While Du Page employers can`t boast of a cafeteria with a mountain view, volleyball and basketball courts, like those enjoyed by associates of Utah`s Word Perfect Corp., a firm famed for its happy workers, the benefits available to part-timers throughout the county are noteworthy.
Irene Potocki, vice president of Oakbrook Interviewing Center Inc., says her part-time employees earn monthly bonuses based on productivity. They also qualify for paid holidays and a paid vacation after one year. There is opportunity for advancement among the part-timers, who number 85 percent of the total staff, including both their Oak Brook and Naperville locations.
”We want our people to be happy, because happy employees make a successful business,” Potocki said. ”We`ve grown from four employees in 1986 to 50 currently.”
Potocki said that associates who take a leave of absence can be rehired.
Mac Harris, director of human resources for Spiegel Inc., spoke enthusiastically of the benefits available to Spiegel`s part-time employees in Du Page County.
”Of the six catalog outlets and two retail specialty stores in the county, over 60 percent of our people are part time. Naturally they make use of the 20 percent discount at all Spiegel stores and catalog, and after 12 months they are eligible for insurance benefits.”
He added that educational reimbursement is available for qualified employees and there are regular performance appraisals and promotional opportunities.
”After a year of service, our part-time people participate in either a pension plan or profit sharing,” Harris said.
With 17 branches in Du Page County, West Suburban Bank counts 40 percent of its employees as part time.
”Flexibility in hours is one of the greatest benefits we have to offer our part-time people,” said Julie Young, personnel director of the bank.
”After 90 days our employees are reviewed and are eligible for a raise. If they work 20 hours or more a week, they can begin participating in profit sharing after one year,” Young said.
