Landscape company gives appreciation bonus worth $28 million to employees for their hard work

The employees of Ruppert Landscape have more than one reason to celebrate this holiday season as the company this month announced extraordinary bonuses for everyone. All staff members with a tenure of more than a year received bonuses ranging from $7,000 to $200,000 "as a thanks for the role they've played in the company's growth and development," the company said in a press release. A total of 1,200 employees—excluding those in high leadership positions—received the massive thank-you gifts which add up to a total of $28 million, reports Good News Network. The business revealed that the bonus, which was announced at branch gatherings of Ruppert employees who were learning of the strategic partnership, did not impact the customary end-of-year bonuses or any of the other benefits, which include 401(K) matching, health insurance, paid time off, and holidays.

CEO Craig Ruppert said, "Everyone receiving this bonus was instrumental in helping create the value that we've been able to realize. This bonus is money that is well-deserved and a way for us to acknowledge the value of our teams’ contributions and the essential role that they will play in our company's future." The company's origins may be traced back to the 1970s when Ruppert—then a teenager—began cutting his neighbors' lawns for money. From those humble beginnings, the firm has developed considerably and now comprises a competent team that handles projects of increasing magnitude and complexity. From residential lawns, they've moved on to developments, parks, and corporate campuses and also shifted focus from hurriedness and efficiency to incorporate horticulture expertise and technological competence. Today, the firm serves commercial clients in nine states from 30 locations while also maintaining its local philanthropic legacy.

Phil Key, president of Ruppert Landscape, said: "Our philosophy has always been to take great care of our employees, who in turn will take great care of our customers. Every team member at Ruppert is committed to excellence every day." 

In this time of uncertain economic conditions, it is comforting to see that there are businesses out there that are recognizing and honoring the work put in by their employees. It is always fair and truthful to pay people what they are worth, and another beautiful story of a babysitter demonstrates that. One teen babysitter received the shock of her life when a couple paid her $350 to watch their children and pets while they went out for the night. She was expecting $20 and was pleasantly surprised by their generosity. The individual who paid the babysitter believed it was a good bargain and posted the tale on Reddit, where it quickly went popular and ignited a debate.

Many commended the individuals for paying a reasonable rate, while others complained that they were establishing a very high bar that other parents could not meet, and yet others faulted a system that made fundamental services costly. Whatever may be the conclusion of the debate, it does bring forward the argument that employers need to reimburse the people they hire for all their efforts and services.