Editor’s Note:
We have heard from employees over the years what a unique place Terakeet is to work, so we began to reflect on these statements and make an effort to understand what exactly makes our best employees stay, even after years on the job.
Our Director of Human Resources, Jennifer Thornton, credits our people, the excitement that comes with the evolution of the company, and our unique benefits with her decision to stay after 6+ years on the job. In particular, she notes the positive impact that Terakeet’s flexible work arrangement has on her and her time spent with family, especially in the midst of a global pandemic and shifting workplace trends. Read some of her thoughts below!
At Terakeet, we are always striving to evolve: to be better than we were yesterday. While change can be challenging, it is also fun and exciting. There is so much opportunity; I am always able to run with new ideas and contribute in a variety of ways. Many professionals are expected to stay in their proverbial lanes at work. At Terakeet, there are many avenues to use my skills and strengths to engage and serve in other areas of the business; it is very rewarding.
Our people are second to none; I love getting in the trenches with this smart, talented team every day. Also, our benefits are unparalleled — some of which I can’t imagine being without at this point in my life. In particular, I greatly value our employer-paid health insurance, paid time off, and flexible work benefits. These benefits really support and nurture my family life.
My sister is a young, career-minded professional with her first child on the way; she loves to support my children’s interests and always asks me to send along their schedules for their various sporting events so she may attend a few. Upon sending one of the schedules last fall, she asked me how working parents can possibly attend all of these events, many of which start in the late afternoon. I was able to tell her, “I’m fortunate enough to work for Terakeet, where I can work my schedule around the other things that are really important to me.” It was a poignant reminder, and her reaction really made me appreciate that I don’t have to worry about missing these moments with my family in the same way that other working parents might. Since the onset of the current pandemic, although these extracurricular activities have ceased, this flexibility has remained paramount; it’s allowed me to effectively support distance learning for my children and nurture their physical and emotional health.
I’m very proud of the people and benefits philosophies employed at Terakeet, as I’ve been fortunate to have been involved — along with countless others — in shaping them. One of the things that I’ve seen in the wake of COVID-19 is that good companies are truly embracing the importance of transparent and consistent communication, flexible and remote work arrangements, and approaching their teams from a place of compassion and empathy. This awakening has been particularly validating, as these have been long-held and practiced philosophies at Terakeet. Because of this, Terakeet was able to respond to the global pandemic in swift, appropriate, and meaningful ways, and — as an employee — I count myself as one of the beneficiaries.
I’m grateful to have landed at this company, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for all of us!
We’re so grateful to ‘Keeters like Jenni for continuing to grow with us – and it’s always awesome to hear how our employees are using their benefits to balance whatever life may bring. We think we’re developing a culture that will attract the best and brightest to the city of Syracuse.
Want to see for yourself what we’re all about? Check out our current openings or connect with us on social media!