“All work and no play” is NOT the AG Way

by | May 12, 2023 | Newsworthy, The AG Team

all work and no play is NOT the AG Way
AG is not a family-owned business, but we think of ourselves as a modern family. We are known for our hard work and dedication to our clients, but we also like to have a lot of fun. In fact, several years ago we developed a committee to focus on fun. Well, the committee addresses a number of company culture initiatives with personnel enrichment as a priority—the Personnel Enrichment Committee. This internal team has developed a variety of events that bring everyone in the company together to eat, drink, laugh, play and celebrate. And when Covid prevented group gatherings, thoughtful gift packages and treats were delivered to lift spirits and maintain a sense of camaraderie.

“It’s one thing to hear you’re doing a good job, but when your company regularly schedules outings to show their appreciation for your hard work you know you work somewhere special,” says AG Team Member Chad Krueger. “Each outing is a reminder of how AG values its employees and is a great way to bring everyone together.”

From paddleboats and pumpkin carving to indoor miniature golf and cookie decorating, there has been a long list of fun, festive, creative and competitive activities. In 2022, the list included a scavenger hunt, WhirlyBall, bowling and even glass blowing. The AG Team enjoyed a private movie theater experience to kick off the 2023 activities and most recently headed to Broken Bat Brewery for an afternoon of wiffle ball and beer.

“All work and no play…is well, tiring,” says AG Team Member Dave Manke. “Getting out and being able to be active is good for our minds and our body. It’s fun to see coworkers in a different way. The wiffle ball outing was something I probably would not do on my own, so I welcomed the opportunity. This and the WhirlyBall outing also had a focus on team building. While we have teams within the office it was great to get mixed and matched with people we don’t get to work with on a daily basis.”

Senior Associate Hailey Schwobe agrees, “These events are such a great way to relax and really get to know our coworkers on a personal level. Our jobs require a lot of cooperation and coordination and being comfortable around our coworkers helps us do that better.” She also particularly enjoyed the wiffle ball and WhirlyBall outings. “I love the energy that a little friendly competition brings to the group.”

The Personnel Enrichment Committee has an ongoing list of great ideas, and they always welcome input from non-committee members. With the unpredictable Wisconsin weather, selections really depend on the time of year and other factors like waiting lists and date availability. According to committee member and director of finance and administration, Cindy Lofy, there are typically 20 to 40 team members participating based on schedules and interest in a specific activity.

“During Covid, our choices were about finding ways to let people know we were thinking of them and value their effort at adjusting to the new norm. It was a way to keep their spirits up,” describes Lofy. “Since our new daily schedule still has a lot of people out of the office on a daily basis it is more about getting together and seeing and talking to each other in a fun atmosphere. We have intentionally kept these employee-only events. They are always during the workday, and it is paid time.”

“AG is all about building a culture of community,” says AG Director of Business Development Katie Miller. “From the home delivery of gourmet ice cream and Super Bowl party kits to whole-office outings to movies, sporting events and other activities, AG creates opportunities for our team to connect and have fun with each other outside of our day-to-day responsibilities.”

These fun activities and treats add to the long list of employee benefits at AG. The firm leadership is committed to providing team members with great projects to work on and rewarding their hard work and dedication. That is why employee retention is high and the company is continuously recognized as a Best Place to Work. It is clear that fun pays and that “all work and no play” is NOT the AG Way.