Those of us of a certain age, as they say, remember Bobby McFerrin's song "Don't Worry, Be Happy." And while that might be a personal philosophy on how one should live, to many it doesn't make sense as a business strategy.
Rehoboth Beach, Del.-based homebuilder Schell Brothers says their success is because their business strategy is based on happiness, the happiness of their employees. And in turn, that has led to sales success for the company and its individual workers.
The company points out that most of its competition (actually, many companies across all industries) cut back or cut out morale-building activities such as team trips and holiday parties in an effort to cut costs. Schell Brothers did exactly the opposite, increasing its company activities and perks in 2010, along with hosting a homeowner appreciation dinner party for over 500 guests.
As a result, the homebuilder declared, it more than doubled its sales and profits for 2010.
The company believes that when a team truly enjoys working together, they can achieve just about anything, regardless of market conditions.
Dan Kauffman, a salesman for Schell Brothers, said after winning an award from the National Association of Home Builders, "When you work for a company that has our kind of culture, it is impossible not to be attracted to it. And when people find that kind of happiness, they will purchase a home no matter what the market is doing."
Owner Chris Schell holds company meetings on the beach and encourages excellence and creativity among his team. He declared, "American Business has become so focused on profit as the only objective that decisions are often made without consideration for the effect on morale and culture. Employee morale and company culture are far more critical to a company's success than saving a few dollars by cost cutting measures.
"Ironically, we've increased our profit during the downturn precisely because we didn't focus on profit...we focus purely on the happiness of our team and our customers...everything else just seems to take care of itself."
