With the June 30 deadline for the 2016 Workplace Benefits Awards quickly approaching, Benefits Canada is inviting those who think an employer’s pension, benefits, communications or wellness strategies are worthy of recognition to submit their nominations.
Among the finalists from last year is the Learning Enrichment Foundation, which continues to build on its work by engaging its employees in strategic planning of new workplace programs.
“We want people to be excited about the future and what the possibilities are to feel a little in control of it, certainly not surprised by anything we’ve come up with,” says Peter Frampton, executive director of the organization.
Read: Tailored communications key to New York university’s engagement efforts
The whole process takes place every three to five years over an intensive seven-month period, beginning with an idea generation portion. Four months into this year’s process, the organization has had eight workshops and engaged 200 people, says Frampton. “We’re going through the idea generation right now. We’re starting to see some repeating patterns and those repeating patterns as you go from group to group reinforce what your priorities are.”
Read: Video: Communication key to strong participation in Goodyear retirement options
The organization’s last strategic planning process, which took place five years ago, resulted in the development of what it calls a town square for employees. According to Frampton, the town square has been successful, with art classes, birthdays, graduation celebrations and even community funerals taking place there.
Frampton recognizes that employers don’t usually see strategic planning as an employee benefit but he believes it has been very important to their staff. “They have to know you’re listening,” he says. “So the process has to have some integrity around listening and not telling.”
Read: How to build employee trust
The Learning Enrichment Foundation also has a very active wellness committee that includes representatives from across the organization who oversees the wellness program. “The health and wellness program at LEF has had an enormous impact with staff and within the community,” says assistant executive director Maria Gonzalez. “It has always been important to deliver the wellness message in such a way that it includes everyone and it gives opportunities to all to be involved at different levels.”
The Learning Enrichment Foundation was a finalist in the health and wellness program category for an organization with less than 1,000 employees at Benefits Canada’s 2015 Workplace Benefits Awards.
Do you know of an organization that has developed a creative and effective program to support and encourage employees’ health and well-being? The 2016 Workplace Benefits Awards are now open for nominations. Those looking to submit a nomination must do so by June 30. You can submit a nomination for yourself or for someone else.