Manitoba's Top Employers

5 ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENTS REQUIRED TO CREATE AND MAINTAIN A WORK ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH EMPLOYEES CAN THRIVE IS ENGAGEMENT. Pure and simple, if employees feel they're valued and have input into what goes on in their workplace, they'll perform to optimal levels. That fact hasn't been lost on the management team at Artis REIT's Winnipeg office, said Morgan Johnson, Manager, Employee Potential and Relations at the real estate investment trust that specializes in commercial properties. "Our management team believes that employee engagement plays a huge role in the success of our organization. We do our best to create a work atmosphere that leverages our employees as much as possible." Three initiatives play a pivotal role in creating a workplace that fosters engagement: 1) encouraging employee feedback; 2) striving for a collaborative atmosphere; and 3) personalized employee programs. Employee feedback is welcomed, and it's something that cannot be overlooked, said Johnson. "Our management team doesn't take employee feedback for granted. They start at the most basic level by asking staff for regular feedback — no detail is too small to bring up if a staff member thinks it's important. When we discover a larger opportunity to improve one of our people programs, we conduct an employee survey or roundtable discussion to gather more information." Another component of that commitment to generating a consistent dialogue between employees and managers is regularly scheduled performance reviews. "Performance reviews here involve an assessment of employees' historical performance as well as a place for managers to ask what challenges or growth opportunities the employees would like to take on next," she explained. "The idea is to empower employe es to be the best they can be at their day-to-day work and look into the future for development activities. The dialogue generated from the reviews helps us all to get better at what we do." The second practice — a collaborative atmosphere — is another ingredient in the recipe that helps cultivate the award- winning environment at Artis REIT. "We have a highly-skilled group of professionals at Artis, and with that in mind, our management team encourages creative problem solving," said Johnson, adding that Artis REIT's mandate is for staff to work closely with tenants and industry partners to manage its diversified property portfolio (industrial, retail and office property) in order to maximize total returns to the unit-holders. "The idea is for everyone to have a thinking mindset, and to work together to come up with solutions — that are well thought out, and to collaborate to find the best way to solve problems." Part and parcel of that collaborative atmosphere is a commitment to constant improvement, something that's encouraged by the company's executive team. When asked about his personal take on employee engagement, President and CEO of Artis REIT, Armin Martens said, "I encourage staff to be enterprising, resourceful problem solvers. We offer a range of development opportunities and rich work experiences to reward staff with professional growth. Our employees create Artis' outstanding culture by leading wellness, social and charitable programs that align to our best-in-class service to unit-holders and tenants." Thirdly, Artis REIT's management team fosters employee engagement through employee-directed programs such as wellness and social activities. The latest offering is the employee volunteerism program. "Instead of asking employees to take part in a corporately directed volunteerism activity, we offer one paid day per year to volunteer for a cause that they care about," Johnson said. "The feedback we've gotten has been great — employees appreciate the latitude to be self-directed and actually choose a cause that's important to them." It's something that makes total sense to do when you work with professionals, she added. "It might seem like a little thing, but it's not. Allowing employees to volunteer for a cause that connects to their personal life gives them a real feeling of satisfaction — and demonstrates the company's commitment to providing meaningful benefits." Another unique Artis initiative also helps employees feel va lued: their organization-wide commitment to health and well-being. "This year our health and wellness committee offered a Healthy You challenge that encouraged friendly competition to meet a personal best in fitness," said Johnson. "The challenge is applicable to all fitness levels, it's inclusive, and helps build camaraderie, which further facilities team building." The proof of whether something is working is in results, and the results at Artis REIT have been exceptional over the past three years: three consecutive Manitoba Top Employers Awards, and a stable workforce committed to excellence. "The turnover rate here is low," she said. "Management's commitment to employee engagement has played a pivotal role in keeping staff turnover to a minimum, and making Artis REIT one of the best places to work in Manitoba." Artis REIT staff members. Submitted photo. ARTIS REIT Artis REIT committed to staff engagement By Todd Lewys MANITOBA'S TOP EMPLOYERS

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