In today’s fast-paced work environment, team members’ well-being and personal growth are often overshadowed by the relentless pursuit of corporate goals. However, some organizations are pioneering a holistic approach to team member development, recognizing that a company’s success is intricately linked to the fulfillment and happiness of its workforce. A prime example of this next-level approach is Gutterglove®’s implementation of Matthew Kelly’s renowned Dream Manager program. This program supports team members beyond the workplace with personal fulfillment goals, resources, and support.
Gutterglove® is a people-oriented innovation company focused on products, programs, and technology for the home improvement space. They manufacture gutter guards and accessories designed to protect any home, regardless of roof type or gutter size, with both do-it-yourself and professionally installed product options. Their innovation extends beyond products into new programs and technology that deliver seamless support to customers and contractors nationwide.
Starting in 1996 as a gutter cleaning business, the team at Gutterglove noticed many of the current gutter guards on the market rarely performed as promised. So, they explored new designs, the best materials, and customers’ needs to create an extensive patented portfolio of the highest quality gutter guards available. Gutterglove is now proud to offer the Nation’s Most Trusted Gutter Guards®.
Photo Credit: Gutterglove®
Team member support programs are invaluable in fostering a positive and productive work environment. These programs significantly enhance well-being and morale within the organization by addressing personal and professional challenges, leading to higher job satisfaction. This, in turn, translates to increased productivity as team members, less burdened by personal issues, tend to be more focused and efficient.
These programs also help reduce absenteeism by providing essential support for various personal problems. Often, companies implementing comprehensive support programs see enhanced employee retention rates attributed to improved job satisfaction and loyalty. These programs cultivate a caring and supportive workplace culture, promoting better teamwork and communication.
From an employer’s perspective, while there are initial costs in establishing these programs, they are cost-effective in the long run, reducing expenses related to turnover, absenteeism, and healthcare. In times of crisis, these programs offer crucial support to employees, aiding in crisis management and mitigation, thus protecting the company from potential negative impacts.
The Dream Program
Photo Credit: Gutterglove®
Gutterglove’s implementation of Matthew Kelly’s Dream Manager program, which is part of the overarching Gutterglove Cares® initiative, is more than just an employee benefit; it’s a testament to the company’s commitment to the individual dreams and aspirations of its team members. With a company philosophy of “What matters to you, matters to us”,” this program is designed to help team members become the best versions of themselves, both personally and professionally.
Amy Breshears, Director of People Operations at Gutterglove, explains, “The cornerstone of everything we do at Gutterglove is that ‘We Care.’ It’s reflected in our core values, the programs we’ve created here, and how we interact with our coworkers, customers, and community. ‘We Care’ is more than a statement for Gutterglove. It’s intention, action, and direction.”
Who It’s For
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The Dream Manager program is inclusive, catering to all employees in good standing with Gutterglove. It operates on the belief that everyone has a dream, whether or not they have already identified it. This inclusive approach ensures that every team member feels valued and supported, regardless of background or aspirations.
Types of Dreams Supported
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The Dream Manager Program is unique because it is flexible and open-ended. Whether team members dream of adopting a healthier lifestyle, paying off debt, buying a house, pursuing education, or even making new friends, the program supports them. This flexibility reflects the diverse needs and desires of the workforce, reinforcing the idea that every dream, no matter how big or small, is valid and worthy of pursuit.
Here’s how it works:
- Dream Storm Session
As part of the onboarding process, team members engage in a “Dream Storm” session with the Dream Manager to discuss their personal and professional goals.
- Exploring Life’s Areas
The program encourages team members to consider various aspects of their lives that their dreams might affect. It uses Matthew Kelly’s “The Rhythm of Life” framework, focusing on physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual development.
- Physical: Maintaining adequate rest, diet, and exercise
- Emotional: Developing personal and professional relationships
- Intellectual: Expanding the vision of our world and being a life-long learner
- Spiritual: Developing a sense of peace and asking, “Who am I, and what am I here for?”
- Application and Participation
Team members can apply each year to be part of the formal Dream Program, which includes monthly group sessions and individual efforts toward realizing their dreams.
- Ongoing Support
Even outside the formal program, team members receive continual support from their managers and the Dream Manager, ensuring that pursuing dreams is an integral part of their career at Gutterglove.
Breshears continues, “Gutterglove Cares and the Dream Manager program is a vision. Having been in the business for over twenty years, we’re proud of our legacy and what we’ve accomplished so far and excited about our recent growth, too. New people, new locations, new ideas. Gutterglove Cares is how we care about you now in a way that honors that legacy, but it also represents our vision for the future – to honor those new ideas.”
Gutterglove’s investment and use of the Dream Manager program is a shining example of how companies can and should invest in the holistic development of their employees. By supporting their workforce in pursuing personal dreams and goals, organizations like Gutterglove are enhancing their employees’ lives and fostering a more engaged, motivated, and loyal workforce. This program demonstrates a profound understanding that a company’s success lies not just in financial gains but in the fulfillment and happiness of its people.