FORT ST. JOHN – Canadian business leaders from one end of the country to the other are hailing the innovative workplace strategic initiative of Marketplace Chaplains, which is now working in two dozen companies in Canada.

While Marketplace Chaplains began its service in Canada in 2009, it has rapidly expanded over the last two years and recently held an Executive Business Leader’s Summit in Fort St. John, British Columbia, overseen by Vice President of Canadian Operations, C.G. Maclin.

David Phibbs, CEO, Alpha Safety Ltd., Fort St. John, was also a part of the recent Canadian Executive Business Leader’s
Summit said, “We have workers from all over the country and they are separated from their families and support systems.  When they have a need, our company chaplains meet it by providing a caring hand and support for these workers who have nowhere else to turn.”

While a dozen companies are just implementing the workplace chaplaincy program in 2012, Gary McCormick, VP & General Manager of Jet-Lube Canada Ltd., based in Edmonton, has used this unique productivity tool for more than a year.

“I know our employees really enjoy seeing the chaplains in the workplace, and just knowing they can talk with someone here about a problem is very important,” said McCormick. “I hope this program continues to grow because Canadian CEOs see the benefit of having chaplains.”

Results from two recent Monster Canada Workplace Management Polls show a strong majority of Canadian workers are interested in corporate wellness programs, with only a minority of employers, actually offering them.

According to the published survey, Monster asked, “Given the labour shortage, what is your employer doing to try and keep you?” Out of 3,594 responses, 82% reported “nothing at all,” while only 9% chose “allowing for flexible scheduling and other work-life balance initiatives” and 8% chose “offering a pay raise.”

In a second poll Monster asked, “Does your company offer corporate wellness programs such as fitness/nutritional coaching, gym memberships, training seminars etc.?” 68% of 2,857 respondents replied “no, but I wish they did,” while 20% chose “yes, and I really appreciate them.” A mere 10% weren’t interested in such a program.

That’s exactly the type of employee care benefit George Bergen, owner of the Fort St. John Water Company with his wife, Marita, are looking to provide for their employees.

“One of our employees was terribly frightened because of the cancer he was facing.  But when our chaplain came alongside him and walked with him through this deep valley, his fear was relieved because he knew he was not alone.”  said George Bergen.

An Alberta Venture magazine article “Mutual Benefits,” mentioned in today’s tight labour market, even the smallest employers are offering benefit packages in a bid to stay competitive and to attract and retain “Top Talent.”

“I think what dozens of Canadian company CEOs are realizing is that it simply makes good business sense to take good care of your employees and their family members,” said Maclin.