In the fast-paced world of metal fabrication, where deadlines often determine the daily rhythm, it’s easy to become immersed in the day-to-day flow of projects. That’s why we place great emphasis at Badger Sheet Metal Works (BSMW) on acknowledging accomplishments, both big and small, and are immensely grateful for the tireless efforts of our team. Our BSMW members work diligently to optimize production and efficiency, and in recognition of their dedication, we recently organized an event outside the shop as a small token of our appreciation for their continued contributions.

Earlier this month, employees exchanged their tooling and welding masks for bowling balls and shoes as they joined family for a night at Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley. The friendly competition (plus unlimited pizza and soda!) helped create new memories and strengthen camaraderie.

All told, 74 people turned out for the event, with all but ten trying their hand at throwing strikes. In the end, there could only be one champion: employee Kou Vang bowled a nearly-perfect game, emerging with a remarkable score of 275!

“At Badger Sheet Metal Works, we believe the foundation of our success lies in our people,” said Ann Vandersteen, BSMW’s payroll coordinator. “The gathering was more than just a night out – it celebrated the hard work, dedication, and team spirit that all our employees bring to the table every day. When we can share laughs and create memories together, that truly reflects the community we value here at Badger Sheet Metal Works. We’re all about appreciating our team members as members of a family.”

Additional Benefits BSMW Has Observed Through Hosting Employee Appreciation Events:

Strengthened Relationships

Appreciation events provide a valuable chance for employees to strengthen their bonds with their peers and supervisors. In our workplace, while team members routinely collaborate with certain coworkers, there may be limited opportunities to connect with people from different departments or those working an opposite schedule. Our goal is to get everyone to meet because those relationships usually prove beneficial back on the job. These connections increase employee retention and improve their engagement with their workplace role.

Boosted Morale & Engagement

Employees thrive in environments where they feel valued, respected and recognized for their contributions. Gestures of gratitude both acknowledge hard work and show a commitment to a workplace where every staff member feels genuinely supported. Studies show that employees who feel their company cares about their personal well-being are 30% more likely to remain with the organization for five years or more.

Integration of New Talent

An emphasis of Badger Sheet Metal Works’ culture is the seamless integration of new employees. The transition into a new role is a pivotal time, often marked by feelings of nervousness and apprehension. Appreciation events, like our family bowling night, are essential in helping bridge this gap by providing a welcoming, pressure-free environment in which newcomers can get their bearings and form meaningful connections with their peers.

Team Building

Imagine the entire team cheering as Kou finished his tenth frame and secured that nearly-perfect game of bowling. It’s those moments – exciting and celebratory— which highlight the team spirit we strive for at BSMW. By acknowledging each other’s successes, we build a workplace where each person feels valued for their contributions. This sense of belonging strengthens our work community and makes us all better communicators, collaborators and, in the end, metal fabricators.

We could boast about our state-of-the-art facility and advanced technology, but we can’t deliver the best without our people. Events like the recent bowling night offer a break from the daily grind and an opportunity for the BSMW team to connect, relax, and have fun in a setting outside of work. By investing in our employees’ well-being, we build a stronger, more motivated team that’s ready to take on the challenges of the metal fabrication industry with a sense of shared purpose.

Our employees are the heart of BSMW, and it’s their skill, dedication, and teamwork that drive our success. Here’s to many more victories and to the incredible team that makes them possible!

Interested in Growing Your Career at BSWM?

Whether you are an experienced press brake operator looking for new challenges or a recent graduate eager to kickstart your career, we have a diverse range of roles and opportunities waiting for you. Explore BSMW’s open positions today.