Wind Creek Hospitality (WCH) has announced a two-step action plan to aid its workers due to rising concerns and pressure stemming from nationwide inflation and the cost of gasoline and groceries. The company, which is controlled by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, will issue a one-time cash stipend to all its employees and implement a flexible scheduling option that will offset the cost of fuel and childcare expenses.
Wind Creek Executive Vice President of Human Resources said: “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.”
The cash stipend award will go to both part-time and full-time workers and is supported by the Tribal Council of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which is the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama.
Tribal Chairwoman Stephanie Bryan said: “We know the importance and value of each of our employees and it’s great to help them and their families during this pivotal time of drastic inflation.
“Every member of our Tribal Council believes very strongly that they need to support our team at this time.”
Wind Creek President and CEO Jay Dorris took a moment to speak about the changes in scheduling and the effect these can have on WCH’s workers.
Dorris commented: “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% or even 40% reduction in fuel costs and potential childcare 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.”
The motivation behind WCH’s initiative has been the post-pandemic changing workforce and the need to respond to workers seeking greater autonomy.
WCH has been working to include as many positions as possible in its efforts to offer flexible shifts. Dorris said the company recognizes the need for both quality customer service and sensitivity to the challenges workers face in today’s economy.
Dorris concluded by saying: “Offering hourly employees a choice to work the traditional five eight-hour shifts, four ten-hour shift, or even three twelve-hour shifts gives our team members the options needed to build a work schedule that works with their life schedule.
“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.”
The company will share both options for flexible scheduling and the stipend with its team members later this month.
Wind Creek Hospitality operates multiple facilities, including Wind Creek Atmore, Wind Creek Aruba, Wind Creek Bethlehem, Wind Creek Curacao, Wind Creek Montgomery, Wind Creek Wetumpka and Wa She Shu Casino in Nevada.
The Wind Creek Chicago Southland is scheduled to open in 2023.
