How the Menninger Curve and a Culture Book inspired by Zappos helped us achieve an average employee tenure of over 6 years at KDS.
Learn how our employees shape a living document that drives connection, values, and long-term success.
Why trying to sustain constant high morale can backfire—and what works instead
Hear directly from our team how small changes led to big results in engagement and retention.
Understand how psychological principles like the Menninger Curve can transform workplace culture.
How the Menninger Curve and a Culture Book Helped Komar Distribution Services Create a Thriving Workplace
At Komar Distribution Services (KDS), we believe that a company’s greatest asset is its people. Cultivating a positive, productive workplace doesn’t happen by chance-it’s the result of intentional effort, informed by
psychological insights and guided by a strong organizational culture.
One concept that has profoundly influenced our approach is the Menninger Curve, which teaches us that striving for constant high morale is not only unsustainable but also counterproductive. Instead, KDS focuses on maintaining morale slightly above baseline by fostering a balanced, engaging environment. This approach, combined with a Culture Book inspired by Zappos, has led to a team of happy, dedicated employees with an average tenure exceeding six years an achievement we’re proud of in the fast-paced logistics industry.
The Menninger Curve, developed by the Menninger Foundation, highlights a key truth about human emotions: happiness and morale naturally return to a baseline after major life events or dramatic changes. In both personal and professional settings, sustained “highs” are dicult to maintain without causing burnout or disillusionment.
At KDS, we’ve embraced this concept. Instead of trying to maintain an unsustainable level of excitement or high morale, we focus on creating an environment where employees feel consistently supported, valued, and slightly elevated above the emotional baseline. This balance leads to long-term happiness and productivity without unnecessary pressure.
To bring this philosophy to life, we created a Culture Book, inspired by Zappos, to capture the heart of our organizational values, vision, and day-to-day practices. This book is more than just a guide—it’s a living document shaped by employees themselves.
Here’s how the KDS Culture Book works:
By combining the Menninger Curve’s insights with our Culture Book, we’ve built a workplace where employees thrive. Here are the key outcomes:
If you’re looking to create a workplace where employees feel happy, engaged, and loyal, here are a few lessons from our journey:
At KDS, our people are at the core of everything we do. By understanding the psychology of happiness and creating a strong, employee-driven culture, we’ve built more than just a workplace—we’ve built a community. As we continue to grow, we’re committed to ensuring every employee feels supported, valued, and part of something bigger than themselves.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! How does your organization approach employee morale and culture? Let’s start a conversation in the comments.