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15 It might be wild to think that work can make every person's life better. Fortunately, we're wild enough to try. johnstongroup.ca Canad Inns family members getting ready to have fun and show Canad pride in the annual Santa Claus Parade. FOCUSED ON WELLNESS & TEAM SPIRIT BY SHEL ZOLKEWICH Lunch hour fitness classes, year-end bonuses and paid sabbaticals are just the beginning of what's offered under the umbrella of the JG Wellness Program at Johnston Group Inc., a group insurance benefits company with 275 employees based in Winnipeg. "It's important to our business," said president Dave Angus. "Employee wellness and health is how we measure ourselves. So it certainly makes sense that we lead the way." The company created the wellness program with four pillars in mind — physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. It's an employee-run program with each pillar represented by a committee that puts on activities and manages yearly initiatives. "We were really enthused by the reaction of the staff to get involved in the committees around the wellness focus," Angus said. "It underlines how important it is for companies to have a focus on wellness in today's workplace." The office boasts a fully equipped fitness centre with treadmills, rowing machines, stationary bikes, free weights and a robust schedule of regular fitness classes. The facility sees lots of activity before and after work, but it's busiest during lunchtime when employees lead group exercises. "It's definitely a popular part of the wellness program," Angus said. "The classes are a hit and they send the signal that we think it's important for employees to look after themselves." In addition to the wellness program, Johnston Group also offers the rare commodity of financial incentives to its employees for referrals of new staff members. Angus explained that every employee likely has people within his or her circle that would be a good fit and could contribute to the team. "It's actually been more successful than we thought," he said of the referral program. "We're proud of our new facility and it's easy for employees to bring their friends here. It's just another way to help us ensure we bring the right people into the family." Johnston Group also offers year-end bonuses as a way to share success with the people who make it happen. "It's simply part of our approach — that we're a team. We make it happen together and share in the success together," Angus said. "It's based on fiscal year-end performance and everyone gets the same bonus. It really sends a strong message to employees." Johnston Group also offers a variety of other financial incentives including complimentary Costco memberships and discounts on a range of goods and services through the Workperks discount program. Vacation time at Johnston Group begins with three weeks and increases by a day each year. Angus said time away from work is a critical component to overall wellness. "A group of overworked employees quickly impacts productivity, so some time to refresh and recharge is good for everyone. Employees truly deserve time off to be with their friends and families and take care of themselves," he said. In addition to generous vacation days, employees may also opt for a paid sabbatical of four weeks at their 10th anniversary with the company. A sabbatical is also offered at the 15th year mark (six weeks) and the 20th year mark (eight weeks). "It's a chance to take a step back and take care of themselves and really do those things they've been dreaming about," Angus said. "It's the opportunity to do those things they've never had time to do before. Refresh the spirit." Angus added that all the programs combined illustrate the positive corporate culture that's been nurtured at Johnston Group. "If you want to be an employer of choice, the work experience is really important these days." Angus said. "There have been so many positive changes in the workplace and there will be more as the next generation strives for work-life balance."new we could do what we do better by staying true to who we are and staying local." JOHNSTON GROUP INC.

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