“They acted on my ideas, invested time and effort into seeing them take off, and when they did take off, they took it a step further.” “They’ve given me real responsibilities with solid support for a structured career path. And they do more for the community than I thought.” “Management come around and they know us by our first names and really communicate openly with us. Then there’s the support and respect I get from my team.” “They think of everything – family days, well-being programs…you name it, they offer it. It’s more support than I’ve ever had at any other company.” “Honestly there has never been a single day in 17 years when I didn’t want to come to work. This place does that to you.”

These comments from British American Tobacco Australia employees are evidence that this company delivers on its offers of a genuine work-life balance, support and development, strong team and company culture and, of course, to make a positive community and environmental impact. When a company really does all this and goes beyond to deliver more, people stop and take notice. British American Tobacco Australia (BATA) is one such company.

“The rewarding experience of working here is due to our ongoing investment in training and development, the experience people have with their managers, the fantastic career opportunities available to our employees and our vibrant culture,” says BATA’s Area Head of Human Resources, Ian Blamey.

“We asked employees what benefits they most appreciated and then, as an organisation, we offered them – six months’ paid maternity leave, paid paternity leave, the potential for a bonus as well as short-term incentives for all employees. There are great international opportunities to gain further experience as well. We’ve recognised that the way to hold on to good people is not just about the money.”

Other rewards BATA offers its employees include a starting salary positioned within the top 25 per cent of the market, up to 13 per cent employer superannuation contribution, study leave, onsite well-being, health and lifestyle memberships, salary sacrifice options for vehicles, as well as flexible working arrangements. BATA goes beyond consistently.

Treating its employees as individuals with different needs, BATA is committed to ensuring that employees are constantly growing, their careers are fully supported and they are given every available opportunity to achieve their goals.

“It’s the way they give you opportunities to grow, develop and learn,” says Donna, Trade Marketing. “Doors just open – they did for me and that’s different.”

Given BATA operates in a sometimes challenging industry, it is proud to have an average tenure rate of 8.5 years – significantly higher than the Australian norm of four years (reference: McCrindle Research Pty Ltd). This, coupled with a lower than average employee turnover rate, suggests that it is rare that role and career opportunities within the organisation do not live up to expectations.

Talented people join BATA at all stages of their careers and for many excellent reasons. Some seek a new challenge or the kind of environment in which to prove themselves – and one that will appreciate their current skills. Others feel the need to reinvigorate their careers or achieve a better work-life balance. And then there is the BATA Summer Vacation and Management Trainee Programs.

The three-month Summer Vacation Program is aimed at students in their penultimate university year who are looking for an opportunity to gain invaluable workforce experience, while putting theory into practice. The program also provides students with a taste of the culture at BATA and the opportunity to progress into the two-year Management Trainee Program upon university graduation.

The Management Trainee Program is a development program that enables graduates to move from the academic world to a corporate environment and learn to become extraordinary leaders. This fast-track program provides graduates with an understanding of all areas of the business as well as the potential for an international placement within BATA’s Asia Pacific Region to gain invaluable business awareness.

If you’re the kind of person who relishes a challenge and wants a career that goes beyond, then visit the BATA careers website, http://careers.bata.com.au and see for yourself what BATA truly has to offer you.