JMX Brands, parent company of the largest online retailer in Amish furniture at www.dutchcrafters.com, was thrilled to welcome its staff back to the office following work-from-home during the pandemic and decided to put a twist on the process. CEO, Jim Miller, welcomed his staff back to the office by throwing a welcome back party. On June 21, 2021, the entire staff gathered for the first time in 14 months at the DutchCrafters showroom in Sarasota, Fla.  The staff was greeted with a special event and a morning free from the normal responsibilities of work.

With the help of the Family and Events Committee, Miller planned a special celebration including a program and meal, as well as time to mingle and reconnect.  During the program, the team of 62 employees renewed the five company values.  Creativity, Authenticity, Giving, Excellence, and Sustainability are at the core of the company, and each member of the management team reflected on how they have seen the values displayed in action. The staff signed a document to display their commitment to upholding these values, which now hangs in the office for all to see.

Miller also recognized seven employees who reached 90 days of employment during the work-from-home phase.  Each of these individuals received a polo shirt in honor of hitting this milestone.

“After being separated for 14 months, it was wonderful to be back together again fulltime and in-person,” said Miller. “The Family and Events Committee, led by Beth Rice, did an exceptional job planning the celebration and reflecting on our core values and the behaviors that align with them.”

The program was followed by enthusiastic conversations as coworkers socialized and became reacquainted.  For some, this was the first time they were able to meet their peers in-person.  Employees enjoyed a delicious lunch catered by Morton’s Gourmet Market and were welcomed back to an office decorated with fresh flowers and bright, colorful banners.