Melaleuca Awards $2.4 Million in Loyalty Bonuses to Long-Term Team Members
In front of a cheering crowd of all their colleagues, 186 Melaleuca Team Members walked across the stage on October 29 and received special bonus checks ranging between $5,000 to $30,000 for their dedication over the years. Reaching landmark work anniversaries over the last 12 months, these Team Members appreciate that Melaleuca’s Longevity & Long-Term Contribution Bonus Program specifically celebrates their service to Melaleuca’s mission of enhancing lives.
This year, Melaleuca paid $2,436,697 to 186 Team Members—142 live in Idaho, 42 reside in Knoxville, Tennessee, and 2 live in Oahu, Hawaii.
“Melaleuca loves to share the wealth with our Team Members who go the distance with us,” said Melaleuca Executive Chairman Frank VanderSloot.
Melaleuca Team Members are paid $5,000 for a five-year service anniversary, $10,000 at 10 years, $15,000 at 15 years, ~$33,00 ($20,000 net) at 20 years, $25,000 at 25 years, $30,000 at 30 years and $35,000 at 35 years.
VanderSloot points out that each Team Member is eligible for this bonus, regardless of position or pay level. Their length of service is the only qualification.
This year, 8 Team Members received $30,000 checks, 9 received $25,000 checks, 34 received $20,000 net checks (~$33,000 gross), 14 received $15,000 checks, 27 received $10,000 checks and 94 received $5,000 checks.
More Than $42 Million Paid to Team Members
With this newest round of longevity bonuses, The Wellness Company has now paid $42,080,492 in loyalty bonuses to its Team Members. This program began rewarding Team Member loyalty in 2007.
“Our Team Members have worked hard and have earned our highest respect,” said Melaleuca CEO Jerry Felton. “These bonuses demonstrate our deep appreciation for their commitment to enhance lives.”
Along with these loyalty bonuses, Melaleuca Team Members also enjoy profit sharing, performance-based incentives and frequent recognition for hard work and innovation.
Melaleuca has operated for nearly four decades, and the number of Team Members has grown from 8 in Idaho Falls to more than 4,600 around the world. There are more than 1,700 Team Members in the United States.
Retire from Melaleuca as a Millionaire
While each Team Member has the freedom to use their loyalty bonuses as they choose, Melaleuca encourages its Team Members to invest these bonuses into the company’s 401(k) program. By making these investments over 30 years of employment, and receiving a modest rate of return, each Melaleuca Team Member can retire from The Wellness Company with at least $1 million.
“Just take that money and invest it wisely and safely,” VanderSloot counseled Team Members at the annual meeting. “The number one investing secret is to start now!”
Thoughts from Three Team Members
Quality Product Specialist Jeffrey Long received a $30,000 check for 30 years with Melaleuca. He is beloved by his coworkers and has even won Melaleuca’s Spirit Award for his enthusiastic support of cancer-fighting charities.
“Thirty years at Melaleuca passed in the blink of an eye because I’ve been surrounded with wonderful friends, a caring culture and a job with purpose,” Long said. “I’ve frequently stated that I’m planning to retire with Melaleuca, I’m here to stay, and these people have become a family to me.”
He added, “A few years ago, I enjoyed a cruise where Melaleuca rented the entire ship for its Customers and Marketing Executives, and the company invited me to go for free as a longtime employee. Unfortunately, while driving to the port, I got a flat tire and eventually called the ship to explain why I couldn’t make it on time. I was heartbroken. A few minutes later, I was astonished to learn that Frank VanderSloot directed the ship’s captain to stay docked an hour longer so I could join them. I’ve never forgotten that gesture. It cemented my belief that Melaleuca really cares about its people, and it’s like a family to me.”
Dean Tharp, Melaleuca’s director of East Coast distribution, reflected on this longevity bonus. “I’m planning to retire next year when I turn 65, so receiving a $25,000 check for 25 years of service is a nice addition to my retirement. It’s been a blessing to work for Melaleuca, and I’ve loved helping this company grow.”
Some of Tharp’s favorite memories include the times when he and the Knoxville team have been called upon after natural disasters. “Not only do we regularly package pallets of products for disaster zones, but I remember receiving Frank’s call after Hurricane Michael to get chainsaws and generators to help Florida’s first responders. It was the middle of the night, but they needed us to go buy and send them right away. I’ve been honored to serve after the Gatlinburg wildfires, the Newport and Baton Rouge floods, and many hurricanes.”
Melaleuca Senior Supply Chain Manager Brogan Lott, who celebrated his 20-year milestone, said, “I’m proud to work for an organization that wants to invest in my financial future. This longevity bonus enables me to maximize my 401k contribution, which will help set me up for success in retirement. Melaleuca has provided me and my family with job security and financial stability, and what that means for me really is priceless.”
Melaleuca: A Forbes Best Employer
This unique bonus program is just one of many reasons why Melaleuca has been recognized by Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Employers — and also as one of America’s Best Employers for Women (Melaleuca has also received the Susan B. Anthony Award and the Empowering Women Award for its commitment to supporting and empowering the women in its workforce).
The Forbes designations are based on independent survey scores taken from tens of thousands of anonymous American workers. Factors included work environment and company culture, compensation and benefits, growth opportunities and company reputation.
A Fun, Family-Friendly Culture
Melaleuca: The Wellness Company is known for cultivating a strong sense of community that encourages fun and generosity. The Wellness Company hosts many events throughout the year for Team Members and their families. The biggest Melaleuca event takes place each summer with the Melaleuca Family Picnic. This carnival-style event for Team Members and their families features bounce houses and other games and activities, as well as free helicopter rides and all-you-can-eat food.
And when the holiday season arrives, The Wellness Company transforms the Melaleuca Event Center into a spooky fun trick-or-treat path for Team Members’ children and grandchildren, and the Melaleuca Christmas party rounds out the year with world-class entertainment and raffle prizes.
On top of events throughout the year, Melaleuca also offers a subsidized café and a free fitness center at its global headquarters as well as a childcare facility called Koala Kubs Academy.
If you are interested in joining The Wellness Company on its mission to enhance lives, visit MelaleucaJobs.com!