Manitoba Lotteries Corporation

MLC's physical workplace is rated as very good. MLC's corporate campus consists of three buildings situated on the city's west side. The suburban location is close to the Winnipeg International Airport as well as the Canad Inn Stadium, home of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Inside, the head office features an employee lounge (with comfortable seating, music, television, board games, computers, artwork, magazines and daily newspapers); onsite cafeteria (with healthy menus and subsidized meals); outdoor eating area and barbecue; free coffee and tea; self-serve lunchroom; secure bicycle parking; transit subsidies; free parking; and shower facilities for bicycle commuters.

MLC's work atmosphere is rated as exceptional. On the job, employees enjoy business casual dress; can listen to music while working; employee sports teams; organized social events. The employee social committee organizes a variety of social events throughout the year, including a summer family picnic, family fishing derby and an annual holiday party that is hosted on day the casino is closed, in order to ensure employee availability. Employees are kept up to date on company developments through a variety of mediums, including a unique "Lunch with the President" initiative; company newsletter; corporate intranet site; traditional suggestion box; email suggestion box.

MLC's financial benefits are rated as above-average. To keep salaries competitive the company participates in outside salary surveys every 6 months. Individual salaries are reviewed every 12 months. Manitoba Lotteries also offers signing bonuses for some employees; defined benefit pension with employer contributions (up to 5.1% of salary); life & disability insurance; retirement planning assistance; interest-free loans for computer purchase; a variety of food and beverage (except alcohol) discounts at all casinos across the province; and complimentary tickets for the Casino's main stage entertainment available to some employees.

MLC's health and family benefits are rated as average. The corporation's health benefits is managed by Manitoba Blue Cross. As part of the health plan, the employer pays 100% of the premiums. 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 basic plan includes routine dental; restorative dental; orthodontics; eyecare ($250 every 2 years); traditional medicine coverage; medical equipment and supplies; employee assistance (EAP) plan. Manitoba Lotteries' family-friendly benefits include; maternity top-up payments (to 93% of salary for 17 weeks); parental leave top-up for new fathers (to 100% of salary for 1 week); parental leave top-up for adoptive parents (to 93% of salary for 17 weeks); health benefits during maternity and parental leave. Additional family-friendly benefits include; post-secondary academic scholarships for children of employees; compassionate top-up payment (to 100% of salary for 1 week) while caring for a family member; flexible working hours; shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay); compressed work week; phased-in retirement work options.

MLC's vacation and personal time-off are rated as average. New employees receive 2 weeks of vacation allowance after their first year. Vacation increases after 3 years on the job. Long-serving employees receive a maximum of 6 weeks of vacation each year. Employees can schedule 7 personal days off each year, as needed. Employees can also apply for an unpaid leave of absence.

MLC's employee engagement program is rated as above-average. 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. Exit interview provided for departing employees. The corporation manages a formal Employee Rewards and Recognition Program (ERRP) in order to recognize exceptional performance, employee suggestions for improvement, years of service, outstanding attendance, and volunteerism in the community. Employees earn ERRP points that may be redeemed for retail gift cards. MLC sponsors its own in-house employee satisfaction survey. (Surveys are conducted every 24 months); MLC hires an outside consultant to conduct confidential employee satisfaction and engagement surveys. (These surveys are held every 24 months).

MLC's training and skills development program is rated as above-average. Employees receive tuition subsidies for courses related to their position. (Employers cover up to 100% of tuition). Employees may also receive tuition subsidies for courses unrelated to their current position. (Employers cover up to 75% of non-related tuition). MLC also supports employee development with subsidies for professional accreditations; financial bonuses for course completions; in-house apprenticeship and skilled trades programs; in-house training programs; online training programs; online employee skills inventory; formal mentoring program; career planning services; career and employment coaches and training rooms at each casino.

MLC's community involvement program is rated as above-average. The corporation is involved in several local charitable organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters Manitoba, Children's Rehabilitation Centre, and the Manitoba Schizophrenia. Employees take part in the selection of charitable groups assisted each year. Last year, employees donated over 7,025 hours volunteering with charitable projects. Approximately 700 charitable and community organizations were supported last year. The corporation created the Manitoba Lotteries Habitat for Humanity Legacy program, allowing employees to volunteer their time to helping the organization build homes for potential homeowners. The program was created three years ago, and 24 homes have been built since, with employees volunteering over 3,400 hours. Manitoba Lotteries also established a Legacy Build program, a unique $5 million dollar fund to help increase the building capability of Habitat for Humanity organizations throughout the province.