Two local employers – Hospice Wellington and NGF Canada Ltd. – were honoured when the fourth annual Employer of Distinction Awards were handed out late last week.
NGF Canada Ltd., a manufacturer on York Road, won in the large employer category of the award given out by the Guelph & District Human Resources Professionals Association. Hospice Wellingon, which is the first local not-for-profit organization to get the award, won in the small employer category.
“Both organizations are commended for their person-centered approach and for fostering environments that encourage employee health and wellness, communication, flexibility and support,” a news release said. These factors have resulted in “an engaged workforce that has allowed these organizations to achieve significant success in their operational and organizational goals.”
The awards were presented Jan. 19 at an association event held at the Delta Guelph Hotel. The association, formed in 1953, promotes the value of people in achieving the business goals that result in organizational success, the release said. It provides resources and education to human resources professionals in the area.
In a separate release, Hospice Wellington executive director Rosslyn Bentley said her organization enjoys very low absence rates and high productivity and hasn’t had any workplace injuries since its new facility opened in May 2010.
“Key features of the workplace are flexibility, intense communication, focus on total client-centred care and shared delegated responsibilities with staff,” Bentley said.
Staff at Hospice Wellington are able to negotiate flexible scheduling, job sharing and compressed workweek arrangements, and they get generous medical and dental benefits, she said, as well as on-site access to yoga, massage and other offerings showing a commitment to holistic care.
“However, it is the genuine and deep commitment to listening and responsiveness that is valued most highly,” she said.
“This committed passion to offer an excellent workplace translates into exceptional and compassionate care for clients, and this is acknowledged through the generous verbal and written praise heaped on the staff and volunteers.”