Here for you when you need us most!

ICBL HAS ALWAYS been a beacon of excellence in the working world of Barbados. Many of the ICBL crew have enjoyed long-lasting relationships with the company, a testament to the work that the company does to retain and reward staff.

Gail Hinkson, assistant vicepresident for Human Resources at ICBL, has been with the company for more than 22 years. “I started in a supervisory role approximately 22 years ago. Since then, I was promoted to assistant manager, then manager and now the current position that I hold. So I would definitely say that ICBL is somewhere that you can develop, whether it’s in HR, or any other business area,” shared Hinkson.

“Our turnover is very low and several employees have been with the company more than ten years. If I should describe working at ICBL, it feels like a home away from home because of the people,” she added.

The HR Business Unit (HRBU) at ICBL consists of three core HR professionals, as well as the Facilities Management and Payroll Teams and the medical and health services administrator.

Part of what makes ICBL such a remarkable place to work is the investment in their employees. The company puts a great emphasis on the well-being of their employees. This was exemplified during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During COVID our focus was making sure that our employees were safe. The company’s protocols response was established and overseen by the medical & health services administrator, “Nurse Lisa” who was the in-house czar. As a result of the ICBL established protocols and supporting systems, there was not a single in-house spread of the virus,” said Hinkson.

“The company arranged care baskets for staff members who contracted COVID. That decision in 2020 extended into 2022. The baskets contained flowers, fruit, energy drinks, painkillers, and general items of comfort that people would need and appreciate during that time.

“When we worked remotely in 2020 and 2021 and hybrid in 2023, we sought ways to continue engaging staff and fostering community. We planned staff engagement activities to get people to come back together for example, three summer movie nights at the Globe Drive-In, securing the entire facility for ICBL staff and families. We also provided afterschool nanny services for the children of employees, to ensure the children remained distanced and followed protocols as their parents catered to our customers.”

Making the ICBL experience safe and enjoyable for the employees is paramount to the purview of the HRBU. (NN)

Gail Hinkson, Assistant Vice-President for HR. (SLD)