By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The Great Bend Recreation Commission Board revised the employee appreciation benefits this month for the staff at the Great Bend Rec. Prior to the change, all Rec full-time employees received an annual longevity compensation benefit of $125 for their first year, plus $25 for each year added on to the benefit. For example, an employee that works five years of continuous service would receive $225 ($125 x 1 year) + ($25 x 4 years).
Great Bend Rec Director Chris Umphres said GBRC updated their longevity benefit in 2022 for the first time in 14 years, and was asked to revisit the topic again this year.
"Different organizations, the city, county and the school do different things for longevity," said Umphres. "We always look for ways to recognize our staff for sticking around. We have a very good staff. Many of them have been around for a long time. Any extra longevity benefits we can give are always appreciated."
The Great Bend Rec Board voted to increase the longevity to $50 for each additional year past the first year. Umphres said this feels like a large benefit amount compared to others, but the larger organizations have many more full-time staff members to cover vacant positions.
The Rec also distributes a $125 gift certificate to each employee on or the day after their birthday.