Wonders Never Cease The one thing that makes Gables Residential really different from its competition is the way it treats its associates. Gables offers benefits that aren’t commonly found in corporate America, let alone the real estate industry.
One truly unique program it offers its associates is a six-week sabbatical with pay to any one who has worked for the company for 10 years. “Don’t call in, don’t check your e-mail, go have a life,” is what Gables tells its staff, says Chris Wheeler, chairman and CEO of the company.
This program has enabled the staff to come back renewed and rejuvenated. “The turnover ratio in our company is half the industry average,” he says.
“I go off to [executive] conferences and the other CEOs grab me and say, ‘What the hell are you doing with this six-week sabbatical, are you nuts?’ A lot of these guys are old school. They sit there and think six weeks, how can I afford that,” explains Wheeler. “It didn’t cost anything. Everybody else that’s around just bucks up and covers for the other person because they know they’re going to get a sabbatical.”
The final result, says Wheeler, is a really motivated, excited staff.
Another program Gables offers employees is a tuition reimbursement program. “It doesn’t have to be related to the job,” says Wheeler. “You want to work here and you want to get your education to become a nurse, fine. We’ll pay for that. I’m just thrilled to have you here while you’re learning to be a nurse. If you decide to be a nurse and leave, so be it. I’m glad we helped you in that effort.”