Happy Chinese New Year!
What are you thankful for this holiday season?
In the U.S., Veterans Day honors all who have served our country in times of war or peace – and is largely intended to thank veterans for their sacrifices. Today, L&P gives special thanks to the many veteran employees who bring their talents to our company.
Chris Hoven, Manager of Talent Acquisition at L&P, served in the Army for 8 years. He now uses his own experience transitioning to a civilian career to guide veterans through the interview process.
Members of our Armed Forces develop valuable skills throughout their service. Junior enlisted members are generally part of a small team where they are able to develop skills in both collaboration and leadership. Enlisted leaders earn valuable experience in managing people and operations. Others gain knowledge in specialized areas such as HR, supply chain management, and IT.
Unfortunately, a transition from the military to a civilian career can be accompanied by challenges. Many service members join directly out of high school and serve a minimum of 4 years. There is often a disconnect between military and civilian experiences, which can make the interview process uncomfortable.
“Trying to translate my experiences in the military to the civilian world was difficult,” says Chris Hoven, Manager of Talent Acquisition at L&P. “I was an infantry officer in the Army and led a platoon in a combat arms unit. Service members in roles like mine often struggle to translate what we have done in the military into civilian terms. When recruiting a former service member, I try to use my own experience to support them through that process.”
With Chris’ guidance, L&P continues to work toward developing training and resources to help communicate military achievements in a way that non-military recruiters and hiring managers will understand. They also try to match veterans with roles at L&P which can benefit from their unique experience. Ultimately, Chris believes that it is our people who help facilitate that journey.
“Most veterans will speak to the high level of comradery they had with their fellow service members. In the military, you’re one team working together towards a common goal,” says Chris. “I see that reflected at L&P. Our people are great to work with and are always willing to help one another.”
Leggett & Platt celebrates Native American Heritage Month and the vibrant culture of our Native American employees.
The month is designed to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures, traditions, and histories of Native people. It is also a day of recognition for the significant contributions the first Americans made to the establishment and growth of our country.
If you identify as a Native American employee, we would love to hear from you. Contact us at social@leggett.com to share your story!
L&P Automotive India recently celebrated Ayudha Pooja, a Hindu festival that is celebrated during the tenth day of the bright half of the moon’s cycle, or Shardiya Navratri. Translated to “worship of instruments,” the event honors the tools and equipment integral to our professions and our daily lives.
The principal goddesses worshiped during the celebration are Saraswati (the Goddess of wisdom, arts and literature), Lakshmi (the goddess of wealth) and Parvati (the divine mother). Their teams clean, decorate, and worship the branch’s tools to destroy negative energy and to bring wealth and prosperity.
“We spray holy water, decorate, and pray to the Gods to bring good things to our factory,” said Rajeswari Subramani, Manager of Human Resources. “We always ask them for strong profits, good benefits, and for the safety of all our employees and their families.”
The following images show the care and attention they gave to creating a meaningful event for their employees.
Rangoli patterns are created indoors using brightly materials such as colored sand, stones, flower petals, food, and colored rocks. Important Hindu symbols are also displayed, such as the Ganesh which represents the wisdom and understanding that one must possess to attain perfection in life.
Tools and equipment are cleaned and polished with great care. They are then smeared with turmeric and sandalwood paste and are adorned with flowers, fruits and other decorations.
Elaborate displays of fruits, sweets, and fragrant oil lamps are arranged throughout the facility as offerings to the Gods.
Rangoli – colorful artistic patterns created on the floor – decorate the entrances to L&P’s facility. When created outdoors, they are made using colored rice flower, which serves as a humanitarian offering of food to ants and other small insects. The building is also decorated with colorful lights during the festival.
Entrances to the building are decorated and fragrant sticks are burned as they pray for increased wealth and prosperity for L&P employees. A priest also visited the facility to perform a Pooja, or traditional Hindu prayer ceremony.
