IBM, McGill University, Air Canada, Bombardier make top five
Research in Motion (RIM) has won the inaugural 2011 Randstad award for most attractive employer.
More than 7,000 Canadian jobseekers and workers said the company topped six of the 10 attractiveness categories, with respondents perceiving RIM as a company that offers a pleasant work atmosphere, career progression and quality training, as well as strong management, best salary and interesting job content.
The award from Randstad Canada aims to reward and encourage best practices in building the best employer brands, as chosen by workers and job seekers in search of employment opportunities within Canada's leading organizations. The other top five award winners are: IBM Canada, McGill University, Air Canada and Bombardier.
"It's exciting to see Canadians recognize companies that focus on the future," said Jan Hein Bax, president of Randstad Canada. "RIM, IBM, McGill, Air Canada and Bombardier each have such an influential impact on our day-to-day lives and will continue to shape our future, here and around the world, through technology, transportation and education. Creativity, innovation, and social responsibility are all qualities that resonate with the values of Canadians — and we proudly celebrate these with the Randstad award."
The Randstad award survey is based on the perceived attractiveness of companies in a specific market. The 150 largest employers per country are selected, each with at least 1,000 employees.
Overall, a pleasant work atmosphere is listed as the most important factor (six out of 10) when seeking an employer, followed by high salary (56 per cent) and job security (53 per cent). Good work-life balance (48 per cent) and interesting job content (35 per cent) were also listed as important factors.
Key findings:
Gender: Men seek companies that offer innovation (104 per cent more important versus women), strong management (22 per cent more important) and image (57 per cent more important), while women look for strong workplace culture (28 per cent more important versus men), convenient location (39 per cent more important) and work-life balance (24 per cent more important). Personal satisfaction and financial stability are equally important to both men and women.
Age: Younger people between the ages of 18 and 39 mainly look for career progression opportunities and global mobility, and are attracted to innovative companies with a strong image and reputation. The importance of comfort, financial stability and values increases for those over 40 years old.
Education: Post-graduates are attracted to market leaders with a strong image that offer international career opportunities and advancement. Those with less education look for financially stable companies that offer long-term job security.
2011 Randstad award winners:
- Research in Motion
- IBM Canada
- McGill University
- Air Canada
- Bombardier
