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Spanx Founder Sara Blakely Just Gave $10,000 to Her Employees--and a Valuable Lesson to Business Owners

Inc. 10/27/2021 Gabrielle Bienasz

Spanx Founder Sara Blakely Just Gave $10,000 to Her Employees--and a Valuable Lesson to Business Owners

After announcing private equity firm Blackstone's acquisition of her fashion brand, Blakely delighted employees with an unexpected perk.

Spanx founder Sara Blakely is sending her employees around the world--and offering a good lesson for other business owners.

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After announcing an acquisition deal with private equity firm Blackstone last week, Blakely announced on Instagram that she is doling out $10,000 and two first-class plane tickets to every member of the shapewear company's staff.

"This is a very big moment for each and every one of you," she said in a video on the social platform. Employees shared in the video that they plan to jet off to locales including South Africa, Bora Bora, and Sweden.

Video: Spanx founder Sara Blakely gifts employees trip to anywhere in the world (TODAY)

Spanx founder Sara Blakely gifts employees trip to anywhere in the world

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Even if you don't have Spanx's financial resources, there are still plenty of ways to similarly take care of your employees, says Amy Zimmerman, chief people officer at Relay Payments, an Atlanta-based logistics fintech. You just have to find ways to be generous when you can, and show your gratitude often.

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Amid the Great Resignation, Zimmerman says, Relay has had fewer than five people leave voluntarily. A vital part of the company's retention strategy has been giving equity to each of its roughly 100 employees. But, she adds, businesses also can get good results with methods like verbal messages, recognition programs, and community-building activities--many of which don't cost a thing.