Category Archives: Culture

Winchester Spring’s Commitment to People First

At Leggett & Platt, we are committed to building a culture of belonging and workplaces where everyone feels accepted for who they are and what they bring to L&P.

To help us accomplish this, we launched our People First learning series, designed to enhance our leadership skills and strengthen inclusion by putting people first—our first company value.

At the beginning of the year, we launched People First Local Conversations within our branches. The conversations are hosted by People First Champions — L&P leaders — and discuss how we can improve our workplaces by being a better team.

Participating in the local conversations was optional for each branch and initially started as six conversations over four months. The feedback was so positive that over half of the branches asked to continue.

Winchester Spring in Winchester, Kentucky, was one of the branches that participated in each local conversation. They finished the series this month, hosting eleven conversations on topics like belonging, community involvement, and gratitude. We spoke with Stephen Day, Richard Trent, and James Wells — the People First Champions at Winchester, about their experience.

Richard Trent, Billy Higgins, and James Wells

Stephen Day, Human Resources Manager

“What initially struck my interest was the People First courses we took before the conversations started. The facilitator was very engaging, and the content intrigued me. I was determined to make a difference at our branch. Working with Richard, James, and Billy Wiggins (Branch Manager), I knew that we were all like-minded regarding our people. Our past successes were because of the great people we have on our team. Once we got started, we received feedback from our people, and there were some great ideas on how to be more inclusive. We have implemented many of those ideas and hope to receive more.”

Richard Trent, Operations Manager

“I’ve learned a lot about our team here at Branch 2. One of the most positive changes is that people are more open with each other and management. We have a lot of different departments, and having people willing to talk to each other is a huge plus. They all started hesitant, but after we had a few conversations, they began to open up and talk with each other. The local conversations have been an excellent experience for all of us.”

James Wells, Plant Superintendent

“I learned so much about the people I work with. I have led very few groups in meetings. So, coming out of my shell, getting to know people, and finding new ways to connect were great experiences. I found things in common with people I have worked with for years. After all our conversations, people are starting to interact more with management and each other. Overall, it was a great experience, and we all benefited from these conversations.”

Thank you to everyone at Winchester Spring for your commitment to inclusion and putting people first!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are so thankful for our amazing employees who have shown incredible dedication this year. We appreciate everything you do. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families! 

LPA Team Supports Habitat for Humanity: Rock the Block

L&P Automotive employees Milosz Niec, Ethan Park, Stepan Tuzlov, Mario Lorenzon, Becky Ferguson, and Kartik Soni recently participated in Habitat for Humanity’s Rock the Block in Oakland County, Michigan.

Rock the Block is part of Habitat for Humanity’s Neighborhood Revitalization effort, which offers minor exterior home repairs to homeowners in need. L&P made a corporate donation to the event and has been a long-standing supporter of Habitat for Humanity.

“The key to thriving communities is to lift our neighbors,” says Milosz. “Organizations like Habitat for Humanity do this for families and entire neighborhoods. We are thrilled to work with Habitat for a second year and already looking forward to the third!”

Thank you to our LPA team for doing great work in the community!

L&P Raises Money for Breast Cancer Research

In October, L&P teams in North and South America came together to support an important cause – the fight to end breast cancer. The event was promoted and organized by the Women’s ERG to raise awareness for self-care. In total, our teams raised over $23,000 for life-saving breast cancer research. Here are just some of the pictures and branches that supported the event.

The Carthage team hosted the Susan G. Komen Walk Where You Are Event at the Corporate Headquarters in Carthage, MO. The event encourages groups to walk where they are to raise awareness and support for breast cancer research. Over 50 employees from three branches participated in the walk.

The Hanes & Flooring team in Conover, NC, held their Walk Where You Are Event. Lauren McMahan, Human Resources Director at Hanes, said, “It was a beautiful day and a great opportunity to come together.” Employees who couldn’t walk with the group walked along with their families to support the cause.

ECS Conover in Conover, NC, also held a Walk Where You Are Event and raffled prizes to the 40 team members who participated.

Megan Lowry, Human Resources Coordinator, said, “When we began the fundraising campaign, it became apparent that so many of our teammates have been affected or know someone who’s been affected by breast cancer. The event provided our team, Together We Can, the opportunity to celebrate survivors and raise money for future research.”

LPFP – Fort Worth Prime in Fort Worth, TX, held a bake sale to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. “Many of the partners in our branch have been impacted by breast cancer,” said Aaron Fields, Branch Manager. “We asked if there would be interest in adding a bake sale to our annual chili cook-off in October, with the funds benefiting breast cancer research. The response was a resounding yes.”

Winchester Spring in Winchester, KY, held a walk at a local park and hosted a cornhole tournament after the event. The team raised $7,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Cathy Spencer, Office Manager, said, “Our team was made up of management and partners from the floor. We had a great time and a great turnout. Everyone agreed to make it an annual event.”

The West Michigan Work Furniture Branches — Moiron, Davidson Plyforms, and Genesis Seating — came together to support breast cancer awareness. The branches held various events including penny wars, candy bar fundraisers, and a Wall of Hope. The Moiron team participated in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Grand Rapids, MI. Shari German, Human Resources Manager at Moiron said, “The day started with a pink sky and a rainbow before the rain started.”

The Leggett & Platt Brazil team, along with the help of the local health department and volunteers, hosted a walk and community event with the theme: “Alone we are petals, together we are roses.” Over 230 women participated in the event. They also held group exercises, and medical professionals helped women book mammograms and offered advice on self-care.

