Local support, smart strategies, stronger businesses
- Bring copies of your resume (if you’re job searching).
- Prepare a short introduction about yourself and your interests.
- Research a few participating employers or schools ahead of time.
- Dress neatly, first impressions matter.
- Come ready with questions about training, hiring needs, and career growth.
Beyond the Paycheck: How to Retain Top Talent in 2026
By: Heavenlee Prawdzik
In today’s competitive labour market, retaining strong employees requires offering a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to grow. As we move through 2026, organizations that focus on competitive compensation, employee development, work-life balance, and culture will stand out as employers of choice.
Competitive & Meaningful Compensation
Compensation remains one of the most influential factors in employee retention. Employers should ensure salaries are competitive within their market area and reflective of experience and performance. Beyond base pay, comprehensive health benefits and retirement savings packages demonstrate long-term investment in employees’ wellbeing and financial security. Offering paid time off beyond Manitoba’s minimum standards can also set your organization apart.
Additional supports such as Employee and Family Assistance Programs (EFAPs) provide confidential resources that help employees navigate personal and professional challenges, reinforcing that their wellbeing matters.
Investing in Your Staff
Employees are more likely to stay where they see opportunity for growth. Providing health and fitness allowances encourages overall wellbeing, while tuition reimbursement and professional designation support show commitment to career advancement.
Organizations that actively promote learning, mentorship, and opportunities for advancement, create a culture where employees can envision a future. Supporting development isn’t just an expense, it’s a long-term retention strategy.
Prioritizing Work-Life Balance
Flexibility is no longer a perk, it’s an expectation. Offering flexible schedules, paid sick leave, and flex time for appointments or family obligations help employees manage personal responsibilities without added stress.
Where appropriate, the ability to work remotely can significantly improve morale and productivity. Employers who trust their teams and provide flexibility often see higher engagement and loyalty in return.
Fostering a Strong Work Culture
At the heart of retention is culture. Employees stay where they feel valued, respected, and heard. Leaders who actively listen to concerns and welcome ideas for improvement build trust and collaboration.
Regular performance appraisals, accompanied by clear pathways for salary increases, promotions, or bonuses for exemplary work, reinforce accountability and recognition. Celebrating achievements — big and small — help maintain motivation and morale.
Brandon Chamber of Commerce First Friday Coffee – March 6, 2026 Women of Westman Conference (W.O.W.) – March 11, 2026 Business After 5:00 with Ducks Unlimited Canada – March 18, 2026 |
Brandon Career Symposium – Save the Date!h -March 17-18, 2026 |
MALTI Presentation
On January 16th, Heavenlee represented West-Can HR at Westman Immigrant Services, delivering a presentation on the Brandon area labor market and offering valuable insights on what newcomers can expect when seeking local employment. Westman Immigrant Services runs the Bridging to Employment program, which supports unemployed newcomers in the Brandon area in finding meaningful employment opportunities.
We are always pleased to be invited to participate in these workshops, where we can share practical information on employment standards, workplace culture, onboarding processes, what to expect on the first day, and strategies for finding job opportunities. Engaging with the community in this way allows us to contribute to the success of newcomers as they begin their careers in Brandon.
Business After 5
Presentation at Westbran Training Center
On January 28, 2026, Regina from West-Can HR gave a presentation to Westbran trainees, sharing how West-Can HR can help job seekers on their career journey.
Brandon Jobs Engages Local Entrepreneurs at Afro-Caribbean Summit
On February 20, West-Can HR represented Brandon Jobs with a booth at the Westman Afro-Caribbean Entrepreneur Summit. The event featured a series of insightful workshops designed to help local entrepreneurs grow their businesses.
Photo credit: Westman Afro-Caribbean Entrepreneur Summit
The session included practical tips on:
Resume & Cover Letter
- Tips to make resumes and cover letters stand out
- Highlighting key skills, especially soft skills
- Job websites for preferred locations and roles
Employment in Westman
- Workplace expectations and practical tips
- Overview of local employers and opportunities
- Workshop on trainees’ job interests and target companies
Participants stayed engaged throughout, asking questions and taking part actively, leaving confident and equipped with practical tips to move forward in their job search.
The day kicked off with Emelio Brown of IntriTech Marketing, leading Workshop 1 on Marketing Your Business in Canada. Whitney Sharkey from Accent Chartered Professional Accountants followed with Workshop 2, covering finance and accounting basics. Premmal Patel-David of PPD Law shared key insights on legal essentials for entrepreneurs in Workshop 3, and Rushana Davy led Workshop 4 on Networking and Professional Relationships.
The summit wrapped up with a lively networking session, where many attendees connected, shared ideas, and built professional relationships across the community.
It was inspiring to see the community come together, and Brandon Jobs was proud to be part of this engaging, supportive event.
