Sterling Jewelers

“We are a people Company that happens to sell jewelry,” says CEO, Mark Light of Sterling Jewelers, and this description is evident in the workplace practices Sterling has put in place that communicate the importance of people to their company.

Sterling Jewelers' workplace is characterized by flexible and supportive policies and practices that support the well-rounded physical, emotional, and financial wellness of their employees that they strive to attain. The organization's annual Family Life & Work-Life Balance Fair and Wellness Fair have over 50 booths covering everything from cholesterol screenings to free credit reports. The organization also provides classes on parenting, time-management, and stress-reduction in coordination with outside agencies and vendors. The organization also coordinates Benefits Bonanza, an all-day affair that highlights the employee stock savings program, flexible spending accounts, and dozens of other employment benefits, and a Diversity Fair themed “Your Differences Make All the Difference.” Most importantly, Sterling offers its employees optimal work-life balance through a flexible variety of shifts, part-time work, and seasonal positions. The organization works one-on-one with top performers to meet their scheduling needs. It also offers discounted day care on campus, on-site walking tracks, and free fitness centers that are open 24 hours daily to team members and families. 

Sterling is equally as supportive of their employees' security and safety. To promote this, Sterling holds an annual security and safety fair. Experts from organizations like the American Red Cross, FBI, and Akron Health Department present, raising awareness about topics including emergency preparedness, family disaster planning, first aid, flu season tips, loss prevention, identity theft, disaster recovery, tax and insurance, and home safety. The fair also provides more personal information about protecting children on the Internet and tools for educating children about emergencies.

Sterling prides itself on developing its employees through training, mentoring, career development, and leadership development. The organization has two mentoring programs: Connections, a program designed for salaried individuals and Growth through Employee Mentoring, a program designed for hourly workers. These programs pair individuals with more experienced team members that coach and encourage them throughout their career development. As for leadership and management development, the Leadership Development Process builds leadership skills needed in the future, the District Manager Development Program is in place for high potential managers, and the Management Training System provides self-paced mentoring for prospective managers. Sterling also has created a Home Office Learning and Development program in which team members participate in 12 to 64 hours of mandatory performance skill training, and have the option of more than 100 hours of performance and computer skills programs. Sterling’s Center for Leadership Studies and Individual Development Plan process also illustrates its excellence in developing talent internally.

Sterling 's unique approach to programs that provide support, flexibility security, and development make them a true employer of choice in Northeast Ohio.