Terrafix Geosynthetics had four Canada branches participate in the Walk Where You Are Event – Toronto, Ontario; Edmonton, Alberta; Calgary, Alberta; and Surrey, British Columbia.

Sarah Peterson, leader of the External Partnerships Committee for the Women’s ERG, who organized the event, said, “I am humbled and floored by the support and success of L&P partners throughout North and South America. Seeing so many come together, taking pride in the event, which seemed to have a personal component for all, and raising awareness for breast cancer is something that will hold a special place in my heart. I am proud and honored to have witnessed our teams do great work together!”

Thank you to our Women’s ERG for organizing and promoting such an important event and for your commitment to our Leggett communities.

Powered by Kindness

At L&P, we are powered by kindness—we prioritize safety and care for each other and create an inclusive environment of mutual respect, empathy, and belonging.

November 13 is World Kindness Day, and we’d like to reshare some inspiring stories from this year about how our employees show kindness by putting people first:

Happy Diwali: Festival of Lights

On Sunday, November 12, people worldwide will celebrate Diwali, the festival of lights.

Diwali originated in ancient India as a celebration of the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after defeating the demon King Ravana. The holiday has different meanings and traditions for each religion and region of India and is celebrated by people in many other parts of the world, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, and Fiji.

Diwali celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Universally, it brings joy and happiness to millions, and festivals include colorful lights, music, dancing, and fireworks. Happy Diwali to all those who celebrate!

Happy Veterans Day!

Today, we honor all the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. We thank you for your service!

We Have So Much to Be Grateful For

Many of our branches have hosted monthly People First local conversations this year, inviting their teams to discuss how to enhance leadership skills and strengthen inclusion by putting people first—our first company value. They covered a variety of topics, such as belonging, community involvement, and unconscious bias.

This month, our People First local conversations are centered around gratitude, which is an awareness and appreciation of the positive parts of our lives. Gratitude is something we can practice every day, whether that’s taking time to notice what’s going right or recognizing a coworker for something they’ve done that we’re thankful for. We know that building a habit of gratitude can make stronger and more connected teams and that being grateful is tied to many mental and physical health benefits, including better sleep and a decrease in anxiety and depression.

As our last local conversation of the year, we want to take a moment to share that we have so much to be grateful for—our people, values, communities, customers, products, and more. We are thankful for the opportunities to enhance lives by delivering quality products, offering empowering and rewarding careers, and doing our part to bring about a better future.

References

CNP, A. L. (2022, December 6). Can expressing gratitude improve your mental, physical health? Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/can-expressing-gratitude-improve-health

L&P Automotive in India Celebrates Ayudha Pooja

Our Automotive team in Chennai, India, recently celebrated Ayudha Pooja — “worship of instruments” — as part of the Hindu festival Navaratri.

Ayudha Pooja is a time to give thanks and ask for the blessing of a safe work environment. The meaningful custom of pooja (Hindu worship) gives participants an opportunity to appreciate the tools and machines used in their professions and to recognize the divine force behind these objects that provides prosperity. To celebrate, all vocational tools are cleaned, polished, and then covered with turmeric and sandalwood paste. To invite positive energy and protection, a priest performs Homam, which includes spraying holy water on the machines and throughout the branch.

We invited a few of our employees to share their thoughts on the celebration:

P. Gnanaprakasam

P. Gnanaprakasam, Manufacturing Coach, shared, “For the past 13 years, we have celebrated Ayudha Pooja. It is a unique opportunity for our company to boost employee motivation and morale, as it creates a positive work environment among us. On this day, we thank our machines and tools, and we seek blessing for a safer work environment. I participated in Homam, and the divinity gave me a positive vibe.”

D. Santha Lakshmi

D. Santha Lakshmi, Quality Technician, shared, “Ayudha Pooja celebrations provide a break from the monotony of an everyday routine. We can have a good time and return to work the next day with a fresh mind. During Navaratri (Nine Days), we worshipped, sang, and decorated Golu. This gave us great happiness because we participated as a team. After the celebration, sweets were given to us, and we celebrated Ayudha Pooja at home.”

S. Praveen Kumar

S. Praveen Kumar, Manufacturing Technician, shared, “The Ayudha Pooja celebration at our branch is a happy event. We prayed as a team—all functions came together, and the celebration made us like one family. It motivated us all. We also celebrated Ayudha Pooja with our families, using the sweets, puffed rice, and fruits given to us at our branch. This made our families happy!”


Check out some of the photos from our branch’s celebration below!

Employees gather near a priest performing Homam.
The entrance to the branch is decorated with fruit trees.
Employees gather around a Navaratri Golu display lined with dolls, figurines, gods, and goddesses.
The team made a beautiful and colorful rangoli.

L&P Sponsors Third Thursday

L&P sponsored October’s Third Thursday—a family-friendly event where the Joplin, Missouri, and surrounding communities come together to enjoy local food, artists, entertainment, and shops.

The event’s theme was “Fall Festival,” and it attracted a great crowd! Twenty L&P volunteers helped set up the event and offered free games, mini-pumpkin decorating, a photo booth, candy, and popcorn to attendees. Our volunteers handed out more than 600 bags of free popcorn and helped over 100 kids decorate pumpkins!

We are grateful to all of our employees who made Third Thursday fun and successful! Check out some photos from the event below.