Simple strategies create a strong culture

Fostering a strong workplace culture and improving employee well-being can be as simple as meeting people where they're at.

McNees

Much has been discussed about the hiring and workforce challenges facing not only our industry but what seems like every industry imaginable.

However, as I learned while talking with Mario Jurcic, president of Solon, Ohio-based Secure Recycling, the subject of this month’s cover story, sometimes the solution is as simple as meeting people where they are.

Jurcic recalls starting his business more than 20 years ago and, along the way, struggling to make the right decisions when it came to hiring and retaining employees as he learned to become a good leader.

Finally, a disagreement between two employees led to a cultural reset for Secure Recycling.

Jurcic learned more about the personal lives of his employees and discovered a simple meal program—providing bread, peanut butter and jelly—had a marked impact on the health and well-being of his staff. Suddenly, productivity and morale were up, and, since then, the program has evolved to include healthy breakfast and lunch options five days a week for all employees.

Secure Recycling also has implemented an employee book club—an optional program that incentivizes participation by providing a bonus for each book read—and a training program that reimburses employees for outside training as long as it can be somewhat useful at work.
"Sometimes the solution is as simple as meeting people where they are.”

“It was my responsibility as a leader to help them … and that’s where everything changed,” Jurcic says. “When that worked out, … that really set the tone for building culture.”

Now, Secure Recycling faces little turnover, with several employees having spent a decade or more with the company—a big deal for a company with about 20 employees.

RIOS Executive Director Shannon Fertitta also discussed these strategies at the 2025 Recycled Materials Association Convention & Exposition in May.

In the feature “The building blocks of safety,” Fertitta says it’s important to ensure workers are in a good headspace and contributing to a healthy social atmosphere among staff, which includes providing time and resources needed to recharge and “present the best version of themselves.”

“The recycling industry is not always the cleanest, shiniest, most fun place,” she says. “Some days you just need a rest. Some days you need a break. Your workers do, too. Your workers need that sometimes. Give them grace.”

What programs have you implemented at your company that have fostered a strong workplace culture and improved employee well-being? Email me at mmcnees@gie.net to share your stories.

July 2025
Explore the July 2025 Issue

Check out more from this issue and find your next story to read.