MysticTwist, the San Francisco recapitulation conglomerate, stresses the concept of teamwork so strongly that all employees are required to refer to their department as their “team” and to their colleagues as their “teammates.” All other words – colleague, co-worker, division, etc. – have been officially banned, according to the employee manual last updated in June.
Anyone caught using the forbidden terminology is subject to disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Still, says Chief Conformation Officer Paula Fimmons, many employees continue to use words like “associate” and “workmate,”
“I know old habits die hard,” she says, “but when you consider what’s at stake I find it astounding that people can’t make such a simple adjustment.”
To eliminate the problem once and for all, effective July 1 the human resources department began awarding gift cards to team members reporting anyone using the forbidden words. Card values start at $50 – and increase to as much as $200 for anyone turning in more than one teammate at a time.
Those who get reported are issued a verbal warning for a first offense. The second time, it’s written. If someone is reported more than twice, their resignation is immediately accepted.
“Cards can be redeemed at over 150 high-end businesses,” says Fimmons, “including retailers and restaurants that most of our team couldn’t normally afford to patronize.” So far, 123 people have been reported – 27 of them more than once – for conversations on or off company premises.
“For some it meant a stern talking to or worse,” says Fimmons. “For others it meant a lovely night out on the company.”
