Current Light Flashes

Last month, I discussed the responsibilities of the general manager. This month I will provide the responsibilities of employees.

Employees:
Currently, the organizational chart at West Florida Electric Cooperative (WFEC) consists of 91 employees. Thirty-six of those employees are assigned in Administration, Finance, Member Services, Information Technology and Safety. Fifty-five employees are assigned to Engineering and Operations.

Responsibilities:
• Understanding the purposes and objectives of the cooperative. Employees need to know what cooperatives are and how they compare with other methods of daily business. By understanding cooperative purposes, objectives, operations and their role as employees, they can help improve member relations, the cooperative image, and the general public's understanding of cooperatives. Employees are informed from management about the  cooperative through staff meetings, training programs, and printed materials. Many employees may be hired right out of high school or college and have received little or no education about the cooperative form of business before employment.

• Fully perform duties. In many cooperatives, like other business firms, the largest operating expense is personnel. In addition to salaries and wages paid, these costs include interviewing, hiring, training and fringe benefits. Cooperatives, like other businesses, expect fully performed duties for the invested training, compensation and benefits provided. Cooperative managers know they must pay competitive salaries and provide comparable benefits if they expect to recruit and hold qualified employees.

• Understanding the relationship to member-owners. In a small cooperative, the manager can maintain good relations between the cooperative organization and its members.

• Favorably represent the cooperative. Employees help build the cooperative's image as they serve members and the community - both on and off the cooperative's premises. Employees should keep the cooperative's grounds clean and attractive, make sure equipment and service tools are operating, serve members pleasantly, promptly, and in the order promised, taking the extra steps to give members satisfactory service. 

Next month we will cover the responsibilities of a board director. I pray everyone has a safe month.

Sincerely,