Dealers win awards

Two car dealerships have been named as some of the best places to work in New Zealand at last night’s IBM Kenexa Best Workplaces Awards. Auckland’s Giltrap Audi won the best small-medium workplace where general manager Gary Periam encourages staff to do business face-to-face. He says the approach reduces stress and helps to protect the company’s “family” work culture. “If I want to talk to somebody I'll ring them, I have a strong thing on verbal dialogue,” he says. There’s no use having burnt-out people in our organisation because they’re infectious to others.” Meanwhile, Wairarapa’s Eastwood Motor Group was named the best small workplace. “All our guys appreciate that all our livelihoods are dependent on making this thing work and we’re dependent on looking after our customers,” says Mike Eastwood, dealer principal. “Every individual staff member has pride in what they do.” He says the company has a lot of young staff with families, so an emphasis has been placed on ensuring their time at home is not overrun with work. Other businesses in our industry were also recognised. Vehicle Testing NZ received the top award as the best place to work in New Zealand. Leighton Abbot, senior consultant, IBM Smarter Workforce for New Zealand, congratulated the company on its continued success. “ VTNZ has demonstrated that through clear leadership and communication staff will remain motivated and engaged through significant change. “The review of vehicle testing and licensing requirements has stimulated innovation in the business, and the increased commitment their people have to the company speaks volumes about how they have turned a challenge into an opportunity.” Hyundai New Zealand, Trade Me and AA Insurance were recognised for being finalists for the past five years. The awards were achieved based on the employees’ ratings in a confidential online survey. More than 750 employees graded their workplaces and employers across twelve key categories including leadership, culture, recognition and engagement.

2014 IBM Kenexa Best Workplace Awards

• Overall winner: VTNZ.
• Best small workplace: Hyundai Wairarapa – Eastwood Motor Group.
• Best small-medium workplace: Giltrap Audi
• Best medium-large workplace: Mars New Zealand.
• Best large workplace: Overland Footwear.
• Best enterprise workplace: VTNZ.
• Most improved small workplace: CityLink.
• Most improved small-medium workplace: New Zealand Cricket.
• Most improved medium-large workplace: TSB Bank.
• Most improved large workplace: Russell Group.
• Most improved enterprise: Ballance Agri-Nutrients.