Archived Content: This section of the website serves as an archive of the various initiatives as well as human resource information that go2 provided to both employers and job seekers on how to prepare for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The following article was written following the Whistler Chamber of Commerce luncheon and panel session “Staffing in 2010” on October 15. Sponsored by go2, the session focused on 2010 workforce planning for Whistler employers.
If there's one crucial tip for all business owners and manager affected by the 2010 Winter Games, it would be: start getting ready now.
“Many businesses are hoping to get to January using their current HR models and then recruit as needed,” says Fiona Famulak, president of the Whistler Chamber of Commerce. “Knowing that, we’ve been proactive and have developed and delivered a variety of tools and options to provide flexibility so that businesses can recruit when needed.”
To assist Whistler businesses in addressing the potential labour issues, the Whistler Chamber organized a luncheon on October 15, 2009. More than 150 operators and media representatives attended the event and listened to a series of presentations on staff planning for the 2010 Games.
Retaining existing staff is a good starting point, and to do that you must be "an employer of choice," according to Fiona. “Treat your employees well. Train them. Coach them. Be respectful of them. Be informed of what they want to get out of the Games, and try to accommodate that as much as you can in your staffing model.”
Whistler’s base population is 10,000; on weekends during ski season it swells to 45,000, even a bit more around Christmas. However, the Games are expected to bring in an additional 5,000 to 10,000 visitors. A unique season brings with it a different type of guest. The Whistler Chamber has developed a template of guest profiles, posted on its website segment as 2010 Opportunities. This analyzes guests’ needs, length of stay and spending habits, whether they are spectators, officials, media, sponsors, dignitaries or workers.
“We’re advising our businesses to recruit staff as soon as possible,” says Fiona. “Use the lead-up to the Games to train them to be comfortable in their roles, so that when the Games begin, they are already in operation and functioning like a well-oiled machine.”
To plan for the 2010 Games, businesses need to anticipate their staff needs, but go2’s CEO Arlene Keis notes that the economy is another factor making it difficult for employers this year. “While employers may have ample staff and resumes coming in now, the situation will change as the 2010 Games approach,” says Keis. “With VANOC, corporate sponsors and contractors alone needing more than 16,800 people in Whistler, competition for staff will be high and the usual recruitment and retention tactics may not be effective.”
Whistler businesses are also advised to plan well ahead to ensure that their staff have accommodation secured as housing in Whistler will be extremely tight during the Games. Transportation and security issues also need to be anticipated in advance to ensure staff can get to and from work without major delays.
According to Ellen Babers, VANOC’s Event Services - Project Integration Manager, employers need to be aware of the emotional life cycle of the Games and to plan accordingly. There is a documented cycle of excitement and exhaustion that is consistent with every Olympic Games and about mid-way through the event, employees often hit the wall. Employers need to plan for ways to keep spirits up and for potential illness and absenteeism.
The 2010 Winter Games are going to be an intense 17-day run for Whistler. Employers will use the same techniques as the coach of a podium-bound ski team: assemble the best team members; train them for optimum performance; provide them support and listen to their concerns. Then, when the starting gun fires, you’ll know you’ve given them all you can to handle the fast hectic run for the gold.
The Whistler Chamber of Commerce and go2 have gathered relevant information related to planning for the 2010 Games. For more information visit:
