Encore is first in the U.S. to offer Overtime Savings to retain the best service talent

CHICAGO (Oct. 29, 2024) – Encore, a global event technology and production services provider, confirmed today the launch of its pioneering ‘Overtime Savings Program’ in the United States, along with additional people-first programs to further support its ongoing workforce in a seasonal industry.

Powered by UKG’s payroll technology, this first-of-its-kind program aims to enhance financial wellness and stability for Encore’s frontline employees, many of whom work in markets that experience seasonal ebb and flow of business volumes.

With 12,000 team members providing event technology and production services at 2,200 hotels and conference venues in 20 countries, Encore faces the same challenges common in the hospitality industry. Seasonal fluctuations often result in workers’ hours varying from ample overtime during peak times to reduced schedules in off-season periods. This seasonality makes it difficult for workers to maintain consistent earnings and creates challenges for companies to retain talent in the off season.

“Encore has always believed its team members are the heart of our story. This people-first mindset motivates us to constantly evolve our team member experience and innovate around challenges, like the impact of seasonality, that the industry previously viewed as immutable,” said Ben Erwin, president and CEO of Encore.

In addition to the Overtime Savings Program, the company launched a Seasonal Leave of Absence Program, which offers team members the flexibility to take time off during slower seasons while retaining full benefits, accruing paid time off, and maintaining their tenure. This unique program enables employees to explore other work opportunities, pursue education, or focus on personal goals without sacrificing benefits or career progression. Both the Overtime Savings and Seasonal Leave of Absence Programs are active nationwide, with plans for global expansion.

“We established the program as another way to support our team members so that they can be at their best in delivering for our customers,” Erwin added. “With this innovation, they can better plan and save their premium overtime pay for periods of the year when they might not work as many hours. Providing this capability and funding a company-paid match for a portion of the savings should motivate financial wellness and enable them to continue to build their career with Encore. Team member reactions tell us we are onto something,” he said.

With a launch just after Labor Day, usage of the UKG Wallet™ increased tenfold compared to the prior year’s period. he company offered an initial savings match, similar to a 401k program incentive match, to reward healthy financial behavior.

“Financial stress is not a problem isolated to our industry, it’s a stressor for nearly everyone,” said Charlie Young, chief human resources officer at Encore. “Nearly 70% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck¹ and Americans spent $9B in bank overdraft fees in 2023. The more we can do to reduce stress for our team members, the more focused they can be on our customers. We are successful in the event production business because of the unique combination of our technical expertise, hospitality mindset and ability to work under pressure and through challenges. Seasonal fluctuations are part of our business, but with a partner like UKG that understands every industry has unique challenges, we were able to innovate to support those unique needs to make our team members’ lives better.”

Cody Browne, a technical lead with five years of service for Encore in Las Vegas, said he will try the Overtime Savings program, in addition to accruing and saving his Paid Time Off, for the slow season in December in Las Vegas. He hopes the vacation time, in addition to the saved overtime funds, will afford him an out-of-state vacation to visit family. “I love that Encore is creating new opportunities, that’s one of the reasons I am interested in growing my career here,” he said.

About Encore
Encore creates memorable experiences that engage and transform organizations. As the global leader for event production and technology, the Encore team of innovators and experts deliver real results through event strategy, design, technology, production and digital solutions. Encore operates in 20 countries across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia Pacific. It is the trusted partner of choice for more than 2,200 premiere hotels and venues worldwide, interacting with 25 million people annually. Additional information is available at Encore.

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Media Contacts:
Kirvin Doak Communications
EncorePR@kirvindoak.com

Jen Duffy
Encore
Jen.Duffy@encoreglobal.com

Certification validates Encore’s focus on workforce development and service excellence

SCHILLER PARK, IL Oct 3, 2024– Encore announced today it has earned a 2024-2025 Great Place To Work™ certification in the U.S. and all 10 additional eligible countries, including: Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

While this is the third consecutive year for the U.S., Australia, Mexico and United Arab Emirates to earn the certification, it is the first year all eligible geographies qualified, highlighting the success of active listening and detailed action plans managed by Encore global leaders.

The company scored highly in the category of fairness, reflecting that people feel respected regardless of their age, gender, race or sexual orientation and that everyone feels welcomed when they join Encore. It also scored highly for the sentiment that team members are treated as a full team member regardless of their position, which illustrates the company’s focus on fairness. Team members also ranked highly that they are given a lot of responsibility, reflecting the value of credibility.

Encore improved in areas regarding work-life balance, including team members feeling they are able to take time off work when necessary and that they are encouraged to balance their work and life. It also made gains in the sentiment around being an emotionally and psychologically healthy place to work.

“We are a team member-first, academy company for the event technology industry,” said Ben Erwin, President & CEO. “Fostering a high-trust work environment where today’s workforce can thrive is Encore’s competitive edge that powers our partnerships with both meeting professionals and venue partners.”

Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place To Work™ added, “The research is clear: investing in people is not only the right thing to do for team members, venue partners and business stakeholders, but it’s also the best way to grow your business.”

“Encore has excelled in launching workforce development programs that reinforce modern professional values around career development, schedule flexibility, and feeling a sense of purpose and belonging at work,” said Charlie Young, Chief Human Resources Officer. “The recovery from the pandemic wasn’t easy, but our team has adapted and embraced change in the last two years by actively listening to team member feedback and acting on it to continuously attract and retain top talent.”

Encore workforce development programs include growing nine business resources groups; development of badge certifications for completed training; a seasonal leave of absence program that includes fully paid benefits; launching a salary advance program, where team members have access to earned pay before payday; and mobile technology for easy shift scheduling.

WATCH this video for more insights about what makes Encore a Great Place to Work™.

This certification aligns with Encore’s Spotlight on People within its responsible business partner program, Illuminating a Brighter Future.

About Encore
Encore creates memorable experiences that engage and transform organizations. As the global leader for event production and technology, the Encore team of innovators and experts deliver real results through event strategy, design, technology, production and digital solutions. Encore operates in 20 countries across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia Pacific. It is the trusted partner of choice for more than 2,200 premiere hotels and venues worldwide, interacting with 25 million people annually. Additional information is available at Great Place To Work™ certification

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Media Contact:
Jennifer Duffy
Encore
Jen.duffy@encoreglobal.com
c: (310) 923-2712

Encore Team Members Contribute 1,500 Backpacks with Community Partners Across the Nation

SCHILLER PARK, IL Aug 2, 22024 – Encore team members in the Chicagoland, D.C.-metro and Dallas-metro areas assembled 1,500 backpacks today to be donated to students in need through charitable organizations in each city.

The opportunity for Encore team members to volunteer and give back to their local communities is just one of many programs that help make Encore a Great Place To Work ™ certified company. 

The community partners include:

• • Big Shoulders Fund in Chicago
  • Washington National Cathedral in Washington D.C.
  • MLK Jr. Community Center in Dallas, TX

“Being a Great Place To Work™ is about building a culture that people trust and feel proud to be a part of,” said Charlie Young, Encore Chief Human Resources Officer. “Our Business Resource Groups organize philanthropic efforts year-round, and they do great things for the industry and our communities. With the Backpack Give Back Day, we wanted to create an opportunity that our team members could rally around together across the U.S.”

The Give Back Day is an expansion of effort by the Encore Black & African Americans’ Business Resource Group. For 5 years, the group has donated supplies and assembled backpacks for students in the Dallas-metro area.

“We are so happy to extend this program into new markets and we hope to expand nationally and globally in the future, as part our responsible business program, Illuminating a Brighter Future,” said Patrick Sullivan, Global Director of Sustainability at Encore. “Corporate Social Responsibility is one aspect of our 3-part strategy, which outlines how we take care of people, the planet, and our responsibility to the communities we serve.”

Read more about Encore’s responsible business program, Illuminating a Brighter Future. 

About Encore   
Encore creates memorable experiences that engage and transform organizations. As the global leader for in-person, hybrid and virtual events, the Encore team of innovators and experts deliver real results through event strategy, design, technology, production and digital solutions. Encore operates in more than 20 countries across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Asia Pacific. It is the trusted partner of choice for more than 2,100 premiere hotels and venues worldwide. The company is headquartered in Schiller Park, Ill., within the Chicago metro area.