The backstory

Richard Yerema, managing editor of Canada’s Top 100 Employers (produced by Mediacorp Canada Inc.), shares his thoughts on this year’s selection process and what it takes to become a Top Employer.

Atlantic Business Magazine: There were more Atlantic Canada winners this year than ever before. Why is that?
Richard Yerema: Each year, we hear from more employers in the region and the list simply reflects this development. Of course, behind the overall increase is an underlying good news story in terms of economic and employment growth.

ABM: Did you notice any changes compared to previous years?
RY: Looking back, we have watched the evolution in maternity and parental leave top-ups, the adoption of flexible work options in reflection of new technologies, enhanced time-off policies, workplace design, etc. One of the most recent areas of change we have noted is the evolution of health benefits programs to include the adoption of mental health strategies as part of the growing awareness of the importance of work-life balance and mental health issues. The adoption of workplace wellness strategies is a growing area of interest for many of our leading employers.

ABM: Why should an employer make the time to apply for this recognition?
RY: I think the project offers a unique opportunity for employers to benchmark themselves against other leading employers and to ensure that they are competitive with their peers in the war for talent. I believe being recognized as a top employer helps not only in their recruitment challenges but also helps employers in their business-to-customer and business-to-business relationships.

ABM: Any tips for someone who wants to apply for next year’s list?
RY: One of the strengths of the project is that we publish our reasons for selection for all to see, whether that’s individuals looking for a career change or employers looking to see what the best employers featured in the competition are doing today. With that in mind, my first recommendation is to review our editorial reasons for selection. This is where interested employers can quickly see their strengths (and weaknesses) relative to the selected employers. Most of the winning employers we hear from have taken the time to make such comparisons, maybe make a few small tweaks and changes to some policies and programs, and ultimately recognize that they have a good story to share—and we do want to hear from them to help us paint a more complete picture and showcase the best of employment opportunities in today’s Atlantic Canada.

For more information: https://canadastop100.com/atlantic/

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Industry: Direct property and casualty insurance carriers
FT employees in Canada: 435
Location: Halifax, N.S.
Interest points:

• maternity and parental leave top-up payments (to 100 per cent of salary for 22 weeks) and parental top-up for new fathers and adoptive parents (to 100 per cent of salary for seven weeks); option to extend with an unpaid leave of absence
• employee well-being supports include monthly therapy dog visits, a Community Chest program to provide financial support for employees participating in physical activities and a wellness loan program (a $300 interest-free loan)
• profit-sharing plan and defined contribution pension plan

Industry: Provincial Crown corporation, alcohol distribution and regulation
FT employees in Canada: 442
Location: Fredericton, N.B.
Interest points:

• retirement planning assistance and contributions to a defined benefit pension plan
• tuition subsidies for job-related courses, with no annual maximum, and subsidies for professional accreditation

Industry: Pharmaceutical manufacturing
FT employees in Canada: 351
Location: Charlottetown, P.E.I.
Interest points:

• year-end bonuses and referral bonuses for employees who recruit candidates from their personal networks (to $1,000)
• defined contribution pension plan
• full tuition subsidies for employees and an academic scholarship program for children of employees (to $1,500 per child)
• health spending account of up to $400 per employee per year as well as a separate wellness spending account of up to $250 per year

Industry: Auto club and travel agency
FT employees in Canada: 166
Location: Saint John, N.B.
Interest points:

• referral bonuses for employees to recruit candidates from their personal networks (up to $1,000 per successful hire)
• in-house and online training initiatives, as well as tuition subsidies for courses both related and not directly related to their current position
• provides one paid hour per week for volunteering and seeks employee feedback on which charitable organizations to support

Industry: Engineering services
FT employees in Canada: 294
Location: Halifax, N.S.
Interest points:

• supports community causes and charities with a special focus on health, education, community, science and technology and sustainability (over 75 organizations received support last year)
• maternity leave top-up payments for new mothers (to 80 per cent of salary for 16 weeks) with the option to extend leave into an unpaid leave of absence
• academic scholarships for university and college-aged children (to $750 per child)
• head office location is steps away from shops and restaurants along the Halifax waterfront

Industry: Seafood processing
FT employees in Canada: 1,032
Location: Bedford, N.S.
Interest points:

• celebrates exceptional performance through the Organizational Capability Awards (for teamwork, competence and character) and the peer-nominated You Made a Difference Award
• maternity and parental leave top-up payments, to 70 per cent of salary ranging from 35 to 52 weeks (including adoptive parents)
• tuition subsidies for job-related courses and subsidies for professional accreditation; course completion bonuses for specific programs

Industry: Property management and development
FT employees in Canada: 269
Location: New Glasgow, N.S.
Interest points:

• employee wellbeing framework (focused on physical, psychological, professional and personal wellbeing) includes free access to an onsite fitness facility, healthy cooking sessions, mental health training and a dog-friendly office policy
• provides new mothers and fathers, including adoptive parents, with maternity and parental leave top-up payments (to 70 per cent of salary for 26 weeks) and the option to extend leave into an unpaid leave of absence
• unlimited paid time off to volunteer

Industry: Post secondary schools, university
FT employees in Canada: 3,734
Location: Halifax, N.S.
Interest points:

• maternity and parental leave top-up payments (varying by employee group) with the option to extend leave into an unpaid leave of absence
• on-campus childcare
• health spending account, ranging from $500 to $1,000
• supports mental health via Dal Thrive, a university-wide mental wellness initiative

 

EAST COAST CREDIT UNION Read More
Industry: Credit union
FT employees in Canada: 145
Location: Antigonish, N.S.
Interest points:

• training opportunities include mentoring, subsidies for professional accreditation, co-op placements and summer employment
• charitable efforts focused on healthcare, seniors, the arts, youth, community and the environment
• paid time off to volunteer and matches employee donations to charity
• defined benefit or defined contribution pension plan, depending on the employee group

 

EFFICIENCYONE Read More
Industry: Energy conservation advocacy
FT employees in Canada: 116
Location: Dartmouth, N.S.
Interest points:

• social events and celebrations include in-office competitions (such as Office Olympics), a softball tournament, a curling event and a winter holiday party
• tuition subsidies for courses taken at outside institutions and subsidies for professional accreditation
• employee health and wellness initiatives, including free fruit weekly and healthy snacks for purchase, corporate rates for nearby gyms, and internal wellness challenges

 

EMERA INC. Read More
Industry: Electric power generation and distribution and gas distribution
FT employees in Canada: 2,342
Location: Halifax, N.S.
Interest points:

• head office amenities including an onsite fitness facility with free memberships (offsite employees can take advantage of subsidized fitness club memberships) as well as an onsite full-service cafeteria and a rooftop patio and seating overlooking the Harbour
  subsidy for IVF treatments (to $15,000)
• maternity and parental leave top-up payments for its new moms, dads and adoptive parents (to 95 per cent of salary for six weeks)
• post-secondary scholarship programs for children of employees and retirees that includes six annual scholarships (ranging from $1,500 to $10,000)
• Good Neighbour program and Dollars for Doers initiative encourages employees to donate time and resources to charity

Industry: Professional associations
FT employees in Canada: 100
Location: Bedford, N.S.
Interest points:

• tuition subsidies for employees to pursue job-related (and unrelated) courses and academic scholarships of up to $2,500 per child
• health and wellness initiatives include onsite RMT visits bi-weekly, employee-led yoga classes, a one-day wellness fair and a flu clinic for staff and their families
• maternity and parental leave top-up payments for new mothers and fathers, including adoptive parents (to 93 per cent of salary for 15 weeks), and a subsidy for IVF (to $15,000)

Industry: Mobile satellite communications services
FT employees in Canada: 188
Location: Mount Pearl, N.L.
Interest points:

• maternity and parental leave top-up payments, to 80 per cent of salary for up to 20 weeks
• flexible work options, including paid personal days off, shortened work weeks, flexible hours and telecommuting
• financial benefits include share purchase plan available to all employees, signing bonuses for some, matching RSP contributions

Industry: Provincial Crown corporation, venture capital services
FT employees in Canada: 37
Location: Halifax, N.S.
Interest points:

• maternity and parental leave top-up payments for new mothers (to 75 per cent of salary for the first week, followed by 93 per cent for 16 weeks) and parental top-up for fathers and adoptive parents (to 93 per cent of salary for up to 11 weeks)
• contributions to a defined benefit pension plan and retirement planning assistance
• health benefits extend to retirees, with shared premiums and no age limit
• new employees receive three weeks of paid vacation to start; previous experience considered when setting vacation entitlements for experienced hires

Industry: Petroleum refining, distribution and retail
FT employees in Canada: 2,802
Location: Saint John, N.B.
Interest points:

• most new employees receive three weeks paid vacation (maximum of six weeks over their careers); previous work experience considered when setting individual vacation entitlements for experienced applicants
• community programs support families, the environment and education
• Good Energy in Action program offers employees one paid flex day off to volunteer each year and encourages employees to get involved through a national volunteer week campaign in the spring
• Individual employee charitiable donations are matched, to a maximum of $100 annually
• maternity and parental leave top-up payments for employees who are new mothers or fathers (including adoptive parents), to 100 per cent of salary for up to 17 weeks
• academic scholarships for children of employees pursuing post-secondary studies, up to $2,000 per child

Industry: Air transportation
FT employees in Canada: 4,698
Location: Dartmouth, N.S.
Interest points:

• social committee activities include golf tournaments, comedy club nights, swim parties, movie nights, pancake breakfasts, and a family fun day with barbecue and games at the hanger
• formal mentoring, in-house and online training, and tuition subsidies for courses related to their position (up to $3,000 annually)
• summer student opportunities, paid internships, co-op placements and apprenticeships
• via the “Jazz Lends a Hand” community program, employees can apply for a paid day off to volunteer

Industry: Property management and development
FT employees in Canada: 454
Location: Halifax, N.S.
Interest points:

• retirement planning assistance, matching RSP contributions and financial benefits including discounted home and auto insurance, home internet services and more
• free membership to an onsite fitness facility featuring treadmills, stationary bikes, rowing machines, weights, instructor-led classes and running groups
• maternity leave top-up payments for new moms (to 80 per cent of salary for 17 weeks) and flexible work options
• academic scholarship program for children of employees, to $3,000 per child

 

METOCEAN TELEMATICS LIMITED Read More
Industry: Measuring and controlling device manufacturing
FT employees in Canada: 85
Location: Dartmouth, N.S.
Interest points:

• new employees get three weeks of paid vacation; previous work history considered when setting individual vacation entitlements for experienced candidates
• onsite bootcamp and yoga classes, workshops held by a professional nutritionist or life coach, on-site massage therapy once a year, and annual one-on-one meetings with a nutritionist
• new employee referral bonuses ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for each successful hire, depending on the position

Industry: Post secondary schools, college
FT employees in Canada: 777
Location: Fredericton, N.B.
Interest points:

• maternity leave top-up payments (to 75 per cent of salary for 17 weeks) with the option to extend leave into an unpaid leave of absence
• job-related tuition subsidies as well as for courses of general interest, to a lifetime maximum of $10,000
• retirement planning services, defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans (enrolment varies by employee group) and phased-in work options for employees nearing retirement

Industry: Hotels and motels
FT employees in Canada: 292
Location: Halifax, N.S.
Interest points:

• head office location offers employees access to an onsite fitness facility complete with an indoor pool and whirlpool, onsite eating options and is a short walk to the harbourfront boardwalk
• summer employment, co-ops and paid internships, apprenticeships and mentoring initiatives
• in-house training as well as tuition subsidies for