The Shamrock Companies
The Courage to Innovate and Grow

The Shamrock Companies is not afraid to take risks, especially when it comes to giving their employees the freedom to influence company culture.

If information is power, than this 100-employee business has a staff of truly empowered people. Through newsletters, monthly management and employee committee meetings, frequent company events, and twice-annual sales force retreats, The Shamrock Companies’ (Shamrock’s) employees are exposed to critical news about the status of the organization including successes, new developments, and plans for the future.

“In the Know” Employees
All of Shamrock’s employees know the organization’s mission and key financial information. The company president also meets with groups of non-management employees for a variety of reasons including to celebrate birthdays or other special personal events, to communicate business strategy and changes in organizations policies/practices, to solicit feedback from employees, to introduce and /or welcome new hires and to recognize/reward Top Performers.

Rewards and Recognition
Communication between employees is also highly promoted with such programs as BRAG Cards (Employees pass on cards to recognize each other for acts that reflect the company culture. Collected cards are redeemed for gift certificates.), Gung Ho Employee of the Month (Each month nominations are submitted to select an employee that lives the company culture daily.), Raving Fans Feedback (Through Shamrock’s intranet system positive feedback is sent to employees from their colleagues; where supervisors and co-workers may be copied.), Sales Spotlight Award (Sales team recognizes employee that contributed most to their success. Recipient is recognized at a national sales meeting.), and Totem Stones (Passed on between employees to recognize support).

Wanted: Employee Feedback
In addition, employee feedback is encouraged and embraced. Shamrock not only rewards employees for offering suggestions through an employee suggestion system, but also if their suggestions are implemented. Furthermore, employees are committed to Shamrock’s success and have organized the following groups to encourage fun and increase employee morale; a “Culture Club” and a “Community Involvement Committee” both consisting of employees from each department who meet on a monthly basis and plan cultural and community events for the entire staff, such as, fundraisers, holiday parties, and Manic Mondays: once a month brief breaks to do something like blow bubbles or decorate holiday cookies.

The commitment to open and honest communication reaches all the way to Shamrock’s top executives. Their executive and management teams undergo an annual 360° review process involving their peers, superiors, and subordinates. Executives also complete annual training needs assessments, undergo a career development program, have a documented succession plan, and undergo a new-hire orientation. Supervisors and managers are also trained annually to conduct performance reviews and work with employees to develop annual written performance expectations.

Employer of Choice
Pride and commitment to the region, their organization’s reputation, and its employees allows The Shamrock Companies to promote its organization as an employer of choice for perspective and current employees. Shamrock holds season tickets for all of Cleveland’s major sport teams and Playhouse Square Center. The company supports many local non-profit organizations and frequently invites employees to attend fundraising events for these organizations, demonstrating why Clevelanders are recognized throughout the country for their philanthropic commitment.

The geographic positioning of Shamrock’s corporate headquarters in Westlake also contributes to their appeal. Shamrock’s employees are proud to live in, work in, and contribute to the growth of Northeast Ohio.

Freedom to Take Risks
Shamrock also understands that top performers in their industry thrive in an environment that allows them to be more fully engaged in the success of the organization – one that encourages and rewards risk-taking, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It offers its sales employees the freedom to set their own parameters to achieve success and, likewise, does not limit the earning potential of these individuals. This spirit of entrepreneurship guides employees in the way they approach their work…and their approach and results are rewarded through unmatched growth potential and various recognition programs.

It takes a lot of courage to build a workplace where top management and information is accessible, and where employees are trusted to create an environment that enables them to be more productive – but for Shamrock, the risk has certainly paid off.