SALT LAKE CITY — They say if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life. From business owners to bus drivers, anyone can enjoy their job more by making an effort to bring joy to others.

The KSL.com "Make Your Week" column features uplifting stories sent in from people outside the newsroom. In this edition, three people bring joy to the people they interact with every day at work. Now, the people in their communities want them to be recognized for showing the power of positivity and kindness in their everyday lives.

UTA's own Mr. Rogers

"Steve Schaffer is not your typical bus driver; he knows every passenger by name and calls us his 'family,'" says Utah Transit Authority rider Sam R. "He dresses every day in a white, button-down shirt, tie, and driving cap, reminding riders of a bygone era when people took the time to know each other. He has been driving with UTA for over 30 years, and considering the energy he brings to the job, I imagined him continuing to serve for another 30. Alas, I was heartbroken yesterday when I learned that this is his last week with the UTA. He has gained a little recognition, and I thought it might be nice if we showed him some appreciation."

A UTA blog post about Schaffer reads: "Schaffer has been a UTA bus operator for more than 30 years. He knows his passengers by name and greets them with a personal welcome as they enter his vehicle. For Schaffer, it’s about showing “his people” that someone cares deeply about them.

“By addressing them by their first name, (you’re) acknowledging them for who they are and what they are as an individual,” Schaffer said. “It shows them that they’re more than just a mere passenger. They’re not mere passengers to me.”

Abuse survivor inspires others with kickboxing

"(Angie Garcia) opened a kickboxing gym in South Jordan a couple of years ago to help empower people who may be having a hard time," said Kara M. "She is also sponsoring three-month memberships to her gym for abuse victims. I'm not sure why I hadn't heard of her prior to last month but she is an incredible person who deserves to be featured. She and her family have fallen on hard times and a group of her members pooled together to give her and her family a gift basket ... it's very touching to see the community come together to take care of someone who has given her heart and soul and hasn't received anything in return."

Employees celebrate productive work with fun challenge

"Betsy Mikesell and Angie White co-founders of Beddy’s, a West Jordan based zippered bedding company, decided to do a reward for their company after hitting a major goal," said Gentry M. "They gave their employees 45 seconds to run through the warehouse and grab ANYTHING they wanted from their inventory."

"There were a few rules 1. They had to be holding everything they wanted to keep. 2. They had to get everything in 45 seconds or less. 3. No returns or exchanges...forcing them to get a product they actually wanted rather than exchanging something after the 45 seconds was over."

"No one knew what was happening until seconds before the event so no one could plan out the route ahead of time. Everyone got what they wanted and they were all cheering each other on. It was a really cool team building activity. It was fun to see their excitement over the product that they sell every day. When employees want the product that they sell, you know you have a great team!"

Related:

Make Your Week: Helping humans and felines in need

Firefighters and police officers are always out doing good. It's their job, after all. And thanks to social media, we have a few more feel-good stories from the emergency response agencies hard at work in your neighborhoods.

To share the stories that have made your day better, email them, preferably in 100 words or less, to jriess@ksl.com. Photos and videos are encouraged. Stories may be edited for clarity.

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