Employer Profile

Communication events, reward and recognition programs, and networking activities help unite employees at this food company in Northfield, Ill., the largest in the U.S. Last year, IT employees learned more about the IT function and strategies at more than two-dozen IT-leadership-hosted employee conferences. For the past few years, a team made up of IT employees at all levels has organized and promoted networking and learning events. Surveys are conducted for all these activities to measure their effectiveness and popularity. The IT group has led the introduction of the iPhone into the company and spearheaded initiatives such as employee mobility and social networking. While in the office, employees have wireless access throughout the campuses to meet and work collaboratively. Office phones transfer from desk to cellular or smart devices and advanced videoconferencing using telepresence allows employees to hold virtual meetings. IT employees also piloted improved remote access and smart-device programs. IT employees work remotely on both a full- and part-time basis, with office-sharing agreements. Wikis and blogs help sustain a self-service support model and the sharing of best practices among mobile workers.