Going the extra mile worth it in California

By SELWYN PARKER

If any New Zealand companies think they are as good to their staff as Californian systems engineering consultancy, Scitor, let us know.

This is a company that spends $US7 million ($13.7 million) on "be our guest" bonuses for employees who go the extra mile. The bonuses range from $US100 to $US800 and can be cashed in for anything from a sumptuous dinner out or saved up for a consumer durable like a fridge.

Managers don't have to approve these bonuses; indeed most of them are signed off by co-workers.

On top of "be our guest" rewards, managers are encouraged to give $1000 to $1500 in straight cash to staff if clients are so impressed with the service they have received that they ring up or write a letter of praise.

"People can get a salary anywhere, but only good things can come from giving them a little more," explains company president Terry Petrzelka.

If this sounds like a system that's wide open to abuse, maybe Americans are more honest than us. Scitor's 1999 revenues were $US153 million and are growing at 28 per cent.

* Contributing writer Selwyn Parker is available at wordz@xtra.co.nz