Approximately 220 employers, business leaders and guests attended the Employer of Distinction awards luncheon yesterday at the Sheraton Hotel in St. John’s, where Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC) was named Employer of Distinction in the large employer category, and St. Jude Hotel was named Employer of Distinction in the small employer category.
Both organizations were recognized by the judges for the importance of human resources best practices in the overall strategic plan for their business. This commitment to engaging and developing their workforce is evident in the overall business success of both of these employers.
Steve Winter, President & CEO, accepted the award on behalf of the NLC. NLC was recognized for their strong focus on performance planning and coaching, their proactive and progressive relationship with their union, and their Attendance Management & Support Program which has resulted in a 30% reduction in Sick Leave usage since 2007. NLC’s focus on creating excellence in their people has resulted in 82% of their staff reporting they are extremely happy and proud to work at NLEC in a recent employee survey. It has also resulted in a record breaking performance in each of the past three years, with a percentage revenue growth of more than 17%.
St. Jude Hotel was recognized for their commitment to training and professional development for their staff; their focus on flexibility in scheduling, job sharing, the value of diversity in their workforce to deal with labour market challenges; as well as their comprehensive Occupational Health & Safety program that has reduced accidents in the workplace and will be showcased in an upcoming edition of the WHSCC Safework News. General Manager Sheila Kelly Blackmore accepted the award on behalf of St. Jude Hotel.
Applicants for the Employer of Distinction Awards are evaluated by an independent panel of judges on Human Resources Best Practices, Health & Safety Practices and Disability Management, Employee Presence in the Community, Stakeholder Awareness, Compensation and Advancement and other relevant information. Organization’s scoring over 80% on the initial nomination form are shortlisted for the awards. Other employers shortlisted for this year’s awards included:
ASCO Canada Limited, Blue Sky Family Care/ CareGivers Inc., CBDC Trinity Conception, Chancellor Park, Conservation Corps Newfoundland & Labrador, Cox & Palmer, Knightsbridge Robertson Surrette, Prima Information Solutions Inc., Central Dairies, City of Mount Pearl, Cliffs Natural Resources – Wabush Mines, East Can Transport Service Ltd., Fortis Properties, H. J. O’Connell Construction, Marine Atlantic, and Oceaneering Canada.
All of these employers are doing great things in their workplace and judges highlights for each submission were showcased at yesterday’s awards ceremony.
This year’s judging panel consisted of: Susan Kennedy, Vice President Corporate Services, C-CORE; Travor Brown Ph.D., Director of the Master of Employment Relations program, Memorial University; and Vince Withers, NLEC Founding Chair. Thursday’s luncheon featured a keynote address by Loyola Sullivan, Vice President, Resource Management and Sustainability at Ocean Choice International and former provincial Finance Minister.
These awards are proudly sponsored by:
Document Link:
Speaking notes on 2011 Employer of Distinction Award winner’s achievements