Aileen Gabbey is searching for ways to save money on gas.
But she’s not just trying to help herself — she’s looking out for her employees at the Maryland SPCA.
“We try to do what we can for our staff since they don’t make a lot of money,” said Gabbey, executive director at the SPCA. “Covering their insurance premium and providing vet care and supplies at cost for their own pets are unique benefits.”
Other incentives include appreciation parties, bonuses, communications and morale surveys, and training and conference opportunities. “We’re also hoping to come up with something to help with gas prices, maybe help arrange car pools, or something with gas card giveaways,” Gabbey said.
The SPCA has need for their 33 full-time employees and 400 volunteers. In 2007, more than 5,000 animals were surrendered to the shelter, and they took in nearly 2,000 additional animals from overcrowded shelters. This year, they will spay/neuter more than 8,000 cats and pit bulls, according to the organization.
Gabbey makes an effort to keep the staff informed and asks for input on strategic planning. “We try to include them in bigger things, like getting their input on our strategic plan and sharing our statistics and budget.”
Amanda Thompson, 26, who has worked at the SPCA for four years, said the inclusion of employees in significant decisions makes for a better work environment. “It makes us more of a close-knit group. Not many places I’ve worked have included employees in that manner. It definitely makes us feel respected.”
The SPCA sent Thompson, who works as the SPCA’s Spay and Neuter Programs assistant, to a convention in Florida where she learned about the practices in other shelters nationwide. “It’s amazing to compare ourselves to other shelters; the SPCA is just an incredibly progressive shelter,” she said of her experience.
And although the incentives are welcome, Thompson said it’s ultimately the staff’s love of animals and the organization that keeps them around. “We all definitely care, and it make a huge difference in how we react to the animals. The pay may not be as nice, but you go home with a greater feeling, and that’s what’s most important about this.”
