Manitoba's Top Employers

24 FOR THE FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, WINNIPEG AIRPORTS AUTHORITY HAS BEEN NAMED ONE OF MANITOBA'S TOP EMPLOYERS, AND THERE ARE MANY REASONS WHY. "We're focused on creating excellent experiences for travellers and one of the best ways to do that is by delivering great customer service," says Catherine Kloepfer, Senior Vice President of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer of Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA). "We've focused on customer-service training and involved the whole campus in making it a team- oriented place." WAA management realizes that happy employees will result in happier customers. "We're trying different things to make sure our people are healthy and happy," Kloepfer says. "We're concentrating on the things that will improve the well-being of our employees." Where practical, employees have some flexibility in their work schedules or have the option of working extra hours to earn days off. Other initiatives include an onsite gym that is free for staff, a strong benefits package that focuses on wellness, and ergonomic furniture in the administration offices. WAA has an active social committee that arranges a softball 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. "It's like a mini city here. We've got everyone from firefighters to plumbers to marketing people. It's a real community-focused company. Everyone's got the same objectives," says Kloepfer. "There's such a great team energy here. Everyone is focused on our customers." Even the new terminal has improved the well-being of WAA employees, she adds. "The new airport has a more open environment with more daylight, which sur e helps brighten our workday." As an additional perk, employees receive discounts at most airport restaurants and retailers. Community support and engagement is very important to WAA staff, and they have a lot of fun supporting charitable causes. For two decades they have tended a gigantic garden at the airport, growing produce for Winnipeg Harvest. The garden produces root vegetables such as onions, beets, carrots and potatoes. Employees take turns weeding and tending the garden. "We challenge businesses in the area to get involved and get their own gardens going," Kloepfer says. "It helps build our community spirit. We're always looking for ways to give back." WAA 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. They also host an internal campaign with many fun events to help raise funds for the United Way. Another popular team-building event is an annual charity golf tournament that benefits the Firefighters Burn Fund. WAA's airline and business partners join in the fun, and over the years have helped to raise more than $285,000 for burn survivors and their families. A full benefits package includes partial coverage of laser eye surgery and adult orthodontic care. WAA employs 150 people in the summer and 175 in winter. Their employees include airport administration, airfield maintenance, trades and firefighters, but they do not employ airline staff, concession workers or security. Employees are encouraged to take advantage of additional training. Annual personal-development goals are arranged with each employee's supervisor during performance reviews. "We're here for the community, and I think we have a pretty good spirit. A connection to the community is critical for us," says Kloepfer. She adds that the WAA is proud of being a Manitoba Top Employer for several years. "It's a pretty big honour, given the businesses in the province. There's a lot of competition," she says. "I'm sure the judges had a hard time deciding who to pick." WAA has an active social committee that arranges a softball 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. WAA hosted a pancake breakfast as their United Way kick-off event. Photo by Darcy Finley. WINNIPEG AIRPORTS AUTHORITY �WAA� Serving the community and having fun! By Holli Moncrieff Leading Transportation Innovation & Growth Photography courtesy of Laird Kay waa.ca MANITOBA'S TOP EMPLOYERS

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