Diavik Diamond Mines Inc.

Diavik's physical workplace is rated as above-average. Diavik's corporate headquarters are located in Yellowknife with the mine site located 300 kilometres northeast -- and only 220 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle. The majority of employees work at the mine site and must be flown to and from Yellowknife for their two-week work rotations. While at the mine site, employees can take advantage of an onsite fitness facility (with free memberships, treadmills, weights, stationary bikes, stairmasters, rowing machines, full gymnasium with basketball court and running track, squash court, sauna, shower facilities); employee lounge (with comfortable seating, music, television, pool table, foosball, table tennis and musical intruments); religious observance room; onsite cafeteria (with free healthy and special diet menu items.

Diavik's work atmosphere is rated as very good. Depending on the position, employees enjoy business casual dress; casual dress daily. Throughout the year, the company and its employees celebrate and enjoy major holidays, an Aboriginal Day celebration, regular sporting programs in the evenings (e.g. floor hockey, volleyball, badminton, basketball, soccer and squash), and celebrations to congratulate employees who achieve safety record milestones. Last year, Diavik held an employee mine rescue competition, as well as an obstacle course challenge for their emergency response team department that pitted managers and superintendents against other department employees. Last year, in lieu of a Christmas party, Diavik opted to donate their Christmas event fund to the Stanton Territorial Hospital foundation -- nearly $40,000 was used to purchase medical equipment for the hospital. Diavik keeps employees informed through a company newsletter; corporate intranet site.

Diavik's financial benefits are rated as very good. To keep salaries competitive the company participates in outside salary surveys every 12 months. Individual salaries are reviewed every 12 months. Diavik provides year-end bonuses for all employees; year-end bonuses (to $4,528); share-purchase plan for all employees; defined contribution pension plan with employer contribution (up to 6% of salary); matching RSP contributions (up to 2% of salary); life & disability insurance; discounted company products (ie. diamonds); relocation assistance (including moving and travel expenses, rental vehicle and temporary accommodations).

Diavik's health and family benefits are rated as very good. Diavik's health benefits plan is managed by Manulife. As part of the health plan, the employer pays 100% of the premiums. The health plan is a flexible plan with adjustable premiums and coverage levels. Employees who work 20 hours per week receive coverage. There is no waiting period before coverage begins. Employees receive full family coverage on the health benefits plan. The health plan also includes retiree coverage with no age limit. The basic plan includes routine dental; restorative dental; eyecare ($200 every 3 years); traditional medicine coverage; alternative medicine coverage; massage therapy; medical equipment and supplies; homecare; employee assistance (EAP) plan; travel insurance. The company's family-friendly benefits include; maternity top-up payments (to 90% of salary for 18 weeks); compressed work week.

Diavik's vacation and personal time-off are rated as above-average. New employees receive 3 weeks of vacation allowance after their first year. Vacation increases after 3 years on the job. Long-serving employees receive a maximum of 5 weeks of vacation each year. Employees can schedule 5 personal days off each year, as needed.

Diavik's employee engagement program is rated as very good. Employees receive individual performance reviews every 12 months. Managers receive training in how to conduct effective performance reviews. As part of the review process employees can provide confidential feedback on their manager's performance. Diavik sponsors its own in-house employee satisfaction survey. (Surveys are conducted every 24 months); Diavik hires an outside consultant to conduct confidential employee satisfaction and engagement surveys. (These surveys are held every 24 months).

Diavik's training and skills development program is rated as above-average. Employees receive tuition subsidies for courses related to their position. (The employer subsidizes up to 100% of tuition). Employees may also receive tuition subsidies for courses unrelated to their current position. (The employer provides up to $5,000 in tuition subsidies for non-related courses). Diavik also supports employees' career development with subsidies for professional accreditations; in-house apprenticeship and skilled trades internships; in-house training programs; online training programs.

Diavik's community involvement program is rated as above-average. Every year, Diavik and its employees support local, national and international charitable organizations. Employees take part in the selection of charitable groups assisted each year. Approximately 87 charitable and community organizations were supported last year. Diavik participates in a number of unique community projects, such as the annual Diavik 150 Canadian Championship Dog Derby. The annual three-day race celebrates the the history of the dog sledding team for the Dene, Métis and Inuit peoples of the far North. The company also contruibutes funds as well as construction management expertise to local community initiatives, such as the Bailey House Men's transition centre and the new Territorial Dementia Centre in Yellowknife.