The key to success at Pelican

A culture of well-being, week after week

"Every week we offer a special activity focused on fitness, nutrition or balance," explains Zalie Charette-Lemeur, talent acquisition advisor at Pelican.

At the Laval plant in March, for example, employees learned about healthy foods to add to their daily menu, or about the harmful effects of sugary drinks and caffeine. Day to day, the company encourages people to push their limits by covering part of the costs for those training for marathons, triathlons, hockey games and even downhill ski outings with colleagues.

Laval employees also appreciate being able to train in a new gym set up for them last fall. Most of all, they love the atmosphere on the floor. "People range in age from 18 to 70. We work as a team and in good spirits," says Mylène Champagne, 26, enthusiastically.

From assembly to training new recruits

Having started out in 2014 in the production unit, assembling kayaks, Mylène now trains new employees. What matters most? A sense of progress goes hand in hand with being valued. "Our ideas are taken up and appreciated by the other colleagues," she says.

Founded in 1968, Pelican is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this year. Various activities are taking place to mark the occasion, including a BBQ this coming September. Music-loving colleagues of Mylène's even took the initiative to start their own band. "It's going to help us build bonds together. The employer also gave us a room for our practices," she adds.

Day to day, employees have to row together in the same direction, given the surge in orders driven by people's enthusiasm for kayaking. Attendance is rewarded: those with no disciplinary record and no unexplained absences receive a bonus every month, and once a year they receive a gift from the company.

The company also encourages workers who put forward innovative ideas that could improve productivity or health and safety: once a week, employees are freed from their duties to work on various new projects. Mylène, for her part, is involved in the health and safety committee. "Our work has meaning. I feel like I'm working for the team and the company. That makes all the difference," she says.

In recruitment mode

Pelican has more than fifty positions to fill at its Laval and Valleyfield plants, in its administrative units as much as in production. A skills development specialist helps new employees find their way within the company. "We want employees who are good with their hands, who like working as a team and at a good pace," explains Zalie Charette-Lemeur, talent acquisition advisor.

Those interested can learn more on the company's careers site: carriere.pelicansport.com.