News and trends
Free pancakes…and a nice reputation
- February 24th, 2009
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Today’s National Pancake Day, according to IHOP. From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. today you can get a free short stack just for going in. The catch is…well, it’s not really a catch at all. You’re encouraged to give a donation that will go to local charities.
We like free things. Especially free pancakes.
But it got me thinking that, in addition to the philanthropic efforts, companies seem to be doing a lot more of these free giveaways lately. Even if it hurts the bottom line for a day, it puts people in a good mood (during a rather dour time) and keeps them in everyone’s good graces. And considering that job seekers have begun to focus on charitable contributions, green efforts, and volunteer opportunities when assessing an employer, this probably works out well for the hiring side of the company, too. Sure, as a consumer you’re glad to go eat there. But if a company’s willing to have some fun (and be generous), it might not be a bad place to work, right?
In the coming months, I’m curious to see what other companies are doing to improve their reputation or just to keep their image in front of people during this ecnomy.
Now, if only we could find someone willing to give out free money and free pancakes.
About Anthony Balderrama
Anthony Balderrama writes about hiring trends, workplace issues and job search tactics for CareerBuilder.com and its blog The Work Buzz. He was born and raised in Dallas (115° degrees isn’t hot!) before moving to Chicago (-23° isn’t cold!). He studied creative writing, therefore everything he writes is usually cut in half once he realizes he spent 400 words just on the intro. He knows that looking for a job and dealing with co-workers are not always fun activities, and reading about them is even less thrilling. That’s why he’ll take any opportunity he can to mention his favorite TV show or band in an article. Basically Anthony’s doing whatever he can to avoid hate mail.
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- Do you know how to deal with a work spouse?
- The find-a-job plan for college seniors
- 3 Facebook Timeline tips for job seekers
- 6 ways the job search has changed post-recession
- The surefire way to ace your job interview, from Bravo’s ‘The Headhuntress’
- 50 jobs that pay $50,000
- 8 job-related smartphone apps
- How to define your personal brand
- What are you doing all day at work?
- The best careers for your zodiac sign
- The future’s 15 most wanted workers
- Is job hopping the new normal?
- 7 IT jobs employers need to fill
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