SaskEnergy Incorporated

Sask Energy's physical workplace is rated as above-average. While many employees work in a variety of settings across the province, the corporation's head office is located in a 10-storey office tower in downtown Regina. The office includes a variety of energy-efficient features, including sensor-activated lighting, upgraded heating and air systems, and water-efficient bathroom fixtures. On the job, head office employees can take advantage of an onsite fitness facility (with subsidized $20 monthly memberships, personal fitness counselling, treadmills, stationary bikes, shower facilities, stairmasters, rowing machines, weights, sauna, and instructor-led classes in pilates and yoga); employee lounge (with reading room, comfortable seating and television); secure bicycle parking; free coffee or tea; kitchen areas on every floor with fridge, dishwasher, and microwave oven.

Sask Energy's work atmosphere is rated as very good. Throughout the year, employees enjoy business casual dress; casual dress Fridays; organized social events. The company-subsidized social committee organizes a variety of fun events throughout the year, including a summer barbecue for employees and their families (which was held at the Saskatchewan Science Centre last year, and included face-painting, a fun run and family activities) as well as a party for employees and their guests during the Christmas season. SaskEnergy captures feedback and keeps employees informed about new company developments through a company newsletter; corporate intranet site; email suggestion box.

Sask Energy'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. In addition to competitive compensation, the company provides defined benefit pension plan; defined contribution pension plan with employer contribution (up to 6% of salary); life & disability insurance; rebates and low-interest loans for employees purchasing energy-efficient appliances.

Sask Energy's health and family benefits are rated as above-average. Their health benefits plan is managed by Manulife Financial. As part of the health plan, the employer pays 100% of the premiums. 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 ($375 every 2 years); traditional medicine coverage; alternative medicine coverage; massage therapy; medical equipment and supplies; homecare; employee assistance (EAP) plan; travel insurance. Employees also have the option to remain enrolled in the health plan upon their retirement, covering the premium costs themselves up to the age of 75. SaskEnergy's family-friendly benefits include: maternity top-up payments (to 95% of salary for 52 weeks). Additional family-friendly benefits include: flexible working hours; 35-hour work week (with full pay); shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay); compressed work week; and an earned days-off policy, which varies dependent on the position.

Sask Energy's vacation and personal time-off are rated as average. New employees receive 3 weeks of vacation allowance after their first year. Vacation increases after 10 years on the job. Long-serving employees receive a maximum of 6 weeks of vacation each year. Employees receive 15 paid sick days every year. Employees can also apply for an unpaid leave of absence.

Sask Energy's employee engagement program is rated as above-average. Employees receive individual performance reviews every 6 months. Managers receive training in how to conduct effective performance reviews. Performance feedback is also solicited from co-workers and other managers familiar with each employee's work. As part of the review process employees can provide confidential feedback on their manager's performance. SaskEnergy rewards exceptional performance with on-the-spot awards, safety recognition awards, gift cards and the opportunity to enter draws for tickets to company-sponsored events. The company also provides long service awards every fifth year (to $500) to celebrate employees years of service. Sask Energy sponsors its own in-house employee satisfaction survey. (Surveys are conducted every 6 months); Sask Energy hires an outside consultant to conduct confidential employee satisfaction and engagement surveys. (These surveys are held every 18 months).

Sask Energy's training and skills development program is rated as above-average. Employees receive tuition subsidies for courses related to their position. Employees may also receive tuition subsidies for courses unrelated to their current position. (The company covers tuition fees and textbook expenses for up to five classes per year for full-time employees and two classes per year for part-time employees.) In addition to tuition subsidies, SaskEnergy also supports ongoing employee education with subsidies for professional accreditations; in-house apprenticeship and skilled trades internships; in-house training programs; online training programs; formal mentoring program; career planning services; new employee orientation program; formal mangement training program; an 18-month leadership program; training programs for supervisors; paid internship opportunities for new graduates.

Sask Energy's community involvement program is rated as above-average. Every year, the company supports an incredible number of local charitable initiatives from across the province. Employees take part in the selection of charitable groups assisted each year. Employees receive paid time off to volunteer with their favourite charitable organizations. Employees also receive 1 paid day off to volunteer. Last year, employees donated over 2,800 hours volunteering with charitable projects. Approximately 1,200 charitable and community organizations were supported last year. Last year, the company and its employees supported the Saskatchewan Lung Association, the Special Olympics, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Canadian Blood Services, to name only a few. In a couple of unique initiatives in support of low-income families in the community, the company has raised money for KidSport Saskatchewan, which helps low-income children participate in extracurricular sporting activities. In another initiative, employee volunteers also donate their time and skills during the annual Share the Warmth home energy efficiency campaign, installing energy-efficient fixtures and upgrades in the homes of over 400 low-income families.