Loblaw only grocer on '10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures' list

Loblaw is the only grocer named on Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures of 2011 by Waterstone Human Capital Inc., an executive search firm.

"We believe that achieving a culture that encourages communication, learning and colleague acknowledgement is an important driver of success," says Judy McCrie, executive vice-president, human resources and labour relations, Loblaw. "We strive to promote a culture of close-knit, informed and engaged teams and with the acknowledgment as one of Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures, we know we're on the right track and will continue to foster this positive working environment for our colleagues."

From more than 400 nominations, Loblaw was recognized for its excellence in vision and leadership, cultural alignment, measurement and sustainability in relation to vision, rewards, recognition and innovative business achievement and, corporate performance and corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Some of the initiatives that reflect Loblaw's unique culture and helped it earn its place on the top 10 list include:

Keeping the channels of communication open with Loblaw's twice-yearly 'Tell it as it is' surveys, and 'Ask Galen' email service and the 'Let's Talk' program, which gives colleagues at a junior level an opportunity to meet with executives are some examples.  Regular Town Halls and 'Road Shows', that bring store managers together for regular updates and feedback as well as Loblaw's own TV network, Business Television (BTV) give colleagues at all levels a strong and powerful voice.

Its rewards and recognition programs, such as Loblaw's newest program, open to all colleagues, the ABCD recognition program, standing for Above and Beyond the Call of Duty. The program provides various recognition opportunities for colleagues and gives colleagues and customers a chance to say thank you for outstanding service and helps reinforce core values and behaviours.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) - CSR is embedded into Loblaw's business practices and is driven by five principles: respect the environment; source with integrity; making a positive difference in our community; reflect our nation's diversity and be a great place to work.  Loblaw's unique "Inclusion Toolkit" helps leaders and recruitment specialists attract and hire a diverse workforce and to assist with efforts in attracting visible minorities and broadening recruitment avenues beyond traditional streams.

Canada's 10 Most Admired Corporate Cultures is in its seventh year and annually recognizes best-in-class Canadian organizations for having a culture that has helped them enhance performance and sustain a competitive advantage.