Costco: Ministry in progress

(Photo by Coolcaesar)

Famed theologian Matthew Fox has said that all workers – not just clergy – can take on ministry roles. 

A plumber who takes his/her job seriously is providing an essential ministry (service) to those who value free-flowing clean water.  A bus driver transports people to places that enable them to better survive.  A caregiver tends her/his "flock" as seriously as any pastor.

Taking this concept to the next level, companies can also engage in ministry.  Those that respect their employees and assist them to reach their own full potentials are every bit as inspiring (and then some) as many places of worship.  Costco is one such organization.

Brad Stone of Bloomberg  Businessweek reports that Costco's CEO "leads the… happiest company in the world."  Whereas workers in retail establishments such as Wal-Mart and Amazon.com have been striking for better working conditions, Costco's employees already have them.

For example, long-term (26 years) Costco worker Joe Carcello brings home an annual salary of $52,700 and has five weeks of vacation per year.  Not only that, he receives matching funds for his 401(k) and does not worry about layoffs.  In fact, Costco supervisors were handing out raises during the 2009 recession.

Costco's no-frills approach allows it to offer an average hourly wage that's well above minimum (as in "$20.89 per hour, not including overtime").  No cushy CEO offices here – the Costco headquarters "radiate

frugality." 

Ultimately, however, the golden rule applies:  Treat people (employees, vendors, customers) well, and the

best will come back to you.  The proof is in the results:  "Costco's sales have grown 39 percent and its stock price has doubled since 2009."

Resources

http://money.msn.com/now/post.aspx?post=b57fe2ae-7607-4dd2-9a22-f2718ffbb9d9

Copyright June 7, 2013 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved