Going above and beyond
Posted by egehl on December 25, 2008
This week, NBC Nightly News reported on the Sears Company maintaining their successful program of supporting veterans despite these hard economic times. In a time of nonstop scandal, plummeting profits for every sector, and charities struggling to make ends meat this story was a bright spot that resonated. Even when everyone is cutting back, Sears has made the conscious decision to continue their 100 year program to support the military and their families.
There are currently 552 reservists and National Guard members in active duty who remain employed by Sears while they are deployed. Sears pays them the difference between their military and company pay plus all benefits including incentives and merit increases. This program costs Sears $10 million and the company despite a 60% decrease in sales has made the honorable and wise business decision not to cut it. When the military service men and women in this program return home they are able to return to their jobs seamlessly, and that peace of mind is worth as much as the ongoing paycheck.
Anytime we can point out a bright spot in the darkening economic cloud looming above us it is important to highlight, especially when it pertains to our military families and veterans. Veterans have so many challenges when they return home including finding a job that a company like Sears that has instituted such a successful program for military families should be recognized.
businesswom said
That is great. Are there other companies honoring vets? Even in small ways? I saw that Amtrak lets members of the military jump to the head of the line.