Regular Sooke adrenaline purveyor, Adrena LINE, is just racking up the accolades having received a second award in just about as many months — this time earning a nod from BCBusiness magazine last week as one of best companies to work for.
The local business was recognized as the number two place one wants to collect their paycheque from in the hospitality and tourism sector, and the number nine employer in all of B.C. with under 100 employees.
“As a company we were pretty stoked,” said part-owner Jeremy Wilson.
“Being in a seasonable (market) it’s tough. We try to make it a fun environment or they’ll look elsewhere.”
Wilson said when they hire they try to keep the turnover rate as low as possible, trying to keep workers for two to four years.
“We put a lot of work and effort into our employees, and we put a lot into our selection process and feedback.”
A large part of that effort is investing into what Wilson calls wellness. Even in a short season, starting March 1 and ending on Halloween, Adrena LINE puts on four to five staff events like an annual barbecue and beach party. They also work with other industry partners trading ziplining for activities like whale watching or kayaking. And, of course, unlimited ziplining for employees and passes for their friends and families.
Throughout the year, there are also sales competitions to determine who sells the most memberships or photos. Prizes can be dinner at a nice restaurant, or a night’s stay in a downtown Victoria hotel.
The staff consists of around six guest agents, which is the entry-level position that looks after front desk duties, and 20 guides. All but one filled out a lengthy survey issued by BCBusiness gauging employee satisfaction. Management also filled a separate survey that dealt with training practices and communication with workers, something that Wilson said they take very seriously.
“(At the end of a season we ask) what did you think, what bothered you, what did you like? If they like those areas then lets focus on those areas.”
That has ensured that over the last four years Adrena LINE has been in operation, there are always familiar faces returning who have been a key component of the company’s success. Even in the face of dropping business in tourism across the southern Island, Wilson said their numbers in 2011 weren’t down dramatically from a year previous.
“We’re not just waiting for people to come in that door for ziplining,” he said. Instead, they have formed several strong industry ties such as with the Coho and Clipper ferries.
And, Wilson acknowledged, a little recognition never hurts.
“It’s nice to get rewarded in the industry that you’re in.”