Wind Creek Hospitality is to roll-out multiple efforts in recognition of what the casino operator calls “the added pressures employees are experiencing” due to spiralling inflation driving up the cost of groceries and gasoline.
Under the first stage of these efforts a one-time cash stipend is to be awarded to all Wind Creek employees, supported by the Tribal Council of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, the parent of WCH.
“These added and unexpected costs are creating a great burden on our employees, and we want to take steps within our power to relieve some of that burden where we can,” stated Catherine Timmons, EVP of Human Resources for Wind Creek.
In addition, a second initiative, which debuted as a pilot in a post-pandemic era in response to a need for some greater autonomy by a changing workforce, is an accelerated roll-out of flexible working arrangements to help minimise fuel and child-care expenses.
This will see employers offered a choice to work the traditional five eight-hour shifts, four ten-hour shift, or even three twelve-hour shifts in a bid to offer options “to build a work schedule that works with their life schedule”.
Jay Dorris, President and CEO of Wind Creek, explained: The second step is an accelerated roll-out of flexible working arrangements to help minimise fuel and child-care expenses.
“If we can create schedules where employees only have to drive to work three or four days each week instead of the traditional five days, it amounts to a 20 per cent or even 40 per cent reduction in fuel costs and potential child-care costs.
“Those are important dollars for the families of our team. Every dollar they don’t have to put into a gas tank is a dollar they can use elsewhere for their families.”
Adding: “Now we get the added impact of providing some better economic footing along with the requested flexibility employees are seeking today.
“Providing our guests an escape from their daily world is at our core. Building and unifying a team of employees who believe their employer is making life better for them ensures those team members will see to it that our guests get that needed escape.”
WCH manages the Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ gaming facilities including Wind Creek facilities in Atmore, Aruba, Bethlehem, Curacao, Montgomery, Wetumpka and Wa She Shu Casino in Nevada, as well as Chicago Southland that will open in 2023, the WindCreekCasino.com online entity and racetracks in Alabama and Florida.
