At J.L. Richards & Associates Ltd., employees are given the power to help shape the future of the company.
It has made the difference when it comes to employee satisfaction and given a workforce of 200-strong people an engaging and purposeful experience every day they take on the challenges in their industry.
“JLR is a 100-per cent employee-owned company,” vice-president Bryan Parkinson said. “Once an employee is through their probation period, they are given the opportunity to purchase shares. The shares have both profitable returns and give the employee the feeling they have ownership in the company. We find that employees, instead of just complaining about an issue, will actually offer solutions on how to make something better because they are owners in the company.”
JLR is a multidisciplinary consultant business, offering integrated services in architecture, engineering and planning.
JLR has offices in Greater Sudbury, Ottawa, Kingston, Timmins and North Bay and is involved in projects in Ontario, Canada and internationally.
Physical workplace
There is big change on the horizon for JLR employees in terms of where they work. Currently, the company rents 8,000 square feet of office space in the south end of Sudbury. JLR has outgrown this space and it has put a damper on hiring. In 2014, in conjunction with the Sudbury branch’s 40th anniversary, JLR will move into a brand new, custom-built 15,000-square-feet office on Countryside Drive.
“The new office will give our staff a new modern place to work and an opportunity for JLR to grow and expand,” Parkinson said.
Work atmosphere and communications
All employees are encouraged to become a member of their respective professional organization, which includes technical personnel and professionally-designated personnel.
JLR pays for membership fees for involvement in these organizations. Each employee has the opportunity to further develop their knowledge base in their field.
Approved continuing education courses and any related expenses are covered by the company.
Health and safety is the priority at JLR. The company has an outstanding health and safety record.
The company pays for all personal protective equipment and training required for site visits as well as health and safety training. More than two-thirds of the staff are shareholders, which ensures only the best client service across the entire firm.
“We try to keep a positive attitude on growth and development,” Parkinson said. “With the company being employee-owned, it gives them an opportunity to have an impact on their own and the company’s success.”
Community involvement
JLR sponsors numerous sports teams and causes in each community it has offices in. Community is important to JLR. Employees are also encouraged to get involved in company-sponsored events such as dragon boat races, hockey games, golf and curling tournaments.
Financial benefits and compensation
The company offers a flexible benefit package that can be customized to suit an employee’s personal situation, covering long-term disability, life insurance, dental, drug,
Exceptional Access Program. JLR contributes a percentage to the overall cost of the plan for each employee.
JLR offers employees the opportunity to invest in a RRSP plan, with the company contributing to the plan as part of a Deferred Profit Sharing Plan which is invested in the employee’s name after one year of service.
Employee engagement
JLR recognizes long-serving employees with a ceremony and award, which begins at 20 years of service. Each year, the company gives out between 15 to 25 of these awards. Many employees in Northern Ontario have received 20, 25 and 30-year awards due to the company’s strong retention rate. JLR encourages team building by hosting two corporate-wide social events — the JLR Spring Prom and an annual golf tournament.
The prom invites employees and spouses/ guests to Ottawa for a formal dinner and dance. JLR pays for all employees costs, including hotel and travel allowance.
At this event, JLR presents 20 year and up plaques to long service employees.
Regional offices and Ottawa departments have their own individual Christmas parties.
In the summer, each office has their own barbecues and potlucks.
