Best Dealerships To Work For Canada 2021

Location: Yarmouth, N.S.

General manager: Derek Boudreau

Dealership group: Bruce Auto Group

Number of employees: 27

Vice-President of People and Culture JP Martel on lessons learned about being a better employer from managing the dealership through the pandemic: I’ve learned that it’s OK to break the mold. It may not be the “way we’ve always done it” but working through the pandemic has shown me that now, more than ever, we need to be adaptable to our employees’ needs and be willing to provide a happy work-life balance.

Martel on long-term changes in the dealership’s employment or hiring practices that wouldn’t have happened without the pandemic: We had to increase the initial offer in terms of base pay and benefits to meet the needs of an employee-driven labour market and very competitive market.

Martel on steps taken to improve employee retention: We have made employee engagement and retention a personal focus of mine this year. We enjoy getting all the employees together frequently throughout the year, whether it be a potluck lunch, dinner outside the dealership or mini-award ceremonies; we are always looking for fun and unique ways to engage employees.

General Manager Derek Boudreau on incorporating diversity, equity and inclusion in the dealership’s hiring and employment practices: We hire on attitude and aptitude and warmly welcome people of all backgrounds to apply for positions within our company.