The True Value of a GReaT Family

What is a family? Why is it important? As International Day of Families approaches, it throws into the spotlight the changing nature and definition of this very concept. Traditionally, the definition of the word has been limited to the people we’re related to by blood or marriage. However, with changing times, this rather strict definition has evolved to include what we now call a ‘Chosen Family’ i.e., the people we choose to have and keep in our lives, and the relationships we actively choose to maintain.

As members of a GReaT big family, we know the importance family holds in our lives and in the lives of others. It is our loved ones that build us up and help us stand tall while supporting us whenever we falter. The complexities of the last two years have made clear the importance of familial support in our everyday lives and the significance these connections have on our general wellbeing.

We are proud of our team members, and we know that their families share our pride in them too. That is why with every new batch of hires, we celebrate Family Treat Day, to meet those most important to our employees, spend time with them, and treat them to an afternoon of fun and games, complete with a family special brunch. Inviting our employees’ loved ones to their places of work allows us the opportunity to welcome them to the GRT menage and assure them that they are in good hands.

Much like everyone else, taking care of our family is our topmost priority. For this reason, we have in place family-oriented policies to support them in every way we can - from providing groceries at below-market cost through our Family Needs Program and assisting with their children’s primary and secondary education, to providing an entertainment allowance for them and their families and organizing an all-expense-paid vacation to any of our properties for our best employee of the year and their family.

The last two years, however, have been especially difficult for us. We suffered some losses, and those are voids that will never be filled. However, in a tradition as old as we are, we attempt to fulfill our duty towards those most important to the members of our staff that we’ve lost by continuing to provide financial support to their families and encouraging them to join our GReaT family as members of our team. Moreover, during emergencies and crises whether medical or financial, we stand by our employees no matter what and provide them with the resources they need.

In good times and bad, it is imperative that any family sticks together, and with one as big as ours, this becomes twice as important. We are eternally grateful for the support of our family that helped us sail through the last two years, and only hope that we have done them justice in our attempts to safeguard them and their future.