Holland College has been named one of Aon Hewitt/Queens University 2011's 50 Best Small & Medium Employers in Canada, college President Dr. Brian McMillan announced today. The award is based on the results of employee surveys conducted in May/June of this year. This is the first time an Island employer has received this honour on this particular national listing of best employers.

College employees first participated in the Aon Hewitt/Queens survey in the spring of 2008. Based on the results of the survey, an action plan was put in place by the college's Human Resources department. The plan included focus group sessions with employees to allow them to discuss areas identified as opportunities for improvement. The feedback gathered in the focus groups was then used to implement enhancements. The results of the survey will be published in the November issue of MacLean's Magazine, with details available online at www.hewitt.com/bestemployerscanada.

Ryan Johnston, Director of Human Resources for Holland College said that the college improved its rating by nine per cent, giving it a final rating of 73 per cent in the 2011 survey results. The cut-off to be a best employer, as defined by AonHewitt, is 65 per cent.

"This survey result is due solely to the enthusiastic and engaged staff that we have here at Holland College. It is important to note that this metric is one that uses the opinions of our employees. Management responses only play a small part in the overall survey result. While I am thrilled that we have made the list of 2011 Best Employers, I am far more pleased by the fact that our staff think that Holland College is a great place to work and learn," he said.

President Brian McMillan agreed.

"The survey result is a direct reflection of our staff commitment to students and to one another, and adds to our growing reputation for excellence in training and education. We know that we have something special at Holland College and now the rest of Canada knows it too!" he said. "No employer is ever going to get it all right, but at the college, we are working diligently to create an environment where the contributions of each individual are respected and acknowledged."