Manitoba's Top Employers

MANITOBA'S TOP 25 EMPLOYERS 2015 27 WCBdoes.com WCBd whooffersyou acareerwith... security • wellness • engagement • growth I n today's world, serving customers has become central to the mandate of organizations. Because of this and because customer service is generally done through people, many organizations have begun to focus on supporting and developing their employees to provide bettercustomerservice. This focus on employees is central to the Workers CompensationBoardofManitoba,whichhasrecentlybeen recognized for the fourth consecutive year as a Top 25 EmployerinManitoba. "I am proud that the WCB has been placed on the Top 25 Employers list for the fourth year in a row," said WCB President and CEO Winston Maharaj. "We attribute that to a concerted effort by all the individuals who work here at theWCBaswellastheworkoftheunionandtheemployer to create an organization where each of us sincerely cares about the well-being of our colleagues and the culture inwhichweworkonadailybasis." The key to delivering superior customer service relies in largepartoninvestinginstaff. "We strive at the WCB to create an atmosphere that enablesouremployeestobethebestthattheycanbe,both professionally and personally," Maharaj said. "We invest in many broad programs and benefits that provide support to individuals on a broad basis as well as on an individual basis.Initiativeslikelunchandlearns,wellnesseventsand supportfortraininganddevelopmentarejustafew." David Scott, the WCB's Vice-President of People, Technology and Innovation Services, says four different areas are emphasized in the effort to create a workplace environmentinwhichemployeescanthrive. "We pay attention to security, growth, wellness and engagement, and have specific programs in each area," he said. "You can't concentrate on just one area and expect employees to feel good about their job. Things like competitive wages, comprehensive benefits and a respectfulworkplaceprovidethemwithafeelingofsecurity. We also encourage them to grow by taking online or in- housecoursestoprovidethemwithaframeworktoadvance theircareerpath." The other areas that management focuses on are wellnessandengagement. "As an organization, we're very aware that wellness is a key component to our success," said Scott. "On that front, we provide our employees with options such as telecommuting, a compressed work week, or the ability to varythehourstheyworksotheycangaintheflexibilitythey need to deal with challenges such as daycare, taking care of an ill parent or after-school activities. We try to be as helpful as we can because we know that if our employees have a good work-life balance, they'll be happier, more engaged and productive, and positioned to provide great customerservice." Finally,there'stheconceptofengagement. "It's critically important that people feel engaged in their workplace, so we regularly reach out to staff for their feedbackonissuesbyhavingfocusgroupsthatlookatwhat canbedonetoimprovetheworkplace–that'stheonlyway toimplementpositiveandmeaningfulchange,"saidScott. The WCB's employee-friendly initiatives don't end there. Realizing that the demands of work and life can be stressful, in-house amenities and programs are available to employees to help them stay as mentally and physically healthyaspossible. "Employees can go to a quiet room on their breaks to recharge, or even head to our fitness room downstairs to workoutovertheirlunchhour,"Scottsaid."Weofferaccess toyogaclassesandmassagetherapy,andhaveembarked onahealthyfoodcampaignthatencouragesemployeesto eatanddrinkhealthily." Other areas such as community involvement – another plankincreatingagoodwork-lifebalance–andacompany culture that encourages diversity and inclusivity are part of the recipe that have made the WCB one of the most desirableorganizationstoworkforinManitoba. "Our organization is our people, and their well-being and development is important to us and critical if we are to successfully deliver on our stated priorities and goals," said Maharaj. "Ultimately, it all starts with our people – be it innovation, customer service, claims management, prevention or any other initiative or process within our system.Thistitleisasmuchforeachindividualwho works hereasitisfortheorganizationasawhole." ByToddLewysforTheFreePress WORKERSCOMPENSATIONBOARD WCBcreatesempoweringworkenvironment byputtingemployeesfirst WCBstaffarehonouredas'Championsof Diversity'inrecognitionoftheircommitment topromotingdiversityandinclusioninthe workplace. WCBphoto

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