Among the many gatherings upended by a global pandemic was the annual holiday party that was a tradition for so many workplaces. Economics have slimmed down many of the gatherings that remain, which can stick out in the budget as a frivolous expenditure. Unless is it baked into the culture as it is at Arrowhead.
Arrowhead is a family-owned company, started by Keith Arnold in 1983. His daughter Katie Prokop stepped into the leadership position in 2003. Culture and tradition run deep at Arrowhead, and the one that runs the deepest is an appreciation of Arrowhead’s employees.
“They know they are valued,” Prokop said in a recent interview. “They are cared for, and any employee can walk into any of the leadership team’s office and have a discussion.”
Prokop believes the holidays offer a perfect time to show appreciation that goes above and beyond the day-to-day. It’s a tradition her family has long been a part of. From her sister Meg, who loved planning company parties in previous years and even enlisted her dog, Dora, to dress up for them, to company leadership that chooses this time of year to recognize employees and highlight their accomplishments. The goal is to take time to demonstrate appreciation for the work employees do every day.
Prokop says the well-being of her employees is always top of mind in her leadership role, which translates into excellent care for Arrowhead’s clients. “If an employee is content and satisfied and likes working where they work, they’re going to take care of their clients.”
Prokop says there are many opportunities to step up in meaningful ways during the holidays. One of her favorite holiday traditions came directly from employees, who noticed some of their colleagues at times were stressed over buying gifts for their children or grandchildren in their care. Arrowhead started a Mitten Tree where employees could pin on a mitten to ask for a gift for a child, and employees could then take a mitten to fulfill that wish. It’s since morphed into the Arrowhead Elves program, which offers a more streamlined process for gifting and receiving.
In addition to purely social festivities, Arrowhead has chosen the holiday season as the time to host an annual company meeting where remote and onsite employees can gather. Employees get an update on the year in review, and a roadmap for the year ahead. To make the time even more meaningful, individual teams are given a budget to plan their own celebrations in addition to the all-company party that sometimes includes families as well.
While the holidays get a spotlight on Arrowhead’s calendar, Prokop says employees and leadership carry the culture of community forward throughout the year. That includes summer outings and a volleyball court that entices company teams to play outside during the warmer months.
While it’s clear Prokop loves these events, she also understands the value maintaining a company culture that consistently demonstrates care for employees. Simply put, employees who feel valued for their contributions to the company reflect that back in their work with their clients.
“For employees, their number one care is their clients,” Prokop said. “We always surround ourselves with really good people. I do believe if you treat them as you want to be treated, it turns out well.”
