Published: October 01, 2008 11:49 am         

Employee at Startek loses bet, dances

A “400-pound ballerina” danced on the corner of Randolph and Grand Tuesday afternoon. Or, at least that’s how it looked to passers-by.

Vicki Tidball, a StarTek employee, lost a bet and wound up on the corner in an inflatable ballerina suit holding a recruiting sign.

“If they (employees) could hit a 92 percent show rate, I said I would wear this and make a help wanted sign and stand out here,” Tidball said. “They actually got a 95.15 percent show rate. That is really difficult.”

A show rate is working when scheduled to work.

“If you are scheduled to take lunch at one and take it at two it will hurt your show rate. It is showing up on time and not leaving early,” Tidball said.

Employees came outside of the building to enjoy Tidball’s embarrassment.

People took pictures, danced with her and gently teased her.

The public also showed its support for the ballerina by honking and yelling for her.

Tidball said she really didn’t mind losing the bet.

“I’ve dyed my hair purple for these guys. You do what you have to,” Tidball said.

Tidball held a yellow poster board up with “Help wanted. Apply now and expand your horizons at StarTek.” Holly Reed, director of recruiting for StarTek, said they really are hiring.

“We are hiring in leaps and bounds,” Reed said. “Between now and the end of the year, I need to hire between 100 and 150 people.”

StarTek is hard work, according to Reed, but they have fun, too.

“We work hard but we play hard, too,” she said.