Zappos’ unique workplace culture a big draw for visitors to Downtown Vegas

BY ARLENE MARTIN-WILKINS Associate editor – news martina@jamaicaobserver.com

Thursday, October 09, 2014    

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Online footwear retailer Zappos is doing more than selling shoes and clothes these days.

A major arm of online retail giant Amazon, Zappos.com is opening its doors to visitors in Downtown Las Vegas to get a taste of its unique workplace culture, characterised by a flat organisational structure where there are no managers or job titles.

Based in the former City Hall and a part of the Downtown revival project, Zappos creates an environment that allows what it terms ‘spontaneous interaction’ among its staff.

Zappos adopts a no-door policy and its senior ‘executives’ are allowed little more than a desk and chair in a dark room dubbed the Monkey Row. Expect to be welcomed to the human resource department with a ‘shake weight’ dance routine from staff. Yes, and there’s a coach to help staff with their personal and professional-goal setting.

Time-out spaces encourage employees to spend much time from their desks, probably working from one of the stations that offer free coffee, snacks and juices, or while resting in a hammock in another recreation area.

“Studies have shown that when you take naps throughout the day, it boosts your energy,” explains Carla Callison, one of the cultural guides.

Employees, who receive full insurance benefits and subsidised benefits for their dependents, can earn ‘Zollars’ for good performance. These ‘Zollars’ can be used to purchase Zappos-branded items from its in-house store.

Plaques with good news, like the first time Zappos hit US$28.6 million in sales in a single day, are mounted in the recognition alley for all to see.

And with all the focus on making its more than 1,000 employees happy, cultural ambassadors will readily tell you that Zappos is merely a customer service company that just happens to sell shoes. That basically sums up how agents in its call centres interact with customers.

“They work with no scripts, there’s no handle time. They truly interact with the customers as we believe once you learn something about somebody, it is easy to remember them,” Callison says.

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Zappos’ unique workplace culture a big draw for visitors to Downtown Vegas

The unique nature of Boxing Day

Sport

From The Horse’s MouthTuesday, December 31, 2013

As usual, Boxing Day was another bumper day at the racetrack. Racing fans turned out in their numbers to watch proceedings on the day which was highlighted by the scintillating performance of Princess Popstar.All the ingredients were present: Dane Nelson and Omar Walker were still battling for the jockeys’ championship, and W B Racing and Carlton Watson were vying for the title of champion owner.Not for the first time in racing history, Boxing Day was also the best betting day for the promoting company. The 12 races offered on Boxing Day churned a total of just over $49.5 million. That amount would have gone over the $50 million mark had it not been for the late scratch at the gates of Insane Bolt in the eleventh race.CARDENAS’ FOUR-TIMER OVERLOOKEDAmidst the drama and intrigue which surrounded the tussles for the jockeys’ and owners’ championships, almost going unnoticed was the magnificent four-timer landed by jockey Dick Cardenas.The Panamanian rode a superb race on Sweet Trail to the 12-furlong Harry Jackson Memorial Cup and then followed up with wins on Sparkle Haven, Jack De Charmer and Palace Gold. After a slow start at the beginning of the season, Cardenas finished strongly to eventually place third in the jockeys’ race with 84 winners. He also had the distinction of being the top Classic rider for the year, piloting Selectabook to victory in the 1,000 Guineas and Perfect Neighbour in the St Leger.PATRICK ‘BLIP’ CHANG DELIVERS SPANKING TRIPLETrainer Patrick ‘Blip’ Chang had his best day for a long time when he landed a ‘sweet’ triple on Boxing Day. It started for Chang in the day’s second race when Miracle Star ran out an easy winner. Then probably his most acclaimed victory came in the third race when Sweet Trail led from start to finish to win the Harry Jackson. The icing on the cake was applied in the seventh event when Sparkle Haven duly obliged. Truly a good holiday season for trainer Chang.MINISTER DELIVERS JUSTICEMinister of Justice is the track record holder for five furlongs straight, which he established when he was a three-year-old. He continues to love the straight as his last three wins have been over the five straight. So it was no surprise when, with Richard Mitchell in the saddle, Minister of Justice delivered coming down the straight on Boxing Day. The eight-year-old chestnut horse by Royal Minister – Sub Zero notched his 15th career win from 84 lifetime starts.DACOSTA ENDS IN STYLEChampion trainer for the 13th time, Wayne DaCosta enjoyed a productive Boxing Day by saddling three winners on the 12-race card. DaCosta, who has enjoyed another bumper year, glowed with pride as he watched his charges Miss Juanita, Jack De Charmer and New Kingston.Racing fans filled the stands at Caymanas Park on Boxing Day.A very happy Dick Cardenas after his win on Jack De Charmer.Minister of Justice (Richard Mitchell) going into familiar territory, the winners’ enclosure.New Kingston (Dane Nelson), one of three Boxing Day winners for Wayne DaCosta.

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The unique nature of Boxing Day