Compensation: Long Time Coming
Lawry’s Restaurants offers benefits to hourly employees to keep those who want a career.
By Mary Boltz Chapman, Editor-in-Chief -- Chain Leader, 5/1/2007
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It’s not unusual to find servers at Lawry’s Restaurants who have been with the company for 15, 20 or even 25 years. In fact, Vice President of Human Resources Carolyn Goldsberry tells of a server who retired from Tam O’Shanter a few years ago after working there 43 years.
“We want co-workers to think of us as a career choice,” says Goldsberry, a 26-year veteran of the Pasadena, Calif.-based company, which owns three full-service concepts--Tam O’Shanter, Five Crowns and four-unit Lawry’s the Prime Rib--as well as fast-casual Lawry’s Carvery. “And when you are thinking about a career, you need to have certain things as part of that equation, and benefits is one of them.”
Benefits of Membership
Unit-level co-workers who work 25 hours a week are eligible for medical, dental and vision care, short- and long-term disability, and a 401(k) after six months of employment. They also receive paid vacation, sick days, bereavement and jury duty, plus a 50 percent dining discount and an available credit union.
Lawry’s also recognizes long-term tenure. When workers reach 15 years of service, they become members of the Heritage Club; and once a member, always a member, even if you leave. The company holds an annual luncheon for the group to celebrate, recognize and bring together new members and old. Members also receive a free dinner for two at one of the restaurants.
Goldsberry says one of the benefits of being a small company is that it’s easy to communicate with all of the employees. Each year, she presents meetings that explain open enrollment and reminds workers of all the benefits they qualify for.
By the Numbers
Lawry’s efforts to retain its employees is working. Companywide turnover in 2006 was 41 percent, including corporate staff and the fast-casual Lawry’s Carvery, which has a higher rate because it is limited service and employs younger workers.
“We really do believe that if you offer individuals a strong benefits package, along with a good place to work, competitive pay, good communication and fair treatment, individuals will stay with you,” Goldsberry says.Measuring Up: Mazzio’s Italian Eatery keeps top-performing managers around by offering bonuses tied to unit performance.
Benefits of Culture: California Pizza Kitchen’s benefits help retain managers by being true to the company’s culture.
Bang for the Buck: Applebee’s gives managers the nontraditional benefits that employees feel have the most value.
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