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A WORKPLACE THAT WORKS With more than 2,300 full-time and part-time employees, Red River College is a place of energy, opportunity, and inspiration. We care about our employees and offer an innovative, progressive workplace. Review our current employment opportunities at rrc.ca/employment 16 to continue to build on creating a welcoming, supportive environment for our employees. The College is like a community unto itself, so we want to ensure it's a welcoming and inclusive community," said Gudmundson. "That comes from being considerate of our employees' needs in a variety of areas." That considerate approach shows up in several key areas. First, RRC offers its employees a flexible benefit plan. "It just makes sense," said Gudmundson. "Our benefit plan is not only comprehensive (for example, health and dental) but it also offers choice to our employees. There are a number of different options available. That way, they can choose the plan that's the best choice for their individual situation." Next, employees' health and wellness are taken into consideration at all of RRC's campuses, which include four in Winnipeg, as well as regional campuses in Steinbach, Winkler, Portage la Prairie, Selkirk and Peguis-Fisher River. "We have on-site gym facilities at several campuses that offer a number of fitness classes at lunch hour and at the end of the day. The gym is also open to employees at all times. We also try to build in opportunities for employee members to take time off, and provide paid days off over the Christmas holidays. The on-site daycare facility is also a real benefit to employees." An effort is also made to ensure that RRC has an inclusive workplace, added Gudmundson. "That inclusive climate highlights diversity and offers the opportunity for a wide range of individuals to serve on committees to provide input — we really want to give employees a voice here. We just completed an Inclusive Campus Climate review. The review helps us validate workplace initiatives, and provide recommendations for further enhancements to initiatives." Another focus is on employees' overall well- being, something that many organizations can overlook. "It might seem like a small thing, but we promote activities that empower our employees to take charge of their own wellness," she said. "All areas are covered, from emotional to physical, to intellectual, financial and spiritual. It's important to help employees find balance in those areas — it helps them perform better not only at work, but in their life outside of work." A novel workplace initiative — a peer-to- peer recognition program — has also been well received, said Gudmundson. "It's an initiative that came from a very diverse committee — for employees to recognize the good work of other employees." She added that the premise of the initiative is quite simple. "It involves one employee sending a hand- written note to another to commend them on their excellent work. It also involves a points system where employees can accumulate points and then redeem them for what we call home- grown rewards – gift cards to internal food services, or getting an in-house oil change for your car as examples. People really appreciate positive feedback, and receive personalized recognition." Last but not least is an ongoing commitment to employee development. "Learning is at the heart of what we do as an educational institution, so employee development really matters here," Gudmundson said. "With that in mind, we recently held an employee development day with over 25 academic and non- academic sessions. Events like that — and the opportunity to take courses that add to their skill set — allow employees to get better at what they do, and develop into other positions." The entire College community is also proud the institution has been recognized as one of Canada's most diverse and inclusive — as well as greenest — employers. We take great pride in creating a welcoming, supportive, diverse and inclusive work environment for our employees," she said. "That focus will continue in the years to come." ❚ WELCOMING, INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE AT RED RIVER COLLEGE By Todd Lewys When it comes to growing Manitoba's economy and driving innovation in education, Red River College plays a vital role in preparing students and industry for the economic and job opportunities of today and tomorrow. T his important job is in the hands of Red River College employees, who are extremely dedicated and passionate about making a difference in the lives of students, as well as working in cooperation with industry and the broader community. RRC recognizes the commitment of its employees and tries to return the favour by ensuring the College provides an environment where staff are supported and encouraged to build meaningful careers. With hundreds of employees spread out across nine campuses throughout the province, it is important to listen and engage employees at every possible opportunity, said RRC's human resources director, Melanie Gudmundson. "We're always working hard to get input from employees," she said, adding that RRC has a workforce of about 2,300 employees. "That's absolutely critical to the success of any workplace initiatives we conceive. Listening to our employees' needs is the only way to ensure those initiatives meet their needs." First and foremost, there's a culture that's cultivated at all levels of Red River College, where everyone places an emphasis on creating a positive workplace environment. "It's something that will never stop — our efforts The entire College community is also proud the institution has been recognized as one Canada's most diverse and inclusive — as well as greenest — employers. RRC EMPLOYEES DISCUSS THEIR SHARED VISION FOR THE FUTURE AT AN OPEN CAFÉ SESSION IN SPRING 2016. RRC PHOTO

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