Original Date: 07/14/1997
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

Thermacore promotes a family atmosphere in which people are considered valuable assets for sustaining a high level of commitment between the company and its employees. The company has adopted various practices which support and encourage this approach. One of these is the fast payroll cycle. The company’s pay dates are the next business day after the 15th and the next business day after the end of the month. Pay records and checks are processed in- house by the administrative and accounting personnel. Time records are submitted by 8:30 A.M. on pay day. Dedicated staff has the payroll completed and ready for distribution by early afternoon. This process provides employees with prompt payment for work done; gives the company timely and current accounting information; and offers a more personal approach than using an outside vendor for payroll.

Thermacore’s basic approach to maintaining a family atmosphere is to keep the work environment informal, and eliminate potential barriers between employees. Friday is designated as “dress down” day where everyone can wear casual clothing. Additionally, engineers and factory floor personnel can dress casually every day except on visitor days. The company has only one lunch/breakroom in the plant which provides a convenient place for all employees to mingle and interact. Leaders and managers make a point to frequent this area, as well as the work areas, so they can interact and communicate with employees. Thermacore also frequently sponsors special events such as holiday parties, summer outings, impromptu pizza lunches, and other activities. The overall attitude in the facility is one of sharing, caring, and smiling.

Recognizing that people are its most important asset, Thermacore takes great care to configure the company around individuals in numerous ways. Praise for jobs well done is freely given, and management seeks to recognize good performance. Communication is promoted and encouraged at all levels. Employees are motivated to voice their opinion because they know Thermacore values their ideas. In addition, employees are urged to work as much as necessary and, in return, receive liberal flexibility by the company for structuring their schedules. Although no formal suggestion program exists, employees can initiate an improvement project by obtaining approvals, soliciting funding, and implementing their ideas.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.