"A very nice improvement!" she said.
For the fourth year in a row, Hobby Lobby just gave full time employees at its more than 500 stores a dollar an hour raise. Part-timers got a 50 cent boost to 9 bucks an hour.
"The company's had great success in the last few years, and they've passed that success on to the employees who, in turn, provide great customer service," said Springfield Hobby Lobby Store Manager Gary Demster.
Hobby Lobby leaders know that paying their employees a decent wage not only makes them happier, but it also cuts down on turnover, which is a benefit for them.
"We have experts in every department, so, if we have an expert in scrapbooking and that person knows the department very well, they can help the customer as they come in. To train somebody else to do that will cost a lot of money," said Demster.
Angela Cave, Branch Manager of Springfield's Manpower office said, "As we enter into the 'Human Age,' companies will need to examine their business strategies to ensure that they have an appropriate talent strategy in place to attract, retain and develop talent -- unlocking the human potential they need to succeed.
"What we have seen at Manpower is a high demand for more skilled talent. In order for businesses to attract and retain this talent, wages have to be a part of this strategy along with an investment in training and development of each person. Understanding how to unleash this spirit, passion and potential is not a one-size-fits-all approach and will require employers to engage with their people on a human level," Cave said.
Whatever the strategy, Lutz feels lucky.
"I'm very blessed to be a Hobby Lobby employee," she said.
Hobby Lobby's owner, David Greene, says the employees are essential to the company's continued success, and he believes they deserve to be recognized for their commitment.
Read more from Greene in the company's news release:
OKLAHOMA CITY – Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., a privately held retail chain with more than 500 arts and crafts stores in 41 states, today announced a minimum wage increase to $13 per hour for full-time hourly employees of Hobby Lobby and its affiliated businesses, including Hemispheres and Crafts, Etc!, effective immediately. The company also announced a minimum wage increase for all part-time employees to $9 per hour.
This increase for full-time hourly and part-time hourly employees will raise the pay of more than 15,300 employees nationwide. Hobby Lobby’s new minimum wage is nearly 80 percent above the national minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
“Our employees are essential to the continued success of Hobby Lobby stores nationwide,” said David Green, CEO and founder of Hobby Lobby. “We believe they deserve to be recognized for their commitment to our company.”
In 2012, Hobby Lobby projects continued growth and plans to open about 33 additional stores, which will create an additional 1,200 jobs across the country. The company recently celebrated its 500th store opening in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will be opening stores in California, Florida and North Carolina in the next several months.
Last year, Hobby Lobby raised the minimum wage for full-time employees to $12 per hour, increasing the pay of nearly 7,000 employees.
“We are very fortunate to be able to increase the minimum pay for our hourly employees for the fourth year in a row,” Green said. “Our company emphasizes strong corporate values based on biblical principles, including integrity and service to others, and our employees embody those values and deserve to be rewarded for their efforts on the job and in the community.”
About Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc.
Based in Oklahoma City, Hobby Lobby and its affiliates, including Hemispheres and Crafts, Etc!, employ more than 21,300 individuals nationwide. Hobby Lobby was founded by David Green in 1972. The company has grown from one 700 square-foot store to more than 500 locations in 41 states. Hobby Lobby carries no long-term debt, is open only 66 hours per week and is closed on Sundays. For more information, visit www.hobbylobby.com.
