Vernon’s Tolko Industries has been named one of B.C.’s Top Employers for 2016 in an annual competition organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers.
Now in its 11th year, the award recognizes employers who lead their industry in offering an exceptional place to work.
“I am proud of this recognition, as it validates the continued work on our goal of being the employer of choice within the forest sector,” said Brad Thorlakson, president and CEO of Tolko Industries.
“Our people drive our success, and we remain committed to attracting and retaining talented people that reflect Tolko values and possess the right skills and expertise to help us grow.”
Businesses are evaluated by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers based on a set of eight criteria:
Physical workplace;
Work atmosphere and social;
Health, financial and family benefits;
Vacation and time off;
Employee communications;
Performance management;
Training and skills development;
Community involvement.
“Being named one of B.C.’s Top Employers is well-deserved recognition for our employees and the work that they have done. We are looking forward to continuing this momentum for the years to come,” said Thorlakson.
According to the website, eluta.ca, the official job search engine of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project, Tolko was chosen as top employer as it “captures employee feedback through the use of outside consultant surveys (every two years) and encourages employees to provide their feedback confidentially. Tolko also hosts exit interviews to let departing employees share their feedback.”
New moms at Tolko Industries may receive maternity leave top-up payments (to 95 per cent of salary for six weeks) and, varying by position, employees may take advantage of a variety of alternative work options when they are ready to return to work.
Tolko Industries also encourages employees to stay in shape with subsidized memberships to a 1,200 square-foot on-site fitness facility complete with instructor-led classes, including yoga and pilates.