Manitoba's Top Employers

MAnitobA'S top 25 EMployErS 2014 19 ST.AMANT Values are key at St.Amant national conference at the Fort Garry Hotel and hundreds of our staff attend each year." For the Free Press When it comes to holidays, employees appreciate plenty of paid time off. Collaboration. Hospitality. Excellence. Respect. "Everyone starts with three weeks of vacation time, These are the key values that provide the foundation for which is above the norm," Rodrigue said. "Longer-standing St.Amant's programs and services. employees move up to six weeks of vacation time." At the same time, these are the values that help to create a In addition to an outstanding benefits package, St.Amant meaningful work environment for nearly 1,600 employees. offers its workers an upbeat and social environment. St.Amant is a health and social service organization that "We have lots of staff appreciation events. We had a provides services for people with developmental disabilities Popcorn Day and a Coffee and Cookie Day where our and autism, explains corporate communications manager executive hands out treats and has a chance to chat and Jennifer Rodrigue. thank staff. We had anti-bullying events last year and we're "We're best known for our residential facility on River Road, planning another one for this year," Rodrigue said. "We went but we are also one of the largest providers of community all out for Halloween, handing out treats and hosting costume living in Manitoba and offer an extensive program for preand monster-making contests. It's a super-fun environment, school and school-age children with autism," she said. we work hard and play hard." "Working at St.Amant, you feel valued as a person as well St.Amant continues to earn recognition for its efforts, as for your contribution to the organization. We have great since the non-profit has been named as one of Manitoba's benefits and progressive, creative Top Employers for the fourth time. staff perks that are not listed in the "The recognition feels really good traditional benefits package." for the people who work here. It just These benefits include an on-site adds that little bit of pride into the place gym with a low one-time $40 fee, you've chosen to spend your days," as well as a health and wellness Rodrigue said. "Of course, it also helps committee that organizes activities when we're trying to recruit new people. like yoga and snowshoeing. We don't want to just advertise jobs, At their annual health and wellness but we want to recruit the right kind of fair, they provide a service called people to work here. We need people "Check Your Numbers." At this event, who have the right motivation and occupational health nurses are on who are really innovative and forwardhand to monitor employees' body mass thinking. We want creative people who index and blood pressure so they can are looking to make a difference." keep track of it year after year. This creative team of professionals St.Amant has strong leadership that can experience the added benefit of values input and feedback from staff knowing that their work has a positive at every level. impact. "This is demonstrated through "At the end of every day, we know the bi-annual town hall meetings that we're supporting people to live where staff have the opportunity to fuller and more independent lives," ask our President and CEO anything Rodrigue said. "That's what keeps about current or future plans for the Staff raised over $250 each to plank against the President at our annual Free the Spirit Festival people here." organization," said Rodrigue. that raises funds for our St.Amant Foundation. Submitted photo By Jennifer McFee St.Amant also included all staff in the process of developing their five-year strategic plan. "All staff were invited to fill out a survey and to attend one of many focus groups to offer feedback. This kind of effort demonstrates that management truly values the experience and feedback of staff," said Rodrigue. St.Amant also supports older employees as they prepare to transition out of the workplace through retirement-planning assistance and a defined benefit pension plan. As well, the organization offers the convenience of an on-site child-care centre with priority access for staff. The child-care facility is currently undergoing an expansion to accommodate more infants. Professional development is another perk, since employees have access to in-house and online training programs in addition to formal mentorship. "We have really excellent training opportunities because we have access to all of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority training," Rodrigue added. "We also host an annual STAMANT.CA StAmantMB PROGRESSIVE MORE THAN A JOB.

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