2. Providing a Safe and Healthy Workplace
Building a service-driven organization requires associates who feel fully supported on the job. That feeling of security is derived from having a safe workplace and extends to fulfilling basic needs such as health benefits.
Safety
Zero Injuries
Hbc believes that all injuries are preventable. Through regular communication, active associate involvement, continuous improvement of systems, procedures and training, and immediate reaction to incidents, we will provide a safe working and shopping environment.
2007 Health and Safety Highlights
Total Health Management is a new concept designed to improve personal and organizational health. Through designated Total Health Champions, information, support and resources are provided to help improve overall wellness as well as on- and off-the-job safety. Total Health Management has proven to be effective in reducing injuries and costs associated with associate absence. Support and communication is focused on the key drivers of health and safety through solutions such as wellness instruction, absence management and injury prevention.
Over the years, we have successfully integrated health and safety into our business, and continue to make strong progress with our program execution. Improvement was achieved in total reported injuries, lost-time injuries and days lost due to injury. In 2007, 45% of all Hbc stores and distribution centres achieved our goal of zero lost-time injuries.
Benefits and Wellness
Associate Discount
Our Associate Discount privilege helps associates save as they make purchases for basic household needs. From lipstick to TVs to designer shoes to discounts on sale and clearance items, Hbc’s Associate Discount benefit is Canada’s premier associate discount program. This benefit offers a discount on over 1.5 million goods and services purchased at the Bay, Zellers, Home Outfitters, Designer Depot, Fields, Hbc.com and Hbc licensed departments coast-to-coast from the first day of employment. Each year, Hbc gives back over $20 million in savings to our associates.
Additional Holiday Discount
Associates with five or more years of service will receive an additional 5 percent discount, on Hbc credit card purchases only, during a two-week period in November.
Empowernet: Wellness and Information Network (WIN)
Empowernet: WIN is a confidential online resource library and information service designed to help associates balance work-life challenges and stay current on the latest health and wellness trends. Associates can connect to practical solutions on today’s most pressing issues, including:
- Alcohol and drug addiction treatment
- Bereavement counselling
- Child care
- Credit/debt counselling
- Elder care/senior services
- Health care
Hbc Associate Wellness
The Hbc Associate Wellness program provides online and printed information and resources on heart health, cancer, mental illness and day-to-day wellness through the Hbc Associate website at www.hbcassociate.com.
Associate Buying Club (ABC)
ABC offers Hbc associates special discounts on products and services – everything from event and attraction tickets and movie passes to cell phone plans, fitness memberships, auto insurance, travel and much more! To date we’ve helped our associates save over $2 million.
Partners in Injury Reduction Award in Alberta
Partners in Injury Reduction is a volunteer incentive program that encourages workplace health, safety and disability management. A third-party auditor, approved by the provincial Worker’s Compensation Board, audited 19 Hbc locations for this program in Alberta. All our stores achieved excellent results, scoring over 90 percent each, and received the award. Pictured below are representatives from Hbc’s Alberta stores.
Ontario Safety Group Award
Hbc received an award from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) for the successful execution of our 2006 Safety Group program. The Safety Group program is a WSIB initiative through which companies can reduce injuries and improve the health and safety education of associates using a comprehensive five-step program. Pictured below are representatives from Hbc’s Ontario stores and logistics centres.
Newfoundland and Labrador PRIME Award
PRIME, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission’s employer incentive program, recognizes employers for their good practices in the areas of occupational health and safety, and employees’ return to work. Hbc received the PRIME award in 2007.