Feeding your crews?

[Noel]

I started something 5-6 weeks ago just to see how it would go. I noticed that the guys were not always bringing lunch, or bringing crappy food from the gas station to work. Some days they wouldn't eat lunch, other days they would stop between jobs and grab a heart attack in a sack from somewhere.
I decided to start stocking the kitchen at the shop with groceries every week--simple stuff for sandwiches, chips, fruit, granola bars, etc., and let them make a good lunch each day. They benefit by getting a decent lunch, I benefit by them being better fed, and not losing time spent at fast food places or convenience stores all the time.
It costs between 2 and 3 dollars per employee per day when I average it out, so I'm spending $60-70 per week for all of us.
I'm just curious what you all think of this. Am I spoiling them by doing what they should be doing on their own? They all really like having it there, of course, but I may have to set some more rules, like not coming in and chowing down in the mornings before work, etc. Input?

 

[KyLimbwalker]

I like your style, Noel. Thinking outside the box. Pus, you don't have to pay WC or Social security on that expense.

 

[emr]

My old boss would buy us candy and soda once in a while and keep it at the shop. It was nice for moral until we were told we couldnt get equipment that we needed because we couldnt afford it. I never understood how he could afford to spend several hundred dollars on candy and soda for us during the summer but then when we would need a saw or some rope.... no funds. I would say that what you are doing is very nice and thoughtful, just make sure you still get your crews the equipment they "need" or they could end up holding it against you.

 

[Jamin_Mayer]

Noel, I like the idea. As an employer I know you want your guys fueled up for work. And eating lots of food is a must in this line of work.

But, I'd let them know (if they don't already) your motives and that you'd like to keep it temporary. Lay down your expectations and have them provide their own food once again. Unless, of course, you really like the idea and you'd like to continue...

I had an employer buy me lunch all of the time in the past. I had mixed feelings about it: One hand, I really appreciated it. On the other hand, I felt sort of like I was abusing my privlage.

 

[NeTree]

I think it's a great idea.

 

[rfwoodvt]

Before I get too deep here, I have no problem with the individual who chooses not to take a mid day meal. But there is a serious problem with the individual who simply cannot, or will not come prepared to work.

An old quote is great, "their lack of planning and preparation does not constitute an emergency on my part."

I've seen a number of different companies consider providing meals as a means of "taking care" of their people. There is a fine line between providing a "perk" or "convenience" versus coddling. As my wife often says to her employees, "I am not your mamma!"

Feeding children and changing diapers go hand in hand, and I am not about to start changing employee's diapers!

That said, our company policy does not allow us use the company trucks to "run to the store" to get something for lunch so if they have nothing they either have to pack or hoof it to a store and be back in time or they go without.

However,and this is a HUGE however, I have started buying lunch for the crew on a fairly regular basis.

The first time I did it was because we were behind the 8-ball and it was my fault.

We started the job late, it was Friday, it had to be finished then and there was not going to be enough daylight left if we broke for lunch.

So, I ran to Micky-D's and grabbed a bunch of stuff from the dollar menu and brought it back for the crew. They not only loved it, they ended up working more effectively than I had seen in a long time.

A second time, we were moving very slow on a job that needed to be finished quicker than they were moving. So, I laid a challenge, I'd buy lunch if they finish by 12:30. I even sweetened the deal saying I'd give them paid lunch if they finished by 12:15.

That worked like a charm!

Though we don't provide lunch daily, the guys are better at packing their own now because they find eating a decent meal helps make the day go better and because they don't know when or if I'll buy.

Since I have begun offering lunch challenges their morale and effectiveness have improved.

And it really doesn't cost me a whole heck of a lot.

The guys know the drill, if I buy lunch it will be at Mickey-D's, they can only order off the Dollar menu but they can order as much as they want as long as they can finish it there. (I was finding funky burgers under the seats of the trucks!)

Believe it or not they have yet to not jump at the chance and I have yet to spend more than $30 on lunch.

The crew all walk away full and ready to go for the afternoon.

With the side salads, chicken and other stuff most of them also eat pretty healthy too!

Heck, I usually get two side salads, an iced tea and a Mc Chicken that I cut up and put into the salad. That is $4.36 and I walk away full!

Anyhoo, just my two pennies worth!

 

[GlennButler]

[ QUOTE ]
They benefit by getting a decent lunch, I benefit by them being better fed, and not losing time spent at fast food places or convenience stores all the time.


[/ QUOTE ]

Noel, that's an interesting idea and if it's mutually beneficial, then it should be worthwhile. Is this something you're willing to do as you add employees?

Please give us some monthly updates on this program.

 

[Paul Biester]

I think on its face it seems great!! Emotionally it seems great!!! My deep thoughts on this are that like any entitlement program there will be a boatload on unforseen negatives!!! Wait til the first time you cant make it to the grocery store!!! I am not ripping you at all ,I like the idea!! I just think you are breeding a sense of entitlement!!

 

[southsoundtree]

I'm with Taitree on this. The value menu seems good, aside from long term health, as most of the crew will likely be getting burgers/ fries/ soda-pop, not chicken salad.

What about if you can't make it to the drive-thru for an all-day job?

I contend with this issue myself.

I tell my crew that if they don't have a little food left over at the end of the day, they didn't bring enough. They may not agree, but is seems like if I didn't "bring" enough in their paycheck.

I try to keep a stockpile of Odwalla bars in the truck for BACKUP. Safeway has them on sale for $1 often times. Fred Meyer usually has low prices on energy bars. I would rather pay them reasonably, expect that they bring enough food for all day, everyday, then supplement for the occasions that they run short. Even a loaf of bread and PB&J would be easy.

They work hard and need energy, for sure. I think that it can get to be babysitting them, then, as Taitree mentions, if you don't bring the food one day, you're the bad guy/ at fault.

 

[Paul Biester]

It is a real shame,but I think human nature is such that it would start out as them really appreciating what you re doing and even telling their friends and family what a great guy you are.But after a while, when they get "used" to it,it becomes an entitlement.I have had this experience first hand w other things!
I was gonna do a similar thing w drinks.Fill up the company fridge w some Gatorade,vitamin water etc.My thought was to perhaps buy it wholesale and put a kitty on top of the fridge with a price list.Only charging what it costs .This would save everyone money and time but would also keep the sense of entitlement out of the equation.Still have not done it yet>

 

[Cameron]

I starved my guys on Saturday. We were spread out with two crews and I couldn't find the time to stop to feed them. I always buy lunch and felt bad that I didn't. Between getting diffent trucks and helping out time flew buy. I did buy them wawa sauage muffins for breakfast though.

When I was eating mine I happened to look at the bottom of the box for the nutriton facts, let me say I'll never eat one again. And I was dragging and carting wood like a maniac just to burn it off, lol.

 

[Jman]

As far as the drinks in the fridge its a good idea. I will tell you that I don't carry cash on me every often so I'll go a week or two of using the drinks and then dump more than I took just because I'm late with paying the kitty. I guess it depends on the type of people you have at an office/shop if this is a good idea or not.

The food is a bit over the top for me. Its part of my job to bring food to work. Or thats how I look at it.

 

[Dan_Watkins]

i think its a great idea, might build a little moral and help break a boss/employee boundary.

 

[rfwoodvt]

The trick is having a crew that understands the whats and whys of the benefit; whether it be food, lift tickets or other perks.

Human nature, being what it is, dictates that we always want more for less and that we are inclined to take when we feel we are not receiving enough.

Not everyone acts on that urge to take and not everyone perceives a need to take in the same situations.

But once people come to expect something and for whatever reason it becomes unavailable human nature also inclines us to take it out on the provider, regardless of their reasons for not delivering.

