A Great Place to Work
October 13, 2021
Written By Jon Ihler
In late March 2020, we noticed a decrease in our job applications even as unemployment spiked to an all-time high. Fast forward to today and finding talent is still a huge challenge for many companies. The job market is steadily recovering, and unemployment claims are falling. Yet, many companies are still struggling to find workers. At MFA Oil and our retail businesses like Break Time and Big O Tires, we have experienced the same difficulties recruiting new employees.
Why is the labor market so challenging now? It’s complicated, and there doesn’t seem to be one simple reason. The pandemic has undoubtedly played a role, and the past 18 months have felt like a roller coaster ride for employers. Some people are fearful of contracting COVID. Some may have been content to collect the enhanced unemployment benefits, though those expired on Sept. 6. Others who lost their jobs during the pandemic may be patiently searching for better or different job opportunities before they commit to something new. These are just a few of the many dynamics at play in the current labor market.
Demand for workers remains strong in spite of resurgent COVID cases, and many companies’ recruiting needs currently outpace their pool of applicants. More and more job seekers are looking for companies that can afford a good mix of pay, strong benefits, scheduling flexibility and a relatable company culture.
I am biased, of course, but MFA Oil is a great place to work. It’s the people that make any business great, and we have some of the best folks you can find. Our employees care greatly for our customers, take pride in the services we provide and are ingrained in their local communities.
Throughout the years, we’ve received countless letters, emails and phone calls from appreciative customers commending our staff for their work ethic, friendliness and ingenuity. Whether it be a fuel driver rescuing a customer who had fallen through an icy pond, a customer service associate and her husband plowing a customer’s driveway so that we could deliver propane during a winter storm, a Break Time associate digging through trash to find a customer’s lost eyeglasses or Big O Tires employees who stay late to help a stranded motorist, there are so many stories that illustrate our employees’ commitment to going above and beyond the call of duty.
As a company, we have prioritized maintaining open communication, recognizing employee achievements and seeking input from all MFA Oil stakeholders. Communication with both our customers and employees is vital to our success. Keeping the lines of communication open on both ends keeps people interested and invested in what we are doing.
Beyond the individual contributions of our employees, MFA Oil believes in giving back to the communities we serve. We support many non-profit organizations through corporate donations and grants made by the MFA Oil Foundation, which has distributed more than $2.84 million in cash to organizations serving education, youth, humanitarian services and civic endeavors.
There are many good places to work. A great place to work is one that inspires the passion of employees and allows them to maximize their talents. It focuses on the needs of its customers and communities. At MFA Oil, we strive for this daily.