Manitoba's Top Employers

24 MANITOBA'S TOP 25 EMPLOYERS 2014 WINNIPEG AIRPORTS AUTHORITY Work-life balance key to work environment with Winnipeg Airports Authority By Holli Moncrieff For the Free Press Winnipeg Airports Authority team from the 2013 United Way Plane Pull. Winnipeg Airports Authority Harvest Garden. Submitted photos Top Employers for several years running. Jobs there are always in high demand, says Talbot. "There's not a lot of turnover, but we do have some retirements coming up. Last year 11 positions became available," she said. "We always get many applicants for job postings. Being named as one of Manitoba's Top Employers is a real benefit for us in recruiting new staff members." Gerry Kopelow Employees at Winnipeg Airports Authority work hard, but they make time to play hard, too. Community support and engagement is very important to airport staff, and they have a lot of fun supporting charitable causes. For almost two decades they have tended a gigantic garden at the airport, growing produce for Winnipeg Harvest. In 18 years, they have managed to donate more than 30,000 pounds of produce to the food bank. "We grow root vegetables such as onions, beets, carrots, and potatoes — produce that lasts longer and won't perish as easily. We even had a couple of lucky pumpkins that made it this year," laughed Breanne Talbot, Manager, Communications and Public Affairs. "It's a fun project and it gets us outside in the garden. Over the summer we spend every second Friday morning weeding and tending the garden. This year we partnered with 7-Eleven, so employees enjoyed free Slurpees on our gardening days." Winnipeg Airports Authority was one of the companies that helped United Way get their inaugural plane pull off the ground. They still assist in the planning and participate in the campaign kick-off event each year, says Talbot. "Our internal United Way campaign is always met with a lot of enthusiasm. We hold different events every single day of the campaign, including a big auction, a chilli cook-off, and an airband competition — that will be embarrassing for some. People really look forward to the campaign," she said. The company also organizes a charity golf tournament for the Firefighters Burn Fund every year. The tournament has raised $237,500 in its 11-year history. "Our employees enjoy being actively involved in the community," said Talbot. "The golf tournament is a lot of fun. We invite our airline and business partners to participate and help raise money for burn survivors and their families." She adds that work-life balance is strongly encouraged throughout the organization. Employees have free access to two gyms with shower facilities, and can make use of a bike rack if they'd like to cycle to work. "It's nice to have the gyms here because you don't have to worry about scheduling time to work out in the evenings," she said. "Employees also have the option of cycling to work, showering and preparing for the work day after their commute." Most employees have some flexibility in their work schedules or have the option of working extra hours to earn days off. "If you want to work a little bit early or a little bit later, it is flexible," said Talbot. "We really promote work-life balance." A full benefits package includes partial coverage of laser eye surgery and adult orthodontic care. "These types of benefits are not commonly offered by employers," Talbot said. Winnipeg Airports Authority employs about 160 people. They hire more in the winter for snow clearing. Their employees include airport administration, airfield maintenance, trades and firefighters, but they do not employ airline staff, concession workers or security. "We all have busy work schedules but there's always time for grabbing a coffee and having some fun. We have enough events throughout the year that we get to know everyone," said Talbot. "There is such a nice variety of restaurants at the airport now. We have access to restaurants that are both pre- and postsecurity." Employees receive discounts at all airport restaurants and retailers. Winnipeg Airports Authority encourages its employees to take advantage of additional training. Annual personal development goals are arranged with each employee's supervisor during performance reviews. "One thing I've appreciated is that Winnipeg Airports Authority is supportive of employees taking courses and going to conferences related to our roles," Talbot said. They have an active social committee that arranges a summer golf tournament for staff, quarterly communication sessions that include a free lunch, and a seasonal celebration for employees and their spouses that is completely company-paid. Winnipeg Airports Authority has made the list of Manitoba's Leading Transportation Innovation & Growth waa.ca

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