By John Greenya

Photo: Chuck Wagner

Employee retention is critical in any business. We are constantly working to find creative ways, not only to keep our valuable employees, but to help them. Recently, we upgraded our health insurance plan and our provider wanted to know why we did not have more participation in the plan. After talking with other business owners, we found out that some

Download the Newsletter Available in Adobe Acrobat format. Get the free Acrobat reader. Spring 2008 • Congressional Cemetery Renovates and Celebrates—History and Community • Wagner Project Manager Returns To His Alma Mater • Employees: Our Best Asset Spring 2007 • Wagner Slaters Restore 1803 Steeple Winter 2007 • "New" Clyde's Uses 18th & 19th Century Structures Summer 2007 • Most Important Project Underway at Walter Reed Spring 2007 • Wagner Slaters Restore 1803 Steeple Winter 2007 • "New" Clyde's Uses 18th & 19th Century Structures

Spanish-speaking employees were reluctant and fearful to sign up for anything. After making a presentation in Spanish about the health insurance plan and increasing the employer contribution from 50% to 75%, we doubled the employee participation! Everyone benefits.

Our 401K program allows all employees to save for their future retirement starting ninety days after their hire date. They are fully vested from the first day of participation.

We pay $.50 for every $1 they contribute, up to 6% of their salary. In addition, at the end of the year, we make a profit-sharing contribution to the 401K plan that is distributed to all the participants in the plan.

Last year for the first time, we offered free English classes at our offices, and we are pleased to say that we have already graduated our first class. We will be offering these classes on an ongoing basis.

Helping our employees with health benefits and saving for their future rewards us all.