BUILDING TRUST AMONG CLIENTS AND STAKEHOLDERS In getting employees to coalesce around employee ownership, R&K has created a vital unique selling proposition to stand out in its industry. “Our stakeholders typically demand trust and communication, which is a full-time job… they understand that our employees are in it for the common good of not just R&K but also of the client,” Quigley explains. The concept of employee ownership translates into a higher level of trust and commitment. Simply, when businesses realize that R&K is 100% employee-owned, they immediately recognize an intrinsic difference in governance. When clients interact with R&K, they know they are dealing with owners who are deeply invested in the client’s and company’s success. And thanks to R&K’s attractive status as an ESOP and employee commitment, the company has a lot of success to show for it. R&K has received numerous accolades for its commitment to employee ownership and excellence. Notable awards include the ESOP Association’s awards for communication excellence in printed material and intranet categories, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter’s Employee-Owned Company of the Year, and national recognition for individual employees. These awards show R&K’s dedication to fostering an engaged, knowledgeable, and motivated workforce, and only reflect the long-lasting relationships the company has built on trust and mutual benefit. Despite having such rock-solid partnerships, it’s important to note that the criteria for selection apply to both sides of the equation. R&K is selective in its choice of suppliers, prioritizing value, reliability, ethical practices, and alignment with company values. “We need the best value from our suppliers. Their capability, their reliability… it’s important that they all employees. Employees also attend conferences and webinars focused on the concepts and the tenets of employee ownership. The company even dedicates an entire month, every October, to furthering education and engagement around employee ownership and bringing the team together. 114 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 07
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx