30 applications for 2016 BBE programme

A MONTH HAS PASSED since its official launch, and now the 2016 edition of the Barbados’ Best Employers (BBE) programme has entered a new phase.

Organiser Caribbean Catalyst Inc. reported last week that “the organisational survey has commenced with orientations sessions being conducted for staff”.

When the applications process closed on February 22, Caribbean Catalyst had received 30 applications, with statutory corporations taking part for the first time.

Out of these companies, nine are from the small business category, 12 are from the medium business category and nine are from the large business category.

The breakdown by industry is as follows: “Nine companies are from the banking/financial services sector, six companies are from the retail sector, five companies are from the hotel/tourism sector, two companies are statutory corporations, and four companies are from the insurance sector. The remaining companies are from the services sector,” the company said.

BBE, which from inception has been sponsored by THE NATION, was launched in 2010 by Caribbean Catalyst and “seeks to publicly acknowledge employers who provide work environments which are conducive to high productivity and who support positive employer/employee relations”.

The programme takes the format of interviews with designated management representatives from participating companies and more importantly a staff survey in the following areas: culture, employee communications, performance management/recognition, work environment, work life balance, community involvement, development and career opportunities, and compensation and benefits.

When the awards ceremony is held in June, an award will be presented in each of the following business categories: small companies (25 or less staff), medium companies (26 to 150 staff), and large companies (more than 150 staff). (SC)