Photo caption [L-R] Lynee Rayner and her team from Blackmans Bay Childrens Services with Deputy Premier Jeremy Rockliff at the 2018 awards.

Becoming an Employer of Choice puts a business one step ahead in finding, keeping and motivating staff. It is also a label that businesses can hang their hat on, in the community and with clients.

Now is the chance to join more than 100 of our best business, community and service organisations that are already Employers of Choice, with entries now open for the 2019 awards.

The awards recognise local organisations that demonstrate contemporary workplace practices and outstanding support for their staff while building Tasmania’s reputation as a great place to work and live.

Nominating for Employer of Choice accreditation has benefits in itself, by making businesses look closely at their achievements and the impact they have on the lives of their people.

Lynne Rayner from 2018 winner, Blackmans Bay Childrens Services, said it was a positive experience, especially for staff.

“It gave us a sound platform for engaging new staff and clients as well as setting a benchmark for the future. It was humbling at how far we have come,” she said.

Mel Lawrence from another 2018 inductee, TasNetworks, said the awards were a great way to help an organisation grow and form a common purpose.

“The process uncovered what our team members value in our organisation and highlighted our common drive to build better ways of working for our people,” Ms Lawrence said.

Tim Wass from Knight Frank Tasmania said accreditation had benefits both within and external to the business and helped in attracting and retaining the best staff.

“There was genuine excitement in the business when advised we were an award winner. Externally it is a great marketing tool to promote the business,” Mr Wass said.

Entries in the 2019 Employer of Choice Awards close on 20 December 2018.

For more information, visit http://www.business.tas.gov.au/eoc