Skyline Group of Companies' Director HR on flying high with employee engagement
At Skyline Group of Companies, leadership is more than just a guiding principle—it’s the foundation of the company’s success and continued growth.
Speaking to HRD, Sarah Yusyp, Director of Human Resources, says that her approach to leadership is centred on building strong internal relationships – something that’s easier said than done in HR.
“I’ve worked hard to prioritize a culture of open communication and collaboration across departments, to ensure that HR strategies are not only well received but are also implemented as effectively as possible.”
And, with almost 1,000 employees to guide, this is no mean feat, especially in a period of accelerated growth.
“We’re not just hiring nationwide—we’re bringing on talented, bilingual individuals whose skills help us manage real estate properties and clean energy assets effectively,” she says.
“As we continue to grow and evolve, we’re always seeking top talent and innovative thinkers to drive our success and help us achieve our goals.”
But this kind of engagement is only successful if it’s measured and improved upon. At Skyline, Yusyp says that to measure engagement effectively, they implement a range of tools and techniques.
“I’m a really big advocate of engagement surveys,” she added. “Engagement surveys are something that we run on an annual basis. Sometimes we take a gap year, depending on what’s going on in our organization, but we consistently run post-event surveys. I strongly encourage our open-door policy, where feedback is not only welcomed but frequently sought out.”
The goal is to ensure that employees feel valued, see a future with the company, and work in a positive environment.
“We hope to provide a clear career path where employees can envision a long-term future with us while feeling valued in a culture of respect and camaraderie," Yusyp told HRD. "We strive to create a workplace where people genuinely want to be—where they celebrate our successes, take pride in their contributions, and are passionate about giving back to our communities, which is a core value for us.”
One of the most impactful initiatives led by Yusyp and her team has been the creation of Skyline’s in-house Leadership Development Program. Launched in 2020, the program is designed to identify and develop high-potential junior leaders within the company.
“This year-long program focuses on developing six key leadership competencies that we believe are fundamental to Skyline’s leadership culture and fundamental to achieving our goals.”
The program combines online coursework, case studies, and mentorship, providing a well-rounded learning experience. “We incorporate real-world examples from Skyline, along with external case studies, to enhance the participants’ learning,” she explains. “And we’ve seen a lot of really great success with the program. It’s considered a prestigious program within our organization, where you must be nominated and then interviewed before accepted.”
Since its inception, the program has graduated 30 employees, with 14 of them earning promotions into higher leadership roles. “That’s something I’m really proud of,” Yusyp says.
As Director of HR, Yusyp sees her department as instrumental in driving Skyline’s success. “I strive to support our organization through change and growth by ensuring that we have the right talent in place, and that talent also has the right support and resources to help us achieve our goals,” she explains.
A significant part of her role also involves ensuring compliance with evolving employment laws.
"We are constantly navigating through evolving employment laws and legal compliance requirements," she says. "Operating across Canada means adapting to different regulations in each province, each with its own unique legal landscape."
Looking ahead, Yusyp sees artificial intelligence as both an opportunity and a challenge.
“AI presents its own set of challenges, including the complexities of adapting to a landscape that is constantly evolving,” she says. “We’re exploring AI to enhance efficiency and innovation within our operations. As we explore its potential, we’re also evaluating how it impacts staffing. It’s a current challenge, and one that will continue to shape our future.”
