How does the audit process work?
- An organization has from June 1st through to November 30th each year to register and complete its application for the
Employer of Choice designation.
- The application consists of 80 questions covering the seven functional areas of human resources. It also consists of a
separate online employee opinion survey.
- Questions are answered by uploading policy documents and manuals or typing answers into text boxes.
- After the application has been submitted, an AHLA auditor will review the application and score each question.
- Based on the scores received, organizations will either "Not qualify at this time", "Meet Minimum Standards" or qualify
for the "Employer of Choice" designation. To qualify as an Employer of Choice organizations must meet the minimum standards
and demonstrate some best practices.
- The scores are not shared with the organizations.
- If a property qualifies for an Employer of Choice designation, it will be recognized at the next AHLA Convention.
Do my employees have to participate in this audit?
- Yes. Each organization will be given a link to an online Employee Opinion Survey. They may then provide this link to as
many employees and managers as possible. In order for the survey to be valid, 40% of non managers and 40% of managers must
respond in the first year.
- Each employee or manager will be asked if they are aware of various hotel policies.
- Individual responses will be kept confidental. The compiled results will be included in the audit report.
- Participation in this survey is mandatory to receive the Employer of Choice designation.
Who can submit an application?
- All AHLA member properties-in-good-standing can apply for the Employer of Choice designation.
- If a property has any outstanding or unresloved issues or complaints related to Employment Standards, WCB, or AHLA, the
audit process will stop until the issue is resolved.
- Disqualified properties will be notified immediately.
- All properties must be situated in the province of Alberta.
Is there a fee for the Employer of Choice designation?
- There is no charge for AHLA members-in-good-standing (no financial arrears greater than 60 days).
- To become an AHLA member please click here.
Does personal information have to be submitted during the audit?
- In order to verify that policy statements are implemented as stated and to see through an employee's eyes, we need some
actual documents scanned and submitted. In order to protect the privacy of individuals, all personal information should
be removed before documents are scanned (i.e. names, addresses, SIN, etc.)
How is the information submitted kept confidential?
- All information gathered is electronically secured by passwords and all AHLA workstations are password protected. AHLA
auditors follow strict security protocols during the course of the workday.
- All information gathered during the course of the audit is maintained as confidential by the AHLA auditors. Final audit
results will only be shared with senior management at the property and will not be provided to any other party without the
express written consent of the property's management.
- Responses may be used to make general conclusions about HR trends in the tourism industry (for example, it may be discovered
that 80% of property applicants used behavioural interviewing techniques), but no specific details of any application will
be released to any individual outside of the AHLA auditing team.
- Security of the application information from the property side is soley the responsibility of the property.
- For detailed information regarding the security of the Web Hoster please see "Web Hosting Security Information" at the
bottom of this page.
Who performs the Employer of Choice audit?
- Each audit is reviewed by members of the Employer of Choice audit team.
- Auditors have knowledge and understanding of both auditing and HR practices.
- Auditors understand the key requirements of Alberta legislation related to employment standards, human rights and privacy.
- Auditors are objective and neutral towards the property.
- Auditors understand the importance of confidentiality and discretion in dealing with sensitive information.
- Audits that Meet Minimum Standards will be evaluated by a second auditor to confirm status.
Once a property has achieved the Employer of Choice designation do they have to reapply each year?
- No, the property only needs to submit the full audit once in a three year cycle. However, to ensure policies and procedures remain relevant, the property will be required to complete the Employee Opinion Survey every year.
Can one submission be made for multiple properties?
- Yes and no. There are a series of qualifying questions to be answered and the AHLA audit team will determine, from the
answers provided, whether a multiple property submission can be made.
Can I change my application once it is submitted?
- No. Due to the volume of audits applications received and to maintain the integrity of the audit process, applications
can only be submitted once in any audit year. During the application time (June-November) the property may add, edit and
update their answers as many times as they like. Please take the time to review and answer each question before you press
the submit button.
Web Hosting Security Information
Base Corp. Learning Systems is the web developer for the Employer of Choice Website. Base Corp. has contracted Alentus
to provide commercial hosting service.
The hosted services data center provides a secure location for user access, customer information and data, and controlled
access. The User must have a login id and must enter a password. The Hosted site is updated, monitored and maintained
remotely by Base Corp. personnel.