February 5, 2015 – Hydro Ottawa reports that, for the 7th consecutive year, it has been recognized among the National Capital Region’s Top Employers. So what are they doing right?

“We know our employees have an appetite for customer service, environmental sustainability and community involvement,” said Bryce Conrad, president and CEO. “Cooking up a great place to work for them makes it possible for our employees to perform at their best for the good of our customers and the community.”

The company reveals that, “from hire to retire”, its recipe includes a mixture of employee engagement initiatives along “with a dash of community involvement, and a large pinch of employee well-being”. Here are the Hydro Ottawa’s Top 5 steps in its recipe for success:

#1 – It focuses on maintaining a prepared, diverse and sustainable workforce. The company has been committed to fostering apprenticeships to power the next generation of trades talent. A talented and diverse workforce that represents the community it serves benefits from extensive learning and development opportunities that include job-related tuition reimbursement.

#2 – Recognizing that buying local is important, Hydro Ottawa ensures that more than 1/3 of goods and services are purchased from local suppliers.

#3 – An Employee Volunteer Day program allows employees to dedicate one work-day each year to a paid volunteer day with a registered charity. In addition, Hydro Ottawa’s commitment to community organizations like United Way Ottawa and Christie Lake Kids offers ways for employees to engage in initiatives that shape the community.

#4 – On-site fitness facilities and wellness programs are available to all employees, as is a comprehensive benefit plan that takes care of employees and their families.

#5 – Seasoned retirees and older workers are vital to the organization. Hydro Ottawa’s ‘Prime Time’ initiative is key to engaging older workers and retirees by keeping them connected to the organization. The initiative also makes it possible to transfer valuable knowledge from experienced employees to those starting their careers.

Photo © Hydro Ottawa