At the Great Place to Work® Institute, we understand that a strong workplace culture, trustworthy relationships, as well as integrated programs and practices that reinforce culture, provide organizations with a solid foundation on which to build a great workplace.

The Great Place to Work® Best People Practices Report will introduce you to outstanding cultural practices from the Best Workplaces in Canada.

Featuring over 200 distinctive Best People Practices categorized according to the 9 Cultural Practice Areas identified by the Institute as essential to creating a great workplace, the Best People Practices report offers you a framework for thinking about your workplace culture and how to create or innovate strong people practices within your own organization.

For more information or to purchase the full report, please go to http://www.greatplacetowork.ca/publications-and-events/books/600-best-people-practices-report-2011 and enter discount code “HRPABPP”. HRPA members will receive a $250 discount.

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Best Practices

March 29, 2012
Listening (Appeals)

Definition: Be accessible so people can ask questions, make suggestions and express concerns.

Protegra Employee Committee
The purpose of the Protegra Employee Committee (PEC) is to have an available, organized body that is dedicated to the Protegra employee and provide a forum where no issue, question or concern is off limits. PEC was created as an alternative avenue for Protegrans to turn to when they are either unsure or uncomfortable approaching an issue themselves. If anonymity is requested, PEC is committed to preserving the identity of the Protegra employee. Every month PEC meets to discuss any concerns raised, but they often have nothing to talk about…which means they're doing a good job.

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March 15, 2012
Hiring

Definition: Hire people with gifts/talents who fit into the culture to contribute to the organization’s growth.

Termination Bonus
At Ames Tile & Stone Ltd., hiring the right employee is key to the company's success. They also recognize that sometimes, mistakes are made during the hiring process. That is why this year, they have introduced a Termination Bonus. Any new employee that finds they do not fit into the company culture within a year can resign and receive a cash bonus. This is a win-win situation for both parties.

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February 27, 2012
Developing

Definition: Help people nurture their gifts to grow professionally and personally.

On-Site Toastmasters Club
At Broadridge Financial Solutions, (Canada) Inc. , employee personal and professional development comes in many forms. For example, some work locations offer associates the opportunity to join an on-site Toastmasters Club, which provides a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has an opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills that foster self-confidence and personal growth. Club members meet weekly and use Toastmasters’ manuals and self-paced assignments to practice how to successfully express ideas, listen critically, present, persuade individuals, motivate individuals, and increase self-confidence.

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February 13, 2012
Celebrating

Definition: Celebrate organizational and work group successes in distinctive and unusual ways.

Ministry of Fun
At Admiral Insurance, the Ministry of Fun (MOF) was introduced to organize fun events for everyone in the company. Each month the organization of fun events for MOF moves to a different department in the company. This ensures the MOF remains fresh and interesting and that everyone in the company gets involved as a way of promoting their culture of fun.

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February 6, 2012
Caring & Balancing

Definition: Offer distinctive benefits that respond to people’s needs; show concern in times of crisis.

Health and Wellness Weeks
This year, Ariad Custom Communications introduced a formal Health and Wellness Program. This program involves setting aside two weeks every year, one in the Fall and one in the Spring where the company focuses on health and well-being. These weeks include providing healthy lunches for staff, nutrition seminars, flu clinics, and massages. While these two weeks are specifically dedicated to health and well-being, they also provide many of these services throughout the year, including providing fresh fruit at the beginning of every week to promote healthy snacking and nutrition.

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