CANADA’S TOP SMALL & MEDIUM EMPLOYERS
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Swish Maintenance preserves its family feel
ike Cyr made a clean break when he changed jobs five years ago, jumping from a national telecommunications giant to Swish Maintenance Limited, a Peterborough, Ont.-based manufacturer and distributor of sanitation supplies. He welcomed the chance to work for a rapidly growing, family-owned and operated firm that will celebrate its 60th anniversary next year.
future managerial needs, the company last year initiated its Accelerated Learning Program to identify highpotential employees and equip them for future leadership roles, including matching them with mentors. “Over the last several years,” says CEO Shane Mahoney, “we’ve put a real emphasis on employee engagement and development, and creating a true career path throughout the organization.”
“You get that close-knit feeling,” says the Clean-it™ Centre Team Lead in the company’s Peterborough location. “The company is small enough that you can talk with the CEO, but still large enough to provide you with the security, stability and advancement opportunity available at a large organization.”
A focus on employee satisfaction helps explain why the average recruit stays with Swish for about 10 years—significantly higher than the industry average. Others build a lifelong career there. “People ask me, ‘How can you stay at a company for so long?’” says Human Resources Manager Vikki Howson. “I say because I’ve moved through different jobs here, I have never been bored.”
There was a steep learning curve, says Cyr, but the company provides the resources needed to master its wide range of Swish branded and national branded cleaning products. In fact, every employee, no matter what department they’re in, spends some time initially in a Swish Clean-it™ Centre to gain a better understanding of the business.
“Over the last several years, we’ve put a real emphasis on employee engagement and development, and creating a true career path throughout the organization.” – Shane Mahoney, CEO
The learning doesn’t stop there. Swish Maintenance covers the cost of both internal and external work-related seminars and courses. And to meet its
Employees enjoy fair compensation and a solid benefits package, says Cyr, including a retirement program to which employees and the company can contribute. Two years ago, the company introduced an employee assistance program (EAP) that includes personal counselling, financial planning and legal advice. An employee recognition program called Do It Right the First Time awards points for achieving certain standards in sales, customer service and other areas. A $150 gift card goes to those who reach specific totals. Swish Maintenance also offers a paid personal day each year for staff to use as they see fit. It’s now known as an Ambler Day, in honour of the company’s founding family. Despite steady organic growth and acquisitions, Swish Maintenance has successfully preserved its family feeling. Every year, for example, the company provides a $500 scholarship to the children of employees who are pursuing
• Industry Leaders in Cleaning Products and Equipment • Local Presence National Power • Committed to our people, communities, customer and industry innovation Call 1-855-GOSWISH (467-9474) or visit www.swishclean.com
SWISH MAINTENANCE CEO SHANE MAHONEY DISCUSSES PRODUCT DETAILS WITH EMPLOYEE HOLLY CARR PHOTO CREDIT: DANIEL ALEXANDER
275
full-time staff in Canada
44.4
average employee age
post-secondary education. To qualify, the students are asked to write a short essay about their career goals, and each one is read by Swish Director and shareholder Mike Ambler. Events like an annual golf tournament, an employee Christmas party and a children’s Christmas party help enhance the family atmosphere. Above all, says Mahoney, Swish Maintenance looks for job candidates with a positive, people-oriented approach and a desire to build a career. “One of the most important things is hiring someone with the right attitude,” he notes, “because, for Swish, our value proposition is
43
years, longest serving employee
15
job postings last year
really centred around customer service excellence. The technical components are trainable, whereas the softer characteristics you just can’t train.” In one of his first conversations with the CEO, recalls Cyr, he was asked where he would like to go in the company. That concern for employees at the very top, he says, makes a world of difference. “If I had to sum it up in one sentence,” he concludes, “the best part of working for Swish is I want to be here. When I wake up in the morning, I want to go into work and put in a full day’s effort because I know at the end of the day, the company is doing that for me, as well.”