Zappos is an online shoe store that is currently based in Las Vegas, Nevada. The company has a very unique working environment, which differentiates it from other companies. In general, call centre employees tend to be stressed out at work because of the customers they are dealing with. Zappos creates a warm and friendly atmosphere through a variety of ways: employee orientations, free food, employee gatherings, medical benefits and healthy relationships. As a result, employees aren’t as tense at work.
Although Zappos is creating a warm environment, some of these initiatives are expensive. Is it worth it to spend money on employee benefits? Personally, I believe it is worthwhile. From my perspective, it is important that employees are happy in their working conditions. This helps a business run smoother, and customers are treated more positively. If customers have a good experience with the company, they are likely to return and spread the word to others. Consequently, the company is gaining and retaining customers, which increases its sales. From the video we watched in class, Zappos currently earns 5% profit from their revenue. This value could be increased if Zappos cut the expenses of employee benefits. Although this seems like a good idea, I believe it is better to enforce the company’s values, resulting in an overall positive experience for employees, management and customers.
Works Cited:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/carminegallo/2012/12/26/americas-happiest-employee/