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A Daily Dose of the American Dream
by Alan C. ElliottMarch 11
Herman Miller" The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. " :William James
Herman Miller, Inc. produces fine office furniture and systems. Working for a company that makes desks and chairs could be just another job, if it hadn't been for the death of an employee in 1927 named Herman Rummelt. Company founder D. J. De Pree went to visit the man's wife and discovered that the man had been good at handicraft, with beautiful examples throughout the house. He had been a hero in World War I and had written poetry. "I walked away from that house that morning rather shaken up . . . God was dealing with me about this whole thing, the attitude toward working people . . . I had looked on him as a man who was good at fixing mach inery and motors." From that moment, De Pree decided that his company would do something to consider the employee as a whole person. He believed that there was a relationship between the excellence in the way employees were treated, and the excellence of his products.
As a result of De Pree's experience, his company's management direction changed. Innovations such as the "Scanlon Information Meeting" were instituted where employees meet once a month to discuss performance. Today, more than 40 percent of the Herman Miller employees own stock, and the company contribues to a child care referral service, adoption aid and productivity bonuses. One of their manufacturing plants is described in the AIA Journal as "A Splendid Workplace." Even the bottom line has benefited, as Herman Miller continues today to be a highly profitable enterprise that maintains its commitment to both owners and employees.
CONSIDER THIS: Care for your workers, and they will care for you.
This story is adapted from A Daily Dose of the American Dream, by Alan Elliott, published by Rutledge Hill Press. The book contains 366 stories, one for each day of the year.
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Readable history:
ISBN:
978-0-7656-1821-4
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