Manitoba's Top Employers

25 Proud to be one of Manitoba's Top Employers Supporting the community we serve is an important part of who we are. If you'd like to join our team, visit westmancom.com/careers By contrast, the leadership team at Westman Communications Group makes a point of regularly acknowledging the sterling efforts of their workforce, says Westman's Chief Marketing Officer John Quail. "It's important to recognize both team and individual success in a timely fashion, so we do it every quarter (of the business year)," he says. "At our most recent get-together, we gave away some nice prizes – Jets tickets, and a tablet – to celebrate how our employees' hard work has made our company such a success." Westman's leadership team is always open to suggestions, especially ones that promote team building, adds Sonia Cole, the Brandon-based company's human resources manager. "We have a very diverse and inclusive culture here, and we encourage them to bring forward ideas," she says. "When several of our staff members suggested putting on an authentic Diwali luncheon, we embraced the idea. It was a great success. Then, another group of our staff put on an authentic Italian lunch. It was also well-received." The overall idea is to build a comfortable yet dynamic work atmosphere that promotes teamwork and efficiency, Quail says. "It's easier to get good people when your company is viewed as being a great place to work. With that in mind, we encourage our employees to share their thoughts with us. We believe there's always a better way to do something. The best ideas on how to get better often come from our employees." That confidence to approach supervisors with ideas is derived from the fact the Westman's employees know they're valued by management. "We do things like offering $500 scholarships to employees' children when they go off to university and running mentorship programs where long-term employees are encouraged to share their wisdom and skills with new employees to pass on our culture and values," he adds. "People appreciate the scholarship program and are really pleased to be part of the program, which is in its inaugural run." Additionally, staff receive training in areas such as customer experience and supervision. "Currently, we have two people taking courses on effective supervision at Assiniboine Community College," Cole says. "When they come back, we expect them to pass on what they learned to their peers so they can use the knowledge to get better at what they do." A thoughtful benefits program – Westman cheerfully matches employees' RSP contributions – has also aided in attracting and retaining employees. In addition to comprehensive medical and dental benefits, Westman employees also have access to a "flex- plan," Cole notes. "It covers things like gym memberships, RSP contributions, even the purchase of a new tablet. Employees can spend up to $500 and are reimbursed $250 on eligible expenses." Family initiatives are also front-and- centre at Westman, she adds. "As already noted, we hand out scholarships to employees' dependents. We also send two staff children to our co-op leadership conference, sponsor movie nights, have a Christmas party for kids at the Victoria Inn, and promote wellness initiatives. We even sponsor sports teams of our employees' kids." Finally, Westman's management team encourages employees to be community-minded as Westman is a co-operative. "They've embraced that," Quail says. "Our employees are always giving their time and support to local organizations and charities. We are always volunteering in various communities at festivals, skating shows, curling bonspiels and numerous other events. With our Community TV Programming regional channels, we are also able to show what happens in our communities to everyone across the region. Our radio and business groups provide free airtime and discounted communication services to local charities." Feeling valued and appreciated, members of Westman's workforce tend to go above and beyond the call of duty on a regular basis. WESTMAN COMMUNICATIONS GROUP EMPHASIZES EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION BY TODD LEWYS Employers often talk about the importance of recognizing the pivotal role employees play in the success of a company, but it's something they sometimes don't do enough about. Westman Communications Group has a diverse and inclusive workplace culture and encourages employees to bring forward ideas.

• Cover