NORTH SAILS IS A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

North Sails in Sri Lanka Among 25 Best Places to Work

A survey completed by the Great Place to Work Institute recognized North Sails Sri Lanka, a manufacturing center with 910 employees, as one of the 25 best places to work in Sri Lanka in 2018. This location, which produces one design sails as well as custom keelboat and 3D products, was identified as having a consistently positive worker experience. A high percentage of employees trust their leaders, enjoy the people they work with, and take pride in what they do. One hundred percent of the employees were surveyed, as part of a company culture audit.

“We were not focusing on achieving an award,” laughs Deepanie Mataraarachchi, a senior team leader who’s worked at the facility for two years. “We wanted to identify areas that can be further improved, to become even a better workplace. But the pride taken by the employees about how they are treated and how much the company respects the environment and gives back to society shone through. ”

The survey questions covered hiring and grievance practices, how well team leaders listen, training programs, work/life balance, and how the company supports and celebrates achievements. Team leaders decided to include the entire workforce to make sure everyone knew their voices were heard. It was an opportunity to assess company culture and communication—and also to evaluate areas that still needed improvement, Deepanie says. “We trust our employees a lot. Also they appreciate that we support Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives. Last year our team donated an ultrasound scanner to a local hospital. The people came and volunteered, collected money… we were able to raise a huge sum!”

The company received their prize at the Great Place To Work awards ceremony at the Hotel Hilton Colombo, Sri Lanka. They were also mentioned in the country’s most popular business magazine and by the Financial Times, along with other winners from IT, household goods, and hospital trades. “This recognition belongs to the entire team at North Sails Sri Lanka,” concludes Deepanie. “It is an honor to be recognized by our employees as an organization that fosters respect, trust and fairness. We are all very proud of what we are doing.”