If you’ve been daydreaming about ditching your 9-to-5 for something better, listen up! Canada’s Top 100 Employers for 2024 have been revealed and the list might just push you to hand in that resignation letter.
From extended vacations to fertility treatment subsidies, this year’s winners prove that not all workplaces are created equal.
Now in its 25th year, the Canada’s Top 100 Employers ranking highlights employers with innovative policies and perks that make working feel less like work.
The winners were evaluated on everything from work atmosphere and benefits to vacation policies, skill development, performance management and community involvement.
Here’s a closer look at some of the companies listed and how they’re going above and beyond for their employees.
Generous vacation policies
Vacation days are sacred, and some of Canada’s top employers get that. Take 1Password, for example—they offer employees a generous 25 days of paid time off, which includes vacation, sick days, and personal days. Oh, and they throw in four wellness days on top of that!
For those craving a complete recharge, Citi Canada offers a 12-week sabbatical, during which employees receive 25% of their base pay to, well, not work. Whether you want to travel the world or finally finish your Netflix queue, they’re making it happen.
Health and wellness perks
Remember those dingy office gyms no one ever used? That’s not the vibe at ABB Canada. They’ve got a full fitness facility with boot camp classes, circuit training, cardio boxing, and even subsidized treatments like massage therapy. For those who’d rather focus on nutrition, they also offer dietitian services.
Based in Victoria, BC Public Service provides a full year of maternity and parental leave top-up for new mothers. Fathers and adoptive parents aren’t left out either—they receive parental top-up to 75% of their salary for up to 35 weeks, ensuring all families have the support they need.
Meanwhile, Labatt Breweries of Canada is supporting families-to-be with a fertility treatment subsidy of up to $15,000.
For employees navigating gender transitions, BHP Canada provides paid leave under its formal gender affirmation policy.
Work from wherever programs
If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s that we don’t need to be stuck in the office to be productive. Companies like Henkel have embraced this fully, letting employees work up to 30 days a year in another country.
The Bank of Canada also takes things up a notch with its “work from away” policy. Employees can work up to six weeks per year from approved locations, whether that’s a cozy cabin in the Rockies or a seaside cafe in Spain. Talk about mixing business with pleasure!
Support systems
When life happens, the best employers show up for their staff. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario offers a compassionate leave top-up of 100% salary for up to eight weeks, helping employees care for loved ones without worrying about finances.
Similarly, Bell Canada offers unlimited mental health care coverage. This coverage includes services provided by licensed psychotherapists, family therapists, and couples counsellors, encouraging staff to take care of their mental well-being without financial stress.
On the community front, AstraZeneca Canada encourages volunteerism by offering grants of up to $500 for employees who log at least 40 volunteer hours annually. Whether you’re passionate about cleaning up beaches or mentoring at-risk youth, they’ll support your efforts.
A unique approach
Employers are getting creative with incentives that go beyond the usual health benefits. BDO Canada LLP gives its employees up to $1,350 in taxable reimbursements for doing things they love—whether that’s seeing a concert, hitting the spa, or booking a dream vacation.
For the eco-conscious crowd, GHD Ltd. offers up to $400 for employees who opt for greener commutes. Whether you’re biking, carpooling, or using public transit, they’ll help you reduce your carbon footprint. It’s a small perk with a big impact.
Meanwhile, Medavie Inc. rewards employees for recruiting friends to the company, offering referral bonuses of up to $2,000.
Then there’s Carleton University, where therapy dogs aren’t just for students. Staff and faculty can hang out with trained therapy dogs weekly, which is probably the best work perk ever.
Whether it’s through extended leave policies, health benefits, or unique perks like sabbaticals and therapy dogs, these workplaces are setting a new standard.
So, if your current job has you feeling uninspired, this list is your sign to start updating your LinkedIn profile!
You can find the full list of Canada’s Top Employers for 2024 here.
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