Congratulations to the 2012 Employers of Distinction winners and to all employers that competed in their respective categories.
Key Assets NL was recognized for their constant commitment in creating a positive, motivated work culture. Given the mentally exhausting work conditions & operating as a not-for-profit, struggling with monetary constraints, Key Assets is a leader in unique best practices. Embracing their creativity, they began renting their boardroom on weekends, allowing them increase employee compensation. Also, through using RBC points, they were able to send 2 extra participants to a conference in Alberta.
Due to their unique multi-generational HR practices, ‘corporate social responsibility’ & community presence, H.J. O’Connell recieved the large employer award. HJOC have adapted their HR practices to reflect their multi-generational workforce, more specifically, child care benefits, flexible relocation and fly in/fly out options. Balance and diversity is an integral part of their workforce. Recruiters ensure that a specific percentage of aboriginals are working on the site and are given priority to jobs. HJOC provide community support, through the donation of money, time and resources, to many organizations and individuals including the Single Parent Association, Habitat for Humanity & the Canadian Cancer Society.
An Employer of Distinction understands the importance of employee development & engagement. Embracing this, coupled with their strong involvement in the community, Fortis Properties Corporation also received the EOD Award in the large employer category. Novel approaches to engagement like ‘Annual Employee Satisfaction Surveys’ allow Fortis to analyze their workforce to uncover areas where employees feel they excel, but more importantly areas where they fall short. A pay-for-performance philosophy ensures employees are rewarded for their individual contributions to the company and the Employee Service Awards highlight career milestones of long tenured employees. Having donated $1.14 million to a variety of charities, Fortis Properties was the industry leader in charitable donations in 2012.
What does it mean to be an Employer of Distinction?
Becoming an Employer of Distinction means more than building a good place to work. It means becoming an organization that encourages excellence in all areas of progressive employment relationships. The award recognizes leadership, innovation, creativity and a fundamental belief in the value of a healthy, safe and motivated workforce. An Employer of Distinction is, simply put, one who views employees as vital and integral to the organization’s success.
Award Criteria:
- Best Practices Approach
- Health, Safety & Disability Management Practices
- Presence in the Community
- Stakeholder Awareness
- Compensation & Advancement
Award selection:
If the nominated organization scores at least 80% on the award criteria in the nomination form, it will be short-listed for the award. Short-listed organizations must then complete a more in-depth questionnaire that delves deeper into the five awards criteria. These questionnaires are evaluated by an independent judging panel.
The judging panel for the 2012 award consisted of: Sharon Horan, President & CEO – Fit for Work; Travor Brown Ph.D., Director of the Master of Employment Relations program, Memorial University; and Vince Withers, NLEC Founding Chair.
These awards are proudly sponsored by:
