Image: The proud and happy team at Stornoway accept their Employer of Choice award, courtesy of Stornoway.
Tasmanian family-owned civil asset management organisation, Stornoway, was recently named an Employer of Choice by Tasmania’s Department of State Growth.
Presented by the Hon. Matthew Groom MP, Minister for State Growth, the awards aim to recognise businesses that demonstrate contemporary workplace practices and outstanding support of their staff.
In selecting Stornoway as an Employer of Choice, the judges said the company has visionary leaders, mutual respect and connection, a focus on skills development, and high levels of employee engagement.
“Stornoway is a family business that has always put people first.
“The judges found an egalitarian culture with visionary leaders who understand the need for ongoing business development and striving to do better when it comes to supporting their staff.
A key element is management spending time in the field, listening to staff in their space.”
Established in 2006, the program supports the growth and sustainability of local businesses by assisting employers to attract and retain a skilled workforce.
Stornoway was among twelve businesses awarded this year, now part of the 71 Employers of Choice, collectively employing over 14,000 Tasmanians.
Stornoway Chief Executive Officer Brad Johnson expressed his pride and delight at receiving the Employer of Choice title.
“We are a family business, working hard to stay connected with our people and business success together,” Mr Johnson said. “This award is a great reflection on everything we try to achieve on a daily basis.”
Engineers Australia Tasmania General Manager Dr Vicki Gardiner congratulated Stornoway on becoming an Employer of Choice.
“It is great to see an organisation involved in Tasmania’s engineering industry recognised as an Employer of Choice by the Tasmanian Government,” Dr Gardiner said. “Stornoway is a major company delivering infrastructure in Tasmania, which is critical to increasing productivity in the state, and I look forward to working with Stornoway, especially on Tasmania’s engineering workforce development strategy, knowing that their engineers are highly engaged and respected within the organisation.”
The judges said that Stornoway also stood out for encouraging staff to contribute their ideas and be actively involved in decision making, and for their effective reward and recognition initiatives.
“There is mutual respect, honesty and connection where people feel comfortable to bring forward ideas that improve the business.
“The very high levels of employee engagement have led to the devolving of accountability and decision making, which builds trust and autonomy and further strengthens the commitment of staff.
The regular Hero Awards celebrate big and small things, and demonstrate the importance placed on appreciating people for their efforts.”