SASKATCHEWAN’S TOP EMPLOYERS 2017
4
INTRODUCTION
Continued
their retirement portfolios. “We speak with a great deal of pride that the employees own about 13 per cent of West Wind Aviation,” says Baranieski. “The organization has always looked for and found ways of attracting and retaining talent.” Dewald confirms that it’s a good tool for recruitment, along with the organization’s year-end profit-sharing bonuses to staff. West Wind advertises both the opportunity to become an owner and profit-sharing incentives in its job postings. “When we have a great year financially, we share in the profits by distributing a bonus to every individual, as long as they’ve worked with the organization for more than three months,” says Dewald. “It’s pro-rated based on years of service and your salary so not everyone is getting the same amount. But it shows that we want to give back to our employees and reward them for work well done.” n –Diane Jermyn
ISM CANADA
ical, community and educational programs across the province, is another example with exceptional benefits. The Society’s enhanced vacation times, ranging from three to six weeks, allow employees who have families more time to spend with them, plus all full-time staff have three family days so they can attend special events or nurse a sick dependent when needed. Therese Cook, Manager of Employee Benefits and Wellness, points out that the agency also offers generous educational assistance for employees in the process of obtaining degrees. That includes tuition reimbursement for two classes per fiscal year as well as an option for educational leave financial assistance, either shortor-long-term paid time off, for eligible employees to complete their degrees. Perhaps the most equitable gesture any company can make is inviting employees to become owners. In Saskatoon, West Wind Aviation Limited Part-
nership cultivates an ownership culture through a share purchase plan, offered to all employees every February. Sadie Dewald, HR Supervisor at West Wind Aviation, who’s purchasing her first shares this year, says it helps staff feel more invested in the organization and customers. “When you’re a part owner, you put in that extra effort and, in turn, that extra effort leads to better customer service and better operations, which enhances our organization as a whole,” says Dewald. “You’re more conscious that the decisions you make during the day may directly affect the share price.” Dennis Baranieski, Vice President Business Development and Customer Relations, has been an owner since he first joined West Wind Aviation 25 years ago and continues to buy shares at every offering. Having watched West Wind Aviation grow and prosper over the years, he notes that what was initially a modest investment for many has now grown to be a significant component of
p Executives from ISM Canada performing at a fundraiser for the medical needs of an employee's child.