Best practices: Veridian Homes

Employee Feedback and Training ProgramsVeridian believes employee development is the heart of a respected company. The Madison, Wisc.-based builder is one of the few in the industry that conducts in-depth weekly one-to-one meetings with associates. The meetings cover a review of accomplishments, frustrations, issues or obstacle resolution, setting of new goals, review of goals and discussions about personal development. Managers then have the opportunity to conduct on-the-spot training during these one-on-one meetings based on the conversation.

To identify what other training needs exist, Veridian supplements these meetings with surveys including employee satisfaction and leadership 360° feedback. It also surveys its trade partners. The company also gleans feedback from its employee and trade partner advisory councils.

Specific performance feedback is also documented in its performance planning and development process and its employee incentive program, GainShare. The builder also provides specific, formal training, including:

• Dale Carnegie public speaking courses
• PDR (Practice, Drill, Rehearse) process for sales, construction and customer service
• First Aid/CPR
• OSHA Site Safety