Tell us a little bit about yourself, your role in your business and about your company.
My name is Tracy Paulhus and I am the HR Advisor with P. Machibroda Engineering Ltd. (PMEL). PMEL is a Saskatoon based Consulting Engineering firm that specializes in providing Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering services across Western Canada. We have a diverse team of highly skilled engineers, technologists, technicians, and support staff whom I’m proud to advise in this role.
What is your company’s philosophy on Total Rewards?
We believe compensation is more than just pay. In addition to our competitive compensation that attracts, retains and rewards high-performing team members at all levels, we focus on benefits that help support their mental, physical and financial wellness. We want to ensure our team and their families are being looked after and continually receive input from them. Further, we believe in a supportive work environment and offer flexibility to our team to allow them the balance of work and life.
Describe your culture. Why is your company a great place to work?
At PMEL we believe that above all else, our business internally and externally, should be based on honesty, teamwork, integrity and quality. In 1977, Paul Machibroda started the company with this in mind and, he always believed the cornerstone of great service was to provide honest, ethical and timely service with a personal touch. Our companies’ cultural success is largely due to these core values. We are proud of the name P. Machibroda Engineering Ltd. and all it represents.
What is something you are proud of about your company?
I am most proud of our profit share program. We are transparent about our financial statements and believe educating and communicating regularly to our team makes us stronger. This knowledge and openness provides a sense of ownership for each of our team members. They see how their contributions have made the company succeed and in turn are recognized and rewarded.
Why does your benefits & pension plan matter? What’s the impact to your business?
Our team is the heart of the company, they are the most important piece to our success. We want to ensure they have the tools to improve their health and quality of life, such as access to healthcare services, saving for retirement and being able to take time off when needed. By taking care of our team, they can better focus on their tasks and be the best versions of themselves.
What is your most creative/unique reward or favourite workplace benefit?
To show appreciation for everyone’s hard work during our very busy construction seasons, PMEL closes the office and operations between Christmas and New Year’s. Team members receive their regular wages for this time away, so they can comfortably celebrate the season with family and friends. A benefit which is personally one of my favorites as it shows how much the company appreciates the team as well as respects their family time.
What advice would you have for other successful growing Saskatchewan companies in recruiting, rewarding and retaining top talent?
Saskatchewan’s Unemployment Rate right now is the lowest among the provinces and well below the national average. So, it’s very important to have a competitive compensation program to attract and retain team members. The wage is just the cake, the added bonus and security of having a Benefits and Pension Plan working for you, is the icing on that cake!
