Manitoba's Top Employers

6 To our employees, it's all about having engaging and meaningful work. It means being able to use their talents fully, while being recognized for the work they do. They're proud of their role in making ACU what it is; an important part of the community providing vital services to our members, all guided by the principles of 'values-based banking'. Start achieving more with ACU. What does a rewarding career mean to you? acu.ca If doing more is part of who you are, join us on a rewarding journey where your personal aspirations and career goals align. Change brought on by forces beyond a company's control is inevitable. And if the upheaval is big enough, it may even determine if it survives. How a company reacts and behaves during those times is a tremendous indicator of what that company is made of. 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic brought significant change to the doorstep of virtually every company around the world, including Assiniboine Credit Union. And if how ACU reacted is any indication… it's a leader. From the onset of the pandemic, employee health and safety was made a top priority. ACU employees were enabled to work from home with secure, remote access, supported by a strong IT team. Those who continued to work on the front lines at the branches were provided personal protection equipment. Plexiglas screens were installed, hand sanitizer stations were established, and all proper social distancing protocols were also put in place. ACU staff continued to work their regular hours whether the branch was open, was operating under reduced hours, or closed to members. No employees were laid off. The ACU Business Financial Centre and Community Financial Centre provided support to members remotely, and its Wealth Team continued to meet virtually with members. Very early in the pandemic, communication with employees was increased in order to identify any work issues quickly. The ACU People Solutions Team invited employees to share suggestions related to the work environment — both at home and in- branch — to provide the support required to remain safe and productive. ACU arranged, through its benefits provider, a virtual care clinic that enabled ACU employees to obtain medical advice without having to physically visit a clinic; all with the goal of maximizing employee and member safety. ACU also utilized the Learning Café on its corporate intranet which gave employees access to a central depository of learning tools and resources regarding physical and mental health. The commitment to this program by ACU is substantial, and it continues to share new tools and resources as they become available. An employee survey was launched in April. The response rate of 85 per cent provided valuable insights into the pandemic experience of ACU employees, who strongly believed that team members are supporting each other to get the work done; that they feel supported by their manager; and that ACU is providing effective communication during this time. A follow- up survey in August had similar results. Employees continue to be invited to share suggestions for executive consideration related to the work environment, and support required. The quotes in this article are just a small sample of what employees had to say in the survey. ACU began its return to work in May. Detailed handbooks were prepared to support leaders and employees as they returned to business as "new usual." The guidebooks spell out required and recommended protocols including appointments with members, cleaning routines, managing waiting areas, and using common areas. While all branches resumed regular business hours on June 22, the majority of non-branch employees continue to work remotely. What are the results of all these efforts in the face of monumental change? A stronger company with an even more dedicated work force; things that go a long way in making ACU, once again, one of Manitoba's top employers. For more information, visit acu.ca. ASSINIBOINE CREDIT UNION ADAPTING IN THE FACE OF CHANGE ACU PHOTO DURING THE SUMMER, ACU EMPLOYEES SUPPORTED THEIR ANNUAL HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILD. The way ACU handled the pandemic from the start is another reason why I love working for you. — ACU EMPLOYEE PULSE SURVEY " "

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