14 DAY TRIAL // Association management and professional services firm, SmithBucklin has announced an initiative to give its employees an Apple iPad 2 as a way to reward excellent staff performance.
The company, whose example we believe should be followed by other firms looking to motivate their staff, employs more than 600 workers, with offices in Chicago, Washington, D.C., St. Louis and St. Paul, Minn.
All of the company’s offices and conference rooms are Wi-Fi accessible, which provides employees with the ability to use the iPad 2 wherever they are carrying out their work.
Their goal is not only to reward staff for their excellent work, but to improve productivity and enhance the company’s social media capabilities as well, SmithBucklin said.
Henry S. Givray, SmithBucklin President and CEO said, “Many associations were impacted by the recession and that certainly affected our company. Now that our company is entering a new growth phase, we wanted to do something special for our employees to thank them for staying the course as well as help them continue to embrace social networking.”
“The iPad 2 will make it even easier for our employees to access social media channels and new media,” Givray added. “SmithBucklin already is a technology-savvy company and we are confident the iPad 2 will improve the ability of our employees to help client organizations engage current constituencies and attract new ones.”
Employees did not receive the cheapest model, but rather a 32GB iPad 2 with Wi-Fi networking capabilities.
Staffers can upgrade to the 64GB version, or to one that offers Wi-Fi and 3G (either through Verizon or AT&T) in exchange for a nominal fee.
SmithBucklin also gave a $50 Apple gift certificate to its iPad-wielding staff. The credit is to be used to purchase whatever iPad accessories they may need.
The management firm suggests buying the new magnetic Smart Cover, the digital AV adapter, the camera connection kit or, a wireless keyboard.