January 7, 2009

Two credit unions – Envision Financial and Conexus – have once again made the list of 50 Best Employers in Canada. 

Langley, B.C.-based Envision, the third largest credit union in B.C., made the list for the seventh consecutive year, while Conexus, based in Regina, appears on the list for the fourth year in a row.

 The survey by Hewitt Associates examines employee engagement. Hewitt said employees who work for Canada's Best Employers are highly committed to the organization's success and understand their role in helping to achieve business results.

"The average employee engagement score at this year's 50 Best Employers is 76 per cent, 22 percentage points higher than the average at other participants in the study," said Neil Crawford, leader of the Best Employers in Canada study.

"While an engaged workforce alone doesn't make an organization recession-proof, it can provide a level of resilience that other employers do not enjoy. These employees are highly productive and motivated. They are more likely do what is necessary to help their employer succeed."

“Receiving this award affirms Envision’s commitment to put employees first,” says Bev Brown, Envision Financial’s chief operating officer. “While some organizations separate employees’ passion from their work, Envision brings the two together, creating a positive and meaningful place to work.”

 “We know that two critical factors to employee engagement are flexibility and shared values,” Brown adds. “Envision provides the flexibility for its staff to pursue the things that are important to them.”

"Making the list is important to us because the results are based on feedback from employees," said Ross McClelland, CEO of Conexus.  "We are incredibly pleased with this year's results, moving up 16 spots. It's gratifying to know that our employees continue to see Conexus as an outstanding employer and that has translated into national recognition for our company. Our rise in the rankings also shows our dedication to continuous improvement."

Conexus acknowledges that employees are unique individuals with unique needs. The organization challenges employees and provides every opportunity for development and growth while recognizing that employees have families and responsibilities outside of their work environment.

"Being an employer of choice will help us recruit and retain the best people so we can provide our members and customers with the best possible service," added McClelland. "By being recognized as one of the 50 Best Employers in Canada it is a great opportunity for Conexus to achieve the status as an employer of choice provincially and nationally.

Also on the list were the Co-operators of Guelph, ON, Co-operators Life Insurance Co. of Regina and Mouvement Desjardins.

More information about the Best Employers in Canada study is available at www.hewitt.com/bestemployerscanada.