'One of the most effective ways to attract and retain quality talent is to not only provide an idyllic workplace, but to include that talent in shaping that workplace'
ATB Financial, BioTalent Canada and Novartis were among the top employers in different provinces in the country, according to Great Places to Work, which runs the competition.
To be eligible, organizations must be Great Place to Work-certified in the past year and have at least 15 employees working in the specific province they are nominated. Employers are then rated based on the overall Trust Index score from their employees.
Alberta
ATB Financial’s Workplace 2.0 program creates a strategy where team members are evaluated on performance, not presence, says Great Place to Work. The company focuses on increasing organizational performance while cultivating the right environment for people to manage all aspects of their life, including work, and customizes workplace arrangements to ensure business and team member success.
Also, the pension plan offers a combination of retirement savings in a registered defined contribution (DC) pension plan with a wealth accumulation component.
"We invest in and empower our team members to learn, grow and deliver remarkable customer experiences,” says Curtis Stange, president and CEO of ATB Financial. “We believe our people set us apart. Reimagining banking and creating happiness for our customers are only made possible because of our team members.”
Other winners in Alberta include manufacturer and producer Dow Chemical Canada, construction company Equium Group, industrial services True North Solutions and professional services provider Vista Projects. The full list of winners is available here.
Ontario
HR company BioTalent Canada in Ontario credited its listing to how they are able to adapt amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As an HR organization, it’s part of our job to be a recognized leader in workplace culture,” says Rob Henderson, president and CEO of BioTalent Canada. “One of the most effective ways to attract and retain quality talent is to not only provide an idyllic workplace, but to include that talent in shaping that workplace. We’re great believers in practicing what we preach, and this recognition demonstrates that we do.”
Other winners in Ontario include IT company 360 Insights, medical company BD Canada, professional services Gardiner Roberts and financial services Plenary Group. The full list of winners is available here.
British Columbia
In B.C., Arc’teryx Equipment creates an inclusive, transparent and collaborative culture for its employees, says Great Place to Work. The company places significant emphasis on the engagement of corporate support staff, retail employees and skilled factory workers to support the continued growth of the brand.
“At heart, we are a community of problem-solvers, whose spirit of ‘do right’ governs everything we do, and our success as a company lies largely in the strength of our people,” said Jessica O’Dowd, employee experience manager at Arc’teryx. “Our values guide us to collectively and compassionately evolve as an organization, and fostering a great work environment that is diverse, inclusive and transparent is something we will continue to put our energy into.”
Other winners in B.C. include construction and housing company Ames Tiles & Stone IT company Clearly, Doctors of BC and non-profit Kootenay Career Development Society. The full list of winners is available here.
Quebec
Novartis provides employees with 24-7 access to a gym on-site with group classes and a personal trainer offered free of charge. It also provides free telemedicine for consultation with nurses and doctors online Mondays through Fridays and provides part-time, telecommuting and job-sharing work arrangements.
"Earning a coveted spot on this list for a second year in a row is a testament to the shift in culture to one that is inspired, curious and unbossed and unleashes the power of our people,” says Christian Macher, country president of Novartis.
Other winners in Quebec include professional services provider Accuracy, IT consulting firm CGI, manufacturer Magnus and telecommunications company Tata Communications. The full list of winners is available here.
Other top employer competitions have also named 7shifts, Travel Alberta, Google, Samsung, Statistics Canada, Irving Oil, Provincial Aerospace, Norton Rose Fulbright, Mohawk College, SAP Canada, Novartis and Canada Revenue Agency for 2020.
