As spring baseball season approached southwest Florida, the sweet smell of cut grass, boiled hot dogs and stadium music were highly anticipated when Barron Collier Companies’ Social Committee announced a Family Baseball Night at Fort Myers’ Hammond Stadium.
It was a gorgeous evening for 80+ employees and their immediate friends and families to fill the Sky Deck – the most sought-after seating area because of its great views for the game – and indulge on ball game food favorites. Every attendee received a complimentary BCC T-Shirt to wear, making an evident impression company comradery was just as fierce as the Mighty Mussels’ pitcher throws.
Cheering on the home team while making new memories together made it an enjoyable night for many, especially for employees who brought along their grandchildren. Peninsula Engineering Geomatics Manager, Lance Miller, says it was special to take his daughter, son-in-law and grandkids to a social event his company organized.
“I share with my family how my workdays are and what’s new with the team, but this time around, they experienced themselves how good it is to be a Barron Collier employee… It’s not just the once-a-year holiday party to look forward to, there’s always something going on to keep us [BCC staff] connected with each other,” said Miller. “We had a great time at the game!”
According to Harvard Business Review, employee engagement is crucial to creating a positive company culture, where dedication, enthusiasm for the job and high performance all influence the attitude of the employee and their outlook on workplace engagement. Harvard’s study concluded employees prefer workplace wellbeing more than material benefits.
“People are more than just their work,” said Sara Marquez, Social Committee Co-Chair. “Feedback we receive from staff is that they appreciate the opportunities of getting to know others more.”
Networking between departments is a continuous goal for BCC’s staff committees (Social, Professional Development, Wellness and Philanthropy) when aiming to boost employee engagement, learning each other’s skills and celebrating others’ successes.
“It’s important to create a culture of appreciation,” said HR Director Jamie Thompson.
From watching the innings, enjoying the best of ballpark food, and creating never-ending laughs and conversations, the occasion was its own home run as staff and families connected.
“It’s humbling to organize events for our employees because it shows BCC values them and their families,” said Marquez. “Our committee hopes the evening created positive relationship building for staff companywide.”
