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Tip: Once a year, all 100 plus employees at John Mini Landscapes, Ltd., take the day off to celebrate their achievements over the past year and to enjoy each other’s company in a social and relaxed environment.

Interior landscape contractor John Mini, CCLP, president of John Mini Indoor Landscapes, Ltd., in City Island, New York, does something that other landscape contractors, (exterior, interior, or otherwise) rarely consider. He picks a workday during the year for a complete company shut down. Other than having someone answer phones, his entire company is out of the office for the day and doing some important “bonding.”

Says Mini, “This is my favorite day of the year. Yes, it costs us a few dollars to do this, and we don’t get any work done, but the rewards far outweigh the costs.”

Once a year, all 100 plus employees take the day off to celebrate their achievements over the past year and to enjoy each other’s company in a social and more relaxed environment. “The day may have an educational or team-building component as well as a social component,” Mini points out. In addition, there usually is a slide show of completed projects, and the company hands out awards to the year’s top performers and to those who are celebrating milestone employment anniversaries (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years with the company).

Afternoons vary, Mini adds. “We have taken boat rides, toured the Botanical Garden, and even gone bowling.” Mini says the day is special for him, especially because it gives him an opportunity to interact with people he oftentimes does not get a chance to see. “Everyone else has a great time, too, taking a small respite from their daily responsibilities,” he emphasizes.

Owners and managers may find it difficult to justify shutting down a company for a day. Mini, however, has been doing this for 20 years, and he would not have it any other way. When his company “shuts down” varies, depending on workload, etc. “We can’t close up shop during the busy season,” Mini notes, “and, if we did, nobody would be in the mood to have a relaxed time, anyway. Usually we pick a day in June or September.”

Timing is important, but even more important is taking the time to take a break and take pride in your work. In fact, exterior landscape contractors who just now are slowing down from the spring rush may be able to benefit from Mini’s tip. Take some time to recognize employees and to give them a break from the daily grind. It may just reenergize them and help them refocus on their efforts.



By John Mini, CCLP


John Mini Indoor Landscapes, Ltd.
City Island, New York
johnmini@johnmini.com