Manitoba's Top Employers

07 as Healthy Workplace Month, and every day the committee encouraged staff to do something fun, healthy and achievable, such as sharing a joke or taking a stretch break. Finally, Artis REIT encourages employees to give back to charity — once again, letting employees decide how. "Rather than traditional giving campaigns, Artis has picked a more flexible, choose-your- own-adventure-style of giving," says Johnson. Employees decide together how to contribute their donations to charity, and pick a way that works for them. Employees may also apply for the company's Volunteerism Program to receive paid time off to volunteer at an organization of their choice. For more information about Artis REIT, visit artisreit.com or storiesofsuccess.ca. ❚ CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE AT ARTIS REIT Workplace culture and philosophy play a huge role in how organizations attract and retain talented employees. A t Artis REIT, a commercial real estate firm that owns properties across Canada and the United States, the nature of their business informs how they care for their employees. "As a real estate investment trust landlord, we believe in investing in our properties and taking care of them for the long-term; we have the same approach with our people," says Jim Green, Chief Financial Officer. Clearly, this approach works. Artis REIT has been recognized as a top employer for the past three years in Manitoba and nationally in 2016 as one of Canada's top small and medium employers. They employ 95 people in their head office at Winnipeg's Portage and Main intersection. Employee engagement drives their success as a top employer, says Morgan Johnson, Senior Human Resources Manager. "We empower staff to problem solve and take things as far as they possibly can. The culture of Artis is one of engagement. It's very common to see people getting together to create solutions. We encourage open dialogue, and we want people to know it's OK to respectfully question the status quo if it means simplifying a process or providing better service." Artis REIT hasn't been content to accept the status quo on their part, either. In the three years the company has been named one of Manitoba's Top Employers, Artis has continued to develop programs to meet employee needs. Johnson notes that in her four years working at Artis REIT, every year has brought new initiatives. "It's been incredible to see the growth and development over these few years," she says. One of the most recent programs which showcases the company's unique approach to employee development was AX UNiversity, (named for the company's symbol on the Toronto Stock Exchange ticker) an in-house professional development program for all staff. AX UNiversity contains three modules aimed at connecting corporate goals to team and individual objectives. The first, Artis 101, provides a solid foundation about the company's business model and explores how making small changes can result in big improvements. The second, Best in Class Service, presents customer service excellence for Artis tenants, unit- holders and teammates. The third, Personal Effectiveness, equips participants with tangible business skills they can apply in their day-to-day routines. "The program was incredibly well-received," says Johnson, adding that employees appreciated the opportunities to learn alongside senior management and meet individuals from other departments. Artis REIT offers other in-house and online training programs, but employee educational opportunities continue past those offered internally. The company helps employees plan their own career paths, and offers tuition subsidies up to $1,800 for courses related to their current role or to help position them for further career growth. They also offer subsidies for professional accreditation. Artis REIT even reaches out to those entering the workforce by offering internships and seasonal student positions. They offer a competitive benefits package which includes maternity top-up payments, year- end bonuses, RRSP matching, and group benefit insurance premiums coverage. All new employees receive three weeks of paid vacation one year after beginning employment. The company also offers flexible and reduced office hours in the summer. Artis REIT has taken a thoughtful approach to helping employees achieve a healthy-life balance. Each office has a wellness committee to set activities and goals for keeping staff healthy and engaged. The company recently recognized October ARTIS REIT IS A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE FIRM THAT OWNS PROPERTIES ACROSS CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES. PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY

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