Being a Best Employer

 

By Paul Bertrand

November 3, 2014

What makes an organization, or company a best employer?

Is it the people, culture, infrastructure, systems, capabilities, resources, physical workplace, relationships or leadership?

When looking at the different Canadian “Best Employer” awards given to companies, I came across these examples.

The AON Hewitt program – Best Employer in Canada - consists of benchmarking a company through completed surveys rating the following:

• Senior leadership
• People manager effectiveness
• Enabling employee productivity
• Valuing and appreciating employee

For more than 15 years this program has been naming national winners out of participating companies.

Another award given is the “Canada’s Top 100 Employers”.  This is where employers are asked to complete an extensive application process which reviews their operations and HR practices.  The Globe and Mail editors review eight key areas, which these criteria have not changed since the inception in 2000. 

• Physical Workplace
• Work Atmosphere & Social
• Health, Financial & Family Benefits
• Vacation & Time Off
• Employee Communications
• Performance Management
• Training & Skills Development
• Community Involvement

 Many companies display their award and statement of being a Top Employer proudly.

 How about the “50 Most Engaged Workplaces” awarded by Achievers.  It recognizes employers that demonstrate leadership and innovation in creating an engaging workplace. Judged on key areas of:

·       Employee engagement

·       Communication

·       Leadership

·       Culture

·       Rewards & Recognition

·       Professional & Personal Growth

·       Accountability & Performance

·       Vision & Values

·       Corporate Social Responsibility

Organizations may take part in these different programs for more of the recognition, pride, marketing or advertising reasons.  I know for a fact, based on my experience, organizations take part to promote themselves.  Let’s face it, this is great PR and communication to investors.

What if the number one reason for wanting to be a top employer was truly to make our workplaces better?  Is that not leadership?

I believe the secret of knowing if you are, or on your way of becoming a top employer, is to first gain insight on your own unique leadership effectiveness from the CEO to the strategic plan delivered from each management level.   

The great news is that recent findings done by Effective Managers™ and the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa, gets us closer to the root cause.  Through a survey taken by managers, not employees, your organization can benchmark your strengths and weaknesses and receive a detailed report to help your leaders become a top, most importantly, an effective employer?

Contact Canadian People Management Inc. to learn more on how you can be leading your industry, your organization, your team, to greater results. 

Paul Bertrand is the Founder of Canadian People Management Inc. which is based out of Pickering, Ontario. His company specializes in organizational effectiveness development through solutions tailored to strengthen his client’s cultures, leadership and teams.

www.cpeoplemi.com