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<strong>Siouxland</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | Converse /27<br />
Maslow Inspired Job Perks<br />
By Tony Micheals<br />
Here’s my confession.<br />
I went to college with the express interest<br />
in becoming an Industrial / Organizational<br />
Psychologist. Instead, my path veered towards<br />
gossiping on the radio about cooked up<br />
controversies centered on country stars and<br />
where to get the best pizza in <strong>Siouxland</strong>.<br />
However, I still have a vested interest in how to improve<br />
the atmosphere and workflow of an office.<br />
I read a lot of articles posted on Linkedin about how<br />
to attract and maintain the BEST employees. Most of<br />
them get it right. Provide positive feedback, encourage<br />
creativity, don’t make employees want to weep in the<br />
bathroom, yada, yada, yada.<br />
On a recent “Career Day” at Cardinal Elementary in<br />
South Sioux City, a 5th grader asked me what I love<br />
most about my job. At the time, I said chatting on the<br />
radio with interesting people like Garth Brooks and<br />
Taylor Swift. Surprisingly, T Swizzle received a much<br />
better reaction. Have they not heard of “The Thunder<br />
Rolls”? His songs should totally be in the syllabus.<br />
However, after more thought, another work highlight<br />
is awaiting the announcement over the inter-office<br />
telephone paging system saying, “It’s FREE FOOD FRIDAY<br />
in the break room!” In the hierarchy of job perks, this is at<br />
the top of the pyramid with self-actualization, my personal<br />
favorite.<br />
Imagine the possibilities if managers in <strong>Siouxland</strong> all<br />
participated in FREE FOOD FRIDAYS? Morale would be<br />
boosted and absenteeism would take a nosedive…at least<br />
until early afternoon. I heard Tulsa, Oklahoma recently<br />
enacted an initiative targeted to individuals working<br />
remotely where they could dole up a $10,000 bonus to<br />
stimulate the economy. Just imagine if Sioux City became<br />
the work for food capital of the country? Retention<br />
bonuses in the form of Charley Boys, Sneaky’s Chicken<br />
and La Juanita’s every Friday.<br />
Free Food Friday. Are your ready for it?<br />
Tony Michaels, KSUX Morning Show guy /<br />
avid eater / Taylor Swift apologist<br />
Paid advertisement.