Best Places to Work Honoree 2022
Organization Name: Shepley Wood Products
Address: 216 Thornton Drive, Hyannis MA 02601
Website: https://shepleywood.com/
Phone: 508-862-6200
Contact Email: vzimmerman@shepleywood.com
Describe in detail the culture of the company and a recent experience supporting that.
Shepley has always recognized its employees as its most important asset. Investing in staff both as people and as professionals is essential to the company’s success and culture. How you invest in people comes in many different forms – competitive compensation, well-rounded benefits, growth and advancement opportunities, and a fun and supportive work environment. One recent example is that Shepley has created a new role of Training and Development Specialist. This new position will be focused on and support a culture of continual and consistent professional development for staff through organized training, informal learning, and organic opportunities.Has the company/organization offered rewards or incentives for great customer service or a positive employee attitude?
Shepley prioritizes recognizing and rewarding stellar performance. While competitive salaries, bonuses, and incentive pools are part of the compensation structure, recognition comes in other forms as well. The Shepley High Five program recognizes above and beyond efforts by employees on any given day and provides prizes for recipients. There is also an effort to reward staff members through continued education and professional associations and conferences.Does the organization offer training for levels of advancement? Is there room for growth?
Absolutely! Shepley looks at training and learning in many different ways and includes both company-wide as well as individual offerings. If you are someone who wants to advance, the opportunities exist to expand your knowledge and skillset and position yourself well for the next role. The environment is open and fluid – employees move across departments and roles regularly – and everyone is guaranteed a fair opportunity. With movement comes support so you are always set up to succeed.Does this organization promote from within, or hire outside when looking for employees?
Shepley always makes its best effort to grow the talent that is already here and provide opportunities for promotion. There is mobility across and up the organization. There is also plenty of opportunities to bring new talent into the organization, as well. The balance of both keeps the workforce dynamic and skilled.Provide an example of how this organization has recently gone above and beyond for an employee, team or client/customer.
Shepley went above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic in several ways, for both employees and the Cape and Islands community. For five months in 2020, Shepley generously purchased lunches for all employees; Shepley also sponsored the creation of Civic Rent beer, made in partnership with Barnstable Brewing Company, the proceeds of which went directly to the community via our friends at Housing Assistance Corporation; Shepley also sponsored a "Graduation Flyover", arranging for a plane to fly across Cape Cod, from Falmouth High School to Nauset High School (Nantucket was done on a separate day), pulling a "Congratulations Class of 2020" banner. In a year when traditional graduations were canceled, it was a special way to celebrate the Seniors of 2020.Communication is key, how effective is the organization at communication with their employees and/or client/customer? *
Communication needs to be consistent and regular. Shepley communicates effectively with staff and customers through a variety of means and styles. For example, what works for our sales team may not be what works for our drivers. Shepley recognizes the importance of having information accessible to our customers and has responded with a robust website, a digital newsletter, and someone always available in person or on the other end of the phone. For staff, there is a weekly HR newsletter and other information is communicated through social media, printed posters, and emails. We also have an open-door policy for both customers and employees at all levels of the organization up to the President’s office.In what ways does the organization give back to their community? Please provide an example.
Shepley has long been recognized as a leader in giving back to the community, particularly in the areas of health, human services, and housing. The Shepley Wide Open, our annual golf tournament, has raised almost one million dollars since its inception in 1996, with all proceeds benefitting local non-profits. Shepley sponsors employee participation in the community through programs such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Habitat for Humanity. The Shepley Charitable Giving program encourages employees to request an annual donation be made to a local organization of their choice and also provides paid time off for volunteer projects.Are you actively hiring/recruiting outside your organization?
Yes