As employers, if you give your crews something on a regular basis, you have pretty much committed yourself to that for the duration, whether we like it or not. Stock a fridge for a month? You gotta keep stocking it. Otherwise it will cost you in myriad ways when you stop.

All that said, I'm still having great success in using the lunch as an incentive program. Each day is different and not all days give us an opportunity to step out of our comfort zone to grow. But when they do, everyone walks away feeling good about themselves, the accomplishment and a free lunch!

More importantly, there seems to be an improvement in self esteem when someone earns the bonus.

Anyhow, again, my 2 pennies worth.

 

[BarnHouse]

Lift tickets.....now that's a sweet benefit!

 

[southsoundtree]

[ QUOTE ]
I starved my guys on Saturday. We were spread out with two crews and I couldn't find the time to stop to feed them. I always buy lunch and felt bad that I didn't. Between getting diffent trucks and helping out time flew buy. I did buy them wawa sauage muffins for breakfast though.

When I was eating mine I happened to look at the bottom of the box for the nutriton facts, let me say I'll never eat one again. And I was dragging and carting wood like a maniac just to burn it off, lol.

[/ QUOTE ]

Delivery food? Pizza, etc? If they expect the food, it becomes tough.

 

[southsoundtree]

From a reward perspective/ token of appreciation, I think that irregular perks can keep them from expecting it and depending on it. Who won't eat a burger or some pizza or tacos or take a gatorade, even if they brought a whole day's food. I doubt that it will go to waste amongst the whole crew if and leftovers are available to anyone that wants them (helps avoid the week old burger found under the seat).





As far as making sure the crew is well fed, it seems like you just need to check up on the guys intermittently.

If I have to run out, I'll usually ask if the guys need/ want anything. I don't criticize them if they say, "willya grabs some burgers, we're burning a lot of energy." Again, I try to stock some back up energy bars in the truck that are available by the box or on sale for about a buck a piece if you look around.

I'll always tell the guys if we will be at a rental property (the most likely situation to not have faucets available to refill water if they don't bring a whole day's supply, and if we will be far from any place to get some food, like if we are working in a rural area, or in a country club where there is a long drive into the house with security gates, etc.

 

[Paul Biester]

i actually like to buy lunch once in a while as a moral booster,and a way of bonding over a meal.I however like to mix it up to keep it fresh.try to keep the guys guessing !!
sometimes breakfast like on a rain day,sometimes pizza out on a job,if they really kick tail maybe a sit down at a little lunch joint!!

 

[fordman]

I agree with a few of you. Isnt it part of my job to come prepared for my day? so then isnt not having my lunch the same as me not having my climbing gear? With that said it is still nice to get a treat every now and then to thou.

 

[kellyp]

here's an interesting twist...as the only woman (always) on the crew i find myself providing snacks, drinks, etc for my woebegone coworkers. at first, it was kind of amusing, but i quickly realized that this was normal for them; that it was not unusual for them to have skipped coffee and breakfast, as well as not bring water or lunch or snacks, and i was mystified, because they were clearly hungry and grumpy. i live and work in an urban area, so we were usually somewhere near places to eat, and shop, and i didn't understand the self neglect. i think it was just a pattern they had developed. and i think they underestimated the effects of fatigue on their concentration, and on their decision making, not to mention their personalities.
now for the rest of the interesting twist! having a woman around seemed to make it ok to take a break, maybe even find a place with a real restroom sometimes! soon enough they were asking me if i was ready to go to lunch...and they were the first ones into the restrooms!
if i am working a job and i hire a guy to work with me i try to send him off to get some food, (i just love sending them out to get my coffee! no sugar!) because i find they usually don't have anything with them, and they won't say anything about it. women, i hate to generalize here, but, they tend to come better prepared in this regard.
i know how it is to get all task oriented up in the tree, and how it is to forget about eating and drinking, but not taking a break should be the exception rather than the norm. i think workers should be encouraged to take care of themselves, and unless meals are explicitly mentioned as part of the package, i think it might be better if they were more special and occasional rather than provided on a daily basis.