Manitoba's Top Employers

MANITOBA'S TOP 25 EMPLOYERS 2014 5 MANITOBA LIQUOR & LOTTERIES Blended Crowns continue to shine By Jim Timlick For the Free Press What do you get when you combine two respected Manitoba Crown corporations? One of the top employers in the province. The Manitoba Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) and Manitoba Lotteries began merging their respective operations into a single corporation after the Province of Manitoba announced the merger in the 2012 provincial budget. Although the merger resulted in a new name – Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries – it hasn't meant much of a shift in the employment philosophies of the two previously separate provincial corporations. And that is one of the main reasons why it has been named one of Manitoba's Top 25 Employers for 2014. "Many employment policies are currently being reviewed, however it is our goal to have them reflect the best practices of both organizations," said Vice President of Human Resources Rob Campbell, adding the amalgamation will not become official until next spring. "The merger offers a unique opportunity to have all of our policies blended together and updated at one time." "We came together with very similar employment philosophies," added Colleen Johnston, Director, Total Rewards, Health & Wellness. "Both organizations were – and the new organization continues to be – passionate about diversity. In fact, we continue to partner with Aboriginal and other groups to focus on recruitment. We continue to recognize our employees as our greatest asset and place high value on them." This philosophy is reflected in measures such as providing maternity leave topup payments to employees who are new mothers, academic scholarships for the family members of employees who pursue a post-secondary education and contributions to a defined benefit pension plan for employees. In addition, the corporation continues to demonstrate a commitment to employee development by offering subsidies for tuition and professional accreditation, financial support for the completion of some courses and a variety of in-house and online training programs. Sheilagh Boisjoli, Senior Corporate HR Consultant, says it's all part of a strategy to retain employees over the long term. Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries currently employs approximately 3,000 people, including 1,700 full-time staff, across the province including those at five corporate locations in Winnipeg. "As our employees are our greatest asset, it is critical to nurture employee development so the business grows and remains strong for the benefit of all Manitobans," Boisjoli said. "The investment in our employees is reflected back in the exceptional customer service that is provided to our patrons and customers. The exceptionally high level of volunteerism exhibited by our employees from all levels of the organization speaks volumes to the commitment they demonstrate to the business outside of work. "That kind of retention is expected of a top 25 employer," said Boisjoli. "When the right programs and development pieces are in place people don't want to leave. We are in an increasingly tight labour market which all Manitoba employers are drawing from. In that way our circumstances are no different than any other employer." Another shared philosophy of the two amalgamated organizations is the importance of a holistic approach to the wellbeing of employees. In addition to having access to a wide variety of programs for personal development, all employees can maintain their physical fitness by using an on-site gym at no cost. The facility includes stateof-the-art equipment as well as instructorled classes such as yoga. "As part of our active wellness program, like While Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries might be a new name on the Manitoba's Top 25 Employers list, it's hardly new to the program. Both the MLCC and Manitoba Lotteries were named among the province's top 25 employers every year since 2007. Campbell acknowledges that the recognition that comes along with being Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Change Ambassadors. Photo by Darcy Finley. many Top Employers, we are concerned for the health and well-being of our employees," said Johnston. "It made sense to redevelop space we already had. For those employees unable to access the facility, for whatever reasons, we also have options available for them to access fitness in a way that is convenient for them." part of the Manitoba's Top 25 Employers program is a feather in the cap of the recently blended organization. "It is gratifying to know that the things we believe are important for our employees and the emphasis we place on them has been recognized outside our organization."

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