Computerworld - With 1,100 IT employees spread over four states and 120,000 square miles, Atlanta-based Southern Co. has to work hard to create a sense of community. But thanks to a two-way communication flow that's the envy of other business units at the energy firm, IT employees feel that their voices are heard and that their most important needs -- including training and flexible work options -- are met.
"In the absence of communication, miscommunication happens," says CIO Becky Blalock. That's why notes from the senior IT leaders' weekly conference call are broadcast to IT employees every Tuesday.
Community involvement isn't just encouraged -- it's expected: Workers are assessed in their performance reviews for their community contributions, and they rate their managers on that score, too. In the past year, IT has joined with five other organizations to build a house for Habitat for Humanity. "If the community we serve is vibrant and growing, our company benefits," Blalock says.
Brandel is a Computerworld contributing writer. Contact her at marybrandel@verizon.net.
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