Melaleuca Celebrates Longtime Employees with $3.4 Million in Longevity Bonuses

Becky Zehntner says that longevity pays at Melaleuca! This employee just received a $30,000 check to celebrate her 30-year milestone with the company.  

And Becky was not alone. This year, 230 Melaleuca Team Members reached landmark work anniversaries, and together they were rewarded with a total of $3,431,489 in Longevity and Long-Term Contribution Bonuses.

In front of a cheering crowd of colleagues, these Team Members walked across the stage at the company’s Global Headquarters Event Center to receive checks ranging from $5,000 to $35,000 in appreciation for their dedicated service to Melaleuca’s mission of enhancing lives.

The annual payout of Melaleuca’s unique Loyalty and Long-Term Contribution Bonus was the largest it has ever been—by more than $200,000!

This longstanding Melaleuca program pays Team Members $5,000 for a five-year service anniversary, $10,000 at 10 years, $15,000 at 15 years, $31,323 ($20,000 net) at 20 years, $25,000 at 25 years, $30,000 at 30 years and $35,000 at 35 years.

All Team Members are eligible for this bonus, regardless of position or pay level. Their length of service is the only qualification.

Maintenance Supervisor James Ramey, who has been with Melaleuca for 25 years, received a $25,000 check. He served in the US military and, according to his supervisor, Ramey has used those technical and mechanical skills well at Melaleuca and been an integral part of the team.

The longevity bonuses were distributed to 177 Team Members from Idaho, 49 from Knoxville, Tennessee, 3 from Hawaii and 1 from Puerto Rico.

Rewarding Those Who Go the Distance

This year, 2 Team Members earned $35,000 checks and 6 Team Members earned $30,000 checks.

Additionally, 13 Team Members opened $25,000 checks, and 22 Team Members received $31,323 ($20,000 net) checks.  

Melaleuca also presented $15,000 checks to 47 Team Members, $10,000 checks to 37 Team Members and $5,000 checks to 79 Team Members.

“Melaleuca loves to share the wealth with our Team Members who go the distance with us,” said Melaleuca Executive Chairman Frank VanderSloot during the annual Team Member meeting on Nov. 16. 

Frank also took a moment to reflect about how Melaleuca has come so far because of the many Team Members who have spent their careers here. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would be a part of something like this. I will never have enough time to hear everyone’s story, but I know everyone here has a story.”

Melaleuca CEO Jerry Felton agreed that Team Members exude excellence, especially in how they have come together over the last 38 years to make Melaleuca what it is today.

“At The Wellness Company, the concept of ‘team’ means something different,” Felton said. “Our Team Members have worked hard and have earned our highest respect. These bonuses demonstrate our deep appreciation for their commitment to enhance lives.”

Nearly $40 Million Paid to Date Through Longevity Bonuses

Since this program began in 2007, The Wellness Company has paid $39,643,795 in Loyalty and Long-Term Contribution Bonuses. Each year, Melaleuca pays out many other kinds of bonuses, such as profit sharing, recognition awards and incentives based on productivity and performance.

Thousands of Melaleuca employees have benefitted from sizeable longevity bonus checks. Melaleuca has operated for 38 years and has grown to more than 4,600 Team Members worldwide, with more than 1,700 Team Members in the United States.

While these bonuses are extraordinary, Zehntner appreciates that Melaleuca has provided her with a steady and fulfilling career for over three decades.

“Not everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow in one place,” Zehtner says. “I love my job because each day it brings something new and different, something that excites me. I have had a direct influence on the creation of many Melaleuca products and patents, and I have seen how those products really have changed the lives of our customers. It’s been incredibly rewarding experience so far, and there is much more to come!”

Another Team Member who appreciates this bonus, along with his professional growth, is Ryan Sanford, a vice president of marketing, who was awarded a $20,000 net check ($31,323 gross) for 20 years of dedication. Sanford started at Melaleuca in 2003 as a brand manager. Over the years, he has been promoted through the ranks to category manager and director of marketing before reaching his current position.

Retire as a Millionaire

Before distributing the longevity bonuses, Frank and other Melaleuca executives counseled bonus recipients. They expressed appreciation for their years of service and encouraged them to plan for retirement with the money they were about to receive.

“It’s our goal that all Melaleuca employees will retire as millionaires,” Frank said.

Every 30-year Team Member has the opportunity to save over $1 million for retirement from Melaleuca. A Team Member only needs to take advantage of the company’s 401(k) matching program, invest their longevity bonuses and achieve a modest rate of return on that investment.

“Just take that money and invest it wisely and safely,” Frank advised. “The number one investing secret is to start now! You want that money to compound as long as it can. They say that those who understand interest earn it, and those who don’t understand it pay it.”

Nicki Bowden, a Policy Administration Manager, who has been a Melaleuca Team Member for 35 years, expressed gratitude that her longevity bonuses will enable her to enjoy a great retirement.

“I love my job and the opportunity to work at Melaleuca,” Bowden said. “Working here has allowed me to do so many things for my family and to enjoy so many professional experiences. And I have a solid retirement to look forward to!”

Forbes Names Melaleuca a Great Place to Work

Melaleuca’s Loyalty and Long-Term Contribution Bonus is just one of the many perks that Melaleuca offers its Team Members.

Because of this unique bonus program and many other factors, Forbes magazine has recognized Melaleuca not only as one of America’s Best Employers but also as one of America’s Best Employers for Women.

These prestigious national awards are based on scores compiled from tens of thousands of anonymous surveys of American workers. Fewer than 1% of American companies are recognized by these lists. Forbes analyzed categories such as company reputation, work environment, benefits, compensation, growth opportunities and workplace culture.

Team Members highlight Melaleuca’s culture of generosity, community and fun. Each summer, Melaleuca hosts an annual picnic with free helicopter rides, all-you-can-eat food, and a full-scale carnival. During the holidays, Melaleuca puts on a festive Halloween celebration for Team Members’ children and grandchildren as well as a Christmas party with world-class entertainment.

Team Members also appreciate Melaleuca’s investment to subsidize its café and fitness center at its global headquarters as well as its childcare facility.

Melaleuca currently has many job openings, ranging from part- and full-time machine and call center operators to scientists, analysts, engineers, project managers, web developers, graphic designers and more.

If you are interested in becoming a Melaleuca Team Member, visit MelaleucaJobs.com!