HISTORY OF VALUING PEOPLE
In the 1930s, McCormick, like most companies, was battling the financial difficulties of the Great Depression. In 1932, the Company's founder, Willoughby McCormick, died suddenly, and the Company's future became uncertain. Willoughby's 36-year-old nephew, Charles P. McCormick, was elected President and Chairman of the Board. Charles P. McCormick, or "C.P." as he is affectionately remembered, focused on "People" as the key to save the business.
C.P. understood that the people who actually perform the work are the true experts about the business. Hoping to capitalize on the collective knowledge within the Company, C.P. implemented a new business philosophy called "Multiple Management." Through this participative management approach, employees worked together to solve cross-functional problems and grow the business.
Focused on improving the business through its people, McCormick made headlines for dramatic work life improvements. In 1933, many companies were increasing hours and lowering employee pay to increase profits. McCormick took a dramatically different approach and reduced working hours and gave every employee a salary raise. Success followed and it was here that our operating philosophy was born:
"Think twice for the Company and once for yourself and the Company will think twice for the employee and once for itself."
C.P. reinforced the Company's commitment through his continued sensitivity to employees' needs. In 1945, C.P. began the still-honored tradition of declaring "McCormick Holidays" during the Christmas Holiday season, so that employees could spend time with family members returning home from World War II.
About this same time, C.P. realized that a dedicated department should be added to the Company to specifically address employees' needs. This was a novel idea for that time. The department was called "Human Relations." It exists today, under that same name, reflecting the importance of relationships and teamwork to the achievement of our success.
Throughout McCormick's history, the Company has been a leader with progressive Human Relations programs and practices. From our early days as an employee pension and profit sharing pioneer, to being listed in the book, "100 Best Companies To Work For In America," McCormick's belief that our people are the key to our success has remained a constant philosophy.