Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | January 7, 2019 | Worcester Business Journal 31 the more people I employ, the more thankful I am for my parents for how they raised my brothers and I. ey did whatever they could for us. On the ride home, I talked to one of my employees about her life. I feel for her and give her advice. She is going to go far in life, and I hope to be a role model for her. I have been raised to be a thoughtful person; someone who would give you the shirt off my back. is has not always been reciprocated; and I spent a lot of my adulthood bitter about how others have treated me. When I realized what matters are the people who respect you – not the ones who don't – the world around me changed. I have been told not to involve myself in the lives of my staff, not to get too close because people come and go, and we do not know their intentions. I have tried that, and it did not feel right. I keep a short distance, but you spend the most time with the people you work with. So, I ask myself, why not provide them with a loving and caring environment where they feel protected and appreciated? If I can treat them this way, and my managers can too, we will change the business world. Renee Diaz is the owner of e Queen's Cups bakery in Worcester. BY RENEE DIAZ The Struggle is Real The Christmas party I always wanted T his past Christmas, I had a holiday party for my staff. On a Sunday aer we closed, I made sure to have our favorite dishes from nearby restaurant Maddi's Cookery & Tap- house all set up for my crew. Under our Christmas tree, I placed their presents from my husband and I. Twenty-five employees all in one room, enjoying each other's company and some really tasty food. We had been looking forward to this holiday party since our anksgiving potluck where all of their families were invited to join us. is time around, I really wanted to have time with my staff. Since not everyone works together, it was special to have everyone in the same room. I really wanted to make sure I personally shopped for each of their gis. I paid close attention to what they mentioned they wanted. is is a luxury I may not always be able to do, but aer having our best year yet, it was import- ant to show them how much I appreci- ate their hard work and who they are as people. My mom, who had a total knee replacement, surprised our staff and attended the party, too. Her presence is missed, and the staff enjoyed seeing her. e party lasted a few hours, with W Your local bank. Your community bank. And once again, your Best Bank Connecting all offices: 1.800.578.4270 • www.unibank.com Member FDIC/Member DIF We're proud to have been voted Best Bank for Business in Worcester Business Journal's 2019 Best of Business poll. It confirms that our community approach to business banking is working. To those of you who voted for us, thank you. To those of you who don't kno w us yet, we invite you to contact us to find out what we can do for your business. For more information, call 1.800.578.4270 today, visit us online at www.unibank.com or stop by any UniBank branch office. employees coming and going, but it was a heartwarming experience. I found myself getting emotional throughout just realizing what kind of bond we have created. Some of these employees do not have much. ey have parents who work multiple jobs just trying to provide for their families. Some are financially responsible for their families at young ages, and others never treat themselves, no matter how much they work. Toward the end of the party, some said they did not want to go home. ose words were among the greatest compliments I have received in seven years of business. ey did not want to go home, not because of their home life, but because they enjoyed the company of their fellow employees. I held back tears throughout the gathering. My kitchen staff surprised me with an authentic Irish sweater straight from Ireland. I had mentioned that I wanted one, and they surprised me. When I saw the gi, I was overwhelmed with gratitude. Not for the gi itself, but the thoughtfulness behind it. All I want- ed to do was provide them with a good time, as the holidays can unfortunately bring out negativity in families, and here was my staff treating me with so much love. My favorite gis were the cards they gave me. ey were filled with such sweet words. is is the type of commu- nity I had always wished to create at e Queen's Cups. at night, I drove some of my staff home. I realized I am not just providing them a job. I am providing them with love, guidance and protection. I have employees who take the bus to work or have to walk. I was lucky enough to get my license at their age and have a car. I have not had to deal with the struggles they experience. e older I get, and

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