If you were given the chance to run a billion dollar business, how would you treat the low-income employees?

Question

Lets say you were in Oprah Winfrey's position, how would you help out the people on your pay roll that make less than $20k a year. Would you have programs for housing or food or other things that could help a family survive financially, or would you perform otherwise?

Lets say you were in Oprah Winfrey's position, how would you help out the people on your pay roll that make less than $20k a year. Would you have programs for housing or food or other things that could help a family survive financially, or would you perform otherwise?

This does not mean this is Oprah's company nor does this mean you have a small staff. This is a hypethetical situation in which there are employees that make less than $20k a year. They may be F/T or P/T, that is not the point to debate, it is about what kind of programs can be implemented to help these people out.
Firing people does not help them out, lowering their wages does not help tham out.

Answer 1

give them free breakfast and lunches, buying in bulk will cost the company less and it will safve the employees two means a day, think how much they would save in a year?

Answer 2

I think I would offer some kind of housing voucher that lets them have so much money towards there rent or house payment verse the time they have put in the company, or offer company housing at a discounted rate. You could also offer scholarships to local colleges to help cover the costs, offer free classes for the employees to earn a higher education. Offer a free daycare program for you employees. That would definitely be an excellent benefit especially if its located at your place of employment. At Christmas time I would give them a $1000.00 bonus for Christmas shopping so there kids can have a nice meal and enjoy the holidays like everyone else.

Answer 3

Anyone that couldn't produce more than $20K per year would be fired and replaced with a robot. The rest would be put on a quota system and monitored for productivity. If they failed to make the quota for two quarters they would be fired.

I would focus on crushing my competition and weeding out inefficiency. Thus ensuring the long term employment of my productive work force.

Answer 4

The people that will work for the $20k a year are the ones that need it the most so I'm already helping them. If I find anyone that will work for less, then I'd hire them instead.

Answer 5

I had a small cleaning business with this other guy in florida for a short while. I had continual fights with him because i wanted to pay staff $10 an hour and he wanted to pay $5. My position was that if you pay people well they will be happy and have more respect for you and be a better employee because of that, plus if their unskilled and you pay them better than other companies you will get loyal, hardworking staff. In the long run if you pay people well, you get to be wealthy, respected and successful. It makes every kinda sence to treat people well because its better for you. Who really wants to be hated and rich. Oprah should just pay better, thats all, she can certainly afford it.

Answer 6

I would treat them the same as all other employees. Hopefully if I had a billion dollar company, I would be able to pay them more than 20k a year....

Answer 7

I would show them the same respect and treat them no differently then the employees that make more than that amount. If your expenses exceed your income then you have a net loss so to provide special accomodations for them is discriminating and unethical. Should I provide transportation such as bentleys, limos, personal drivers for the wealthy employees? NO

Answer 8

I would treat them the way GOD would want me too. They should earn fair wages for thier work. Wealth hastly gotten will dwindle, but he who gatthers little by little will increase it. An old proverbs