“One of our priorities is to enable an unforgettable day for our guests, but we also work hard to ensure employees’ experiences are as pleasant as possible,” says Matthias Kirch, human resources director at Europa-Park.
The German park takes care of workers with a “Feel Good” health management program, which offers information and support. There is also a wide range of team social activities, from sporting pursuits to barbecue evenings. Staff members can enjoy discounted products and events at Europa-Park.
Shedd Aquarium in Chicago takes every opportunity to “connect people to the workplace, each other, and the animals in our care,” says John Buranosky, director of training and development.
Quarterly events include Department Celebration Open Houses, where Shedd employees, partners, and volunteers get to see what their colleagues do behind the scenes. Members of the facilities department recently held a “fashion show” to talk about their jobs and what they wear to do them. It was a “fun and unconventional” way to engage attendees, says Buranosky.
Birthdays, milestone anniversaries, promotions, and new appointments are all marked. 2019 included a Shedd Spirit Week, culminating in a lunch, a Shedd Bake-Off competition, and senior leadership meet-and-greets.
Shedd helps employees better understand themselves and others through training, including gender awareness best practices and personality assessments. The aquarium also schedules regular connection sessions with the animals. Employees might have the chance to see blacktip shark pups or experience sea lion training. “This encourages all our teams at Shedd to live our mission through curiosity and compassion,” says Buranosky.