Manitoba's Top Employers

MANITOBA'S TOP 25 EMPLOYERS 2014 27 RED RIVER COLLEGE Top marks for province's only polytechnic By Jennifer McFee For the Free Press Red River College earns top marks for its engaging approach as an employer. With approximately 2,500 full- and part-time employees spread across nine campuses, the college serves about 32,000 students. "Treating employees well fits with our values at the college. Employees spend a great deal of their daily lives in the workplace, so we want to create an environment for them where they feel valued, respected and safe so that they can thrive," said Lori L. Grandmont, Director of Human Resource Services. "Strong employee engagement results in higher productivity, which directly translates into greater student success. We realize that this is achieved through our people." Employees appreciate the benefits of working at RRC, which is evident in its low turnover rate. "Our employees are committed and enthusiastic about student success, so we want to ensure that they have the kind of work environment that allows them to be innovative, supported and engaged," Grandmont said. "We do this by providing opportunities for personal and professional development, ample time off, and flexible and generous benefits." Employees enjoy a defined benefits pension plan, substantial vacation time and top-up payments for maternity and parental leave. Other attractions include an on-site daycare, gyms and fitness programs, a prayer room, walking paths, computer labs and libraries. When staff need a meal snack, they can visit a variety of cafeterias and coffee shops, including Tim Hortons. If they're in the mood for fine dining, they can indulge in a meal at Jane's restaurant, located in the new Paterson GlobalFoods Institute. The college offers tuition subsidies for courses and professional association memberships. As well, employees can receive financial recognition bonuses for completing graduate degrees. "We offer numerous online and in-house training opportunities. We also have some formal in-house INSPIRING CAREERS FOR 75 YEARS To learn more about opportunities at Red River College, see rrc.ca/employment programs, such as leadership development," Grandmont said. "Really, there's never a day that goes by without some kind of learning event taking place at the college." Celebrating its 75th anniversary, RRC continues to make great strides in the areas of employment equity, diversity, sustainability and social responsibility. With a focus on security, employees and students can take advantage of the Safe Walk program to ensure that they arrive safely at their car or bus stop after hours. As well, the college has implemented a comprehensive plan to communicate threats and enhance safety for all. This initiative has earned a leadership recognition award through the Human Resource Management Association of Manitoba. RRC has also been recognized as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for the past three years, thanks in part to its environmental sustainability policy. "In addition to the benefits of reducing our environmental impact, we know Red River College's 75th anniversary celebration. Submitted photos that sustainability performance is really important to staff. We participate in the the parade." Commuter Challenge and host a sustainability speaker Employees know their opinions are valued through monthly series. We offer sustainability tours, both on and off campus employee surveys. They can voice concerns and suggestions including our newest LEED certified building," Grandmont to RRC President Stephanie Forsyth at an annual town said. "We find that holding events like this serves two hall forum and at monthly lunches or "breakfasts with the important purposes: they increase staff awareness and President." They have had the chance to provide input into appreciation for sustainability, and they also promote for the Campus Master Plan, which involves a progressive employee engagement." physical makeover for the Notre Dame Campus. "Employees feel further engaged through wellness social For RRC, it's an honour to be named one of Manitoba's events such as chili cook-offs and wellness breakfasts. We Top Employers once again. have an annual College Week with events including walk-a"It's validating that we are a leading organization. It's thons, sports tournaments, educational sessions and staff providing the environment that attracts people to the awards ceremonies." college. Once they're employed, they want to stay with us," "We also have an annual powwow hosted by our School Grandmont said. of Indigenous Education, and that's really an interesting "The competition itself also helps to identify gaps in our experience," Grandmont added. "And we've had a large overall workplace, including employee programs, benefits and contingency of employees participate in the Pride Parade. communication at all levels. We're always continually striving This past year, we actually won Best Walking Group in to improve in those areas. It is a great place to work."

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