February 10, 2010 in Business

Worker-friendly firms lauded

Humanix, Haskins Steel, Skils’kin make group’s list
By The Spokesman-Review
 
Tags:Acme Concrete PavingAssociation of Washington BusinessHaskins SteelHumanix Staffing & RecruitingSkil’skinSterling Savings BankSt. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute

Six Spokane-area businesses and nonprofits were among 18 saluted last week by the Association for Washington Business for their outstanding commitment to employees.

Companies were nominated for training, safety and compensation programs that effectively fostered innovation, met the needs of employees and their families, and showed commitment on the part of employers.

“Building a strong, talented workforce is one of the most important things we can do to help Washington emerge strong from the recent downturn,” said association President Don Brunell.

Local winners were: Humanix Staffing & Recruiting for developing guidelines clarifying responsibility for assuring the safety of temporary and permanent employees; Haskins Steel Co. Inc. for its training programs, and upgrades to employee amenities; and Skils’kin, which trains and places the developmentally disabled. The agency also does home-safety inspections.

Also recognized were: St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, for its investment in ergonomic training and patient-handling equipment; Sterling Savings Bank for creation of an in-house Sterling University for employee training and career advancement; and Acme Concrete Paving Inc. for its health and dental plans, which reimburse employees for their deductible payments.

Acme also flew all its Spokane employees to Las Vegas after completion of a project there.

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Four comments on this story so far. Add yours!

  • condor on February 10 at 8:10 a.m.

    I am so glad to see that Rockwood Clinic did not make this list. It has gone from being a nice place to work to a cold, heartless atmosphere. My co-worker (both of us Supervisors in a Family Practice Clinic) were discussing this article and how nice it must be to work for an appreciative company. Many people are looking for jobs right now to get away from this place. The Director is micromanaging and firing really good people left and right for the smallest infractions and it puts so much pressure on the supervisors who are the ones who have to actually fire these good and loyal employees and then have to clean up the mess with the poor morale and don’t care attitudes that it is creating. Patients are feeling the effect as well from the poor attitudes and that is what really hurts. We WANT to provide the best service possible but unfortunately the dull, dreary atmosphere among the staff prevents this. We are hopeful that the recent merger between Deaconess and Rockwood will bring a change in Leadership that will help correct this mess. There is also much talk about becoming involved with unions which may be the best solution all around. Congratulations to the companies in Spokane that take such good care of your people. We are envious and maybe one day will be lucky enough to work for one of you and show you how hard working and productive staff can be when working in a positive environment.

  • sixandseven on February 10 at 10:21 p.m.

    Humanix is a joke. They discriminate against veterans and older people.

  • nnelson on February 11 at 8:58 a.m.

    I sincerely apologize if an applicant’s hiring experience with Humanix was left with this perception. Humanix’s mission is to make the best job placements the first time, every time, or we make it right. We do NOT discriminate. Out of 62,684 Affirmative Action Survey Reports completed, we have hired 12.1% applicants over 50+.
    I currently sit on the American Association of Community Colleges Plus 50 Advisory Committee. Our committee is assisting with the creation and expansion of campus programs to engage the 50+ population in learning, training/re-training programs, and other service civic activities.
    I encourage the writer of this note to please contact me so we can review the application packet and clear this perception.
    Respectfully,
    Nancy Nelson, CPC
    Humanix Staffing and Recruiting
    Owner/President
    509-467-0062

  • condor on February 16 at 8:08 a.m.

    My mother who is 56 used Humanix recently and was treated very well. They placed her in a very good position after just a few weeks.

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