Together, The Bay Way Part 2

(Preview)  This article is the second in a two-part series that shares an inside look at the workplace culture of Bay & Bay Transportation. Part one focused on the cultural norms that attract new talent to Bay & Bay. Part two examines the factors that contribute to employee satisfaction and retention.  

Together, the Bay Way 
Workplace Culture at Bay & Bay Transportation (Part 2) 
This article is the second in a two-part series that shares an inside look at the workplace culture of Bay & Bay Transportation. Part one focused on the cultural norms that attract new talent to Bay & Bay. Part two examines the factors that contribute to employee satisfaction and retention.
Employee satisfaction & retention – beyond dollars and cents
One of the most enduring principles of human resource management is that it’s less expensive to keep good employees than to hire new ones. According to the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM), the total estimated cost to hire a new employee can be three to four times the salary for that same position.  At Bay & Bay, employee satisfaction and retention is about much more than dollars and cents. Taking care of employees is embedded in our core values. We focus daily on driver safety and the wellbeing of all employees. We have a work environment where respect for each other is a top priority. We have fun and thrill our customers and coworkers with our passion and enthusiasm. And by doing these things, we minimize turnover by creating an amazing employee experience. It’s who we are, and it’s how we attract and retain employees for the long haul.  “Work hard, be kind” – setting expectations for workplace behavior
Everyone at Bay & Bay has heard the phrase work hard, be kind. It’s part of our new hire orientation because we want employees to understand and embrace this attitude from day one.  Here are some examples of what we mean by work hard, be kind:
► Communicate positively & consistently with each other 
► Demonstrate RESPECT
► Extend TRUST
► LISTEN first
► Keep COMMITMENTS
► No Surprises
► Recognize and thank others. Demonstrate appreciation. 
We believe these guidelines help build camaraderie and inspire employees to bring out the best in each other.  Employee benefits and perks
Bay & Bay offers a generous benefits package and a great set of perks including an extra day of time off for employees’ birthdays, and a wellness room that can be used by new mothers or as a quiet space for rest. Bay & Bay also provides a free fitness center for all employees and a lounge for drivers to relax and unwind during downtime, play pool or chat with loved ones. These spaces offer a place to decompress and enjoy some of the comforts of home at work.   
Employee referral program
Bay & Bay’s employee referral program is a great way for staff to earn extra cash while helping the company fill open positions. Employees are encouraged to refer qualified candidates from their personal network. If the candidate becomes an established member of the Bay & Bay team, the referrer is eligible for a bonus. It's a win-win-win for current employees, new hires, and Bay & Bay.
Community connections
Bay & Bay has deep ties to the communities where it conducts business. One of the ways we show support for local businesses and help employees get acclimated to a new location is by providing a list of nearby banks, ATMs, restaurants, post offices, gas stations, supermarkets, and “big box” stores. When people are comfortable with their surroundings, they feel like members of a community, and they are more likely to pass that support on to others.  Bay & Bay also takes great pride in supporting our local communities and charities. We are passionate about working with nonprofits such as Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge, the Special Olympics, Wreaths Across America, and Healing Waters.  Teamwork vs. partnership -– building a culture of support
For many organizations, “teamwork” is the word used to describe the coordinated action of a group. At Bay & Bay, we prefer the word “partnership.” The goal of a partnership is to intentionally help another person or group to be as successful as they can be, and that’s what our culture aims to do. When individuals can reach their full potential and feel like partners, there’s no limit to how far the organization can go. 
Every workplace is a tapestry of unique and dynamic people, so building a culture that brings everyone together to achieve common goals can be challenging. But it is so rewarding! By setting clear expectations around how we treat each other and creating a sense of partnership through social events and community engagement, Bay & Bay continues to build a work environment where people are eager to join and stay for many years to come. Often, it’s for the rest of their careers. 
If this type of environment sounds attractive to you, please visit our website and learn how to join our team!