Hispanics) claim to know. Is obvious to me that this article, written by Todd Raphael, was a result of a real study and evaluation of the Hispanic community, particularly with regard to the differences that exist between the many "sub-cultures" we represent. I, as a Hispanic professional, feel that in this day and age, it is critical for any organization to move away from generalizations and instead take into consideration the differences that exist between the many "sub-cultures" we represent I'd like to commend Todd for providing his readers with information that is truly useful for anyone interested in getting to know their employees despite their background or race.

Nestor Rocha

AIDS-Related Community Services

Westchester, New York