A recent survey of members asked numerous questions that generated a range of responses. But one thing especially stood out within a word cloud that was generated from responses to the open-ended question, “What do you like best about your JCC experience?”
It was not a surprise that the numerous answers included friendly, pool, people, and fitness. But one answer stood above the rest: staff.
Receiving those results was indeed timely as today, September 4, we closed the entire facility in order to host a long-planned-for Staff Appreciation Day.
This “word cloud” generated by a recent member survey reflects and compares the importance of various words used by survey respondents to answer the question, “What do you like best about your JCC experience?”
Investing in people
“Closing our doors for a day is a significant investment for The J,” says CEO Brooke Bowles. “But investing in our people matters most. We want every member of our staff to know that they are valued by members and management and that their work matters. Making space for relationships and connection is important enough for us to protect the time to do it.”
The relaxed but packed day began with a catered breakfast that was also attended by some board members. The following two hours were an opportunity for staffers to try a variety of activities ranging from learning mahjong to getting a massage, playing pickleball, and videogaming.
A catered lunch was followed by an entertaining improv comedy show and a competitive trivia contest hosted by local Birmingham Mountain Radio celebrity Will Lachamy.
Avery Austin, a member of the Shalom Squad who also handles facility rentals, was excited about spending the day getting to know her coworkers. Highlights from the day included time in the pool and some delicious cheesecake. “I really enjoyed being able to do things I can’t usually do when I’m clocked in.”
Demonstrating values
The day ended at the pool, with awards given to the following staffers who were voted on by their peers in the morning:
- Zoe Weil received the Kehillah Award for her demonstrated “special gift for bringing people together.”
- Juliyanne Rutherford earned the Kavod Award for “consistently treating every person with kindness and dignity.”
- Crystal Scott was given the Lev Tov Award for “leading by caring, helping, and putting others first.
- Cindy Calvert got the Simcha Award for “bringing warmth, laughter, enthusiasm, and genuine joy to the workplace.”
- Kirsten “Coach K” Thomas received the Or Award for “bringing light and encouragement to the people around her.”
Brooke reflected on the day: “I hope today gave all of us a chance to step away from our usual roles, connect with people we don’t see enough, laugh a lot, and remember that while each of us has a different job at The J, we are one team.”
Check out these photos from the day
Click on each image to enlarge
