ASB Awarded Work-Life Champions Designation
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| Amy Lamb (from American's Human Resources Department) accepted the Gold Award from officials of the Work-Life Champions organization on January 26, 2006. |
Glenwood, MN—American Solutions for Business (ASB) received top honors at a ceremony recognizing work-life balance initiatives. The awards ceremony held on January 26 in St. Louis Park, Minn. represented Minnesota’s first state-wide awards program spotlighting the efforts of Minnesota businesses to implement programs and practices that create flexible and supportive workplaces.
Four companies, General Mills, American Solutions for Business, Medelia Community Hospital and Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation were awarded Gold Work-Life Champions Awards, each representing one of four categories. ASB represented the large company category (250-999 employees).
Noteworthy efforts made by Gold award recipients include offering flexibility and control over work schedules; employer-paid health premiums; generous holiday and illness leave; and formal systems of communication for employees to express their opinions on issues relating to both organizational operations and how they are treated as employees. Minnesota employers had the opportunity to apply for the 2006 Work-Life Champions Awards during a four-month period in 2005. Applicants in four size categories, based on the number of employees, were evaluated on their organizational culture and leadership; work practices and flexibility; health, wellness and benefits; help with personal and family issues; and a community involvement. Finalists were also evaluated based on a survey that was administered to a random sampling of employees from each company.
“Creating work environments where employees don’t have to choose between doing their job and caring for their family members is increasingly important as our global economy expands,” said Diane Cushman, director of the Office on Economic Status of Women, and advisor to the 2006 Minnesota Work-Life Champions Awards. “Workplaces that acknowledge this and respond by creating benefits, policies and environments that support their employees will see improved morale, productivity and commitment to the success of the business – factors that directly contribute to improved profitability.”
“This award means a lot to us,” said Amy Lamb of ASB’s Human Resource Department. “As employees of American, we all know what a great company this is but to have it validated at this level is really a thrill.”
The Awards program was initiated by a grant from The McKnight Foundation and is managed and organized by the Center for Ethical Business Cultures in conjunction with Work and Family Connection, Inc. For more information visit www.worklifechampions.org
ASB employs nearly 200 individuals at the corporate office in Glenwood, Minnesota and has over 500 sales associates throughout the country. The company is a nationwide distributor of business related items and services including documents, mailing systems, technology, packaging, office supplies, and promotional products. Their Website can be found at www.americanbus.com
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