“You know that officially I’m retired now and my son runs the company. He’s doing a damn fine job of it but he asked me from the beginning if I would still handle all the personnel type issues. He has a lot on his plate already and this is something I truly enjoy, as he knows well.”
“Our company takes great pride in offering more benefits than your average corporation. I don’t disclose this to new hires because, first of all I want them to take the position because they want to work here and second of all, if that employee doesn’t work out then no harm caused,” he continued on.
“We take care of all employees, from the top of the chain of command all the way to the bottom. Our executive positions get a few added bonuses though, which is what you are Amy. You work for the president of the company and therefore we want to make sure you’re extra taken care of.” Amy was a little bit confused as he continued talking. What could they possibly give her that was better than medical benefits? She had no idea.
“First of all you’ll receive a company car. Lucas will take you down to the dealership to pick it out tomorrow. Esther’s favorite was always the Mercedes LX but you can choose what fits you best. You’ll be doing a lot of driving for us and we want you to enjoy the ride,” he smiled.
She got a car! She was so excited. She couldn’t believe she got a company car. Did she get to take it home with her? She wanted to ask but was afraid that it would sound bad. Her forehead wrinkled a little bit as she was warring with herself on whether she should ask that or not.
“This will be your vehicle for personal use as well,” he said as if reading her mind. “Unless there are performance issues with the vehicle, we trade them in every two years. Safety’s a huge concern of ours and we don’t want you breaking down on the side of the road somewhere,” he added.
Was this company for real? She’d never heard of a business being so good to its employees. She would treat the vehicle like it was a newborn baby. She knew from her interview she was expected to do a lot of errands but hadn’t really thought about how she was supposed to get from point a to point b. She was glad they were providing the transportation because some of the things she was transporting were too risky to take a chance on the subway with.
“Here’s your new telephone,” he said handing it over to her with a piece of paper. “Your number’s on it. You have unlimited minutes so you may also use this as your personal cell and can turn off your other one. Communication’s key to a good business and we need to be able to reach each other at all times, well that’s except nighttime when work should be the last thing on anybody’s mind,” he added with a laugh. “However, unfortunately in the corporate world, time is forgotten and there will be some very late nights and long weekends,” he added sympathetically.
She already knew that as he’d told her all about what was going to be expected of her in the job interview. She had no issues with working hard. She would’ve been willing to do it without all the added benefits but with them there was nothing she wouldn’t do for the company.
“My dearest wife threw a couple of my company phones out into the lake when we were on vacation. She always told me that there was a time for work and then a time to relax.” He added. Amy already thought the world of his wife. That statement made her like the woman even more.
“Of course you’ll have the finest medical insurance, which starts on Monday and all the other policies, which I’ve listed here. You can read through them later. They will help you to fall asleep,” he again chuckled.
“Now for the biggest benefit, which I think is fitting considering your current situation, which Lucas has filled me in on.” He added without any condemnation in his voice. “All of our executive officers are offered housing. We have a terrific apartment building that’s reserved for our company personnel and visiting businessmen and woman. We do a lot of work with people overseas and have found that they far prefer these apartments to a hotel.”
“There’s low rent and all utilities are included with that. Several of our board members stay in the complex for years while saving up and then buying homes. There’s no time limit on how long you stay. It’s yours for the duration of the job. If you’re out on sick leave the apartment’s still yours. I want you to feel completely at home and safe in your new place.”
She had a feeling he knew a little bit about her past. Of course he would know about her past. She figured he did extensive background checks on people he had working for his company, especially at such a high level.