The Challenge
The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 825 provides contractors with skilled heavy equipment operators, while the Funds Office manages benefits for members, their families, and administrative staff.
Although the Funds Office already had a strong foundation, leadership recognized opportunities to strengthen performance management, ensure compensation was tied to results, and build sustainable HR processes. Job descriptions were modified to reflect actual responsibilities and raises were administered to reflect performance
The work, systems, and changes have shown in employee satisfaction as the Funds Office has made NJBIZ list of one of the Best Places to Work in New Jersey for the past 4 years.
The Solution
Lindenberger Group Senior Human Resource Consultant Jacqueline has supported the Funds Office with strategic HR consulting for more than seven years. Jacqueline has become a trusted partner, helping the organization evolve its people practices while keeping employee engagement high.
Her contributions include:
- Performance Management: Implemented a structured evaluation process with clear criteria, ensuring raises were based on performance results.
- Job Descriptions & Compensation: Updated job roles to reflect actual responsibilities, aligning them with appropriate compensation and succession planning.
- Trust & Communication: Built a strong relationship with leadership, including monthly check-ins with the business manager (serving in a CEO-equivalent role), always providing business rationale for recommendations.
- Scalable HR Practices: Extended performance management processes to related entities, including the Union Hall and the Dayton Training Center.
- Employee Engagement: Supported the office in achieving Best Places to Work in New Jersey recognition for four consecutive years by fostering a culture of clarity, fairness, and accountability.
The Impact
Through Jacqueline’s ongoing partnership, the Funds Office has achieved meaningful improvements in both employee and organizational performance:
- Performance-Based Culture: Raises now reflect achievement and contribution, increasing motivation and accountability.
- Organizational Clarity: Updated job descriptions and succession planning provide transparency and growth opportunities for staff.
- Trusted HR Leadership: Leadership values Jacqueline’s objective, business-driven guidance, which has strengthened decision-making and minimized risk.
- Sustained Engagement: The Funds Office continues to earn statewide recognition as an employer of choice, with employee surveys confirming high satisfaction and trust.
Lessons Learned
This engagement underscores the value of a long-term HR partnership built on trust. By pairing structured performance systems with empathetic communication, Lindenberger Group helped IUOE Local 825 Funds Services strengthen its culture, retain its reputation as a top workplace, and ensure employees are recognized for their contributions.
As Jacqueline reflected:
“I’m passionate about this work. My role isn’t just to check boxes—it’s to deliver results. By providing a clear business rationale for every recommendation, we’ve built trust and created a culture where people understand what’s expected of them and how their performance connects to the organization’s success.”