Village of Rib Mountain Approves Employee Referral Bonus Program

Friday, December 22nd, 2023 -- 11:00 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) Village leaders in Rib Mountain are getting creative to help fill job openings.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, Administrator Gaylene Rhoden says they’ve approved an employee referral bonus program that will see current employees earn $500 for referring their friends, family, or neighbors to open positions within the village.

She says it’s no different than similar programs that exist in the private sector. “Employees will be given $250 for someone who is hired. Then once they are here for six months, they’ll get another $250,” said Rhoden.

“This is something that’s also done in the private sector. What we are introducing is not relatively new. But, it may be new-er to the public sector.” She says the offer stands for all full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees.

This means everyone from those in Administration to crossing guards or lawnmowers can benefit. “[Even if] they work in the recreation program over the summer months. Maybe they have a neighbor [who could fill] a position in the municipal center or the utility department and they know they could be a good hire- it could be a benefit for both parties."

“Sometimes it’s our own staff who can provide a good word, or spread the word,” added Rhoden. The village also approved an adjustment to its paid time off policy during Tuesday’s meeting.

That change involves how time off is calculated at the start of employment including vacation hours and personal days. She said the change aligns the village with other forms of local government including Marathon County.

“What we’re trying to do is make [our listings] look a little more appealing and realistic of what hiring practices are today,” added Rhoden. The changes will be implemented in time for the new year.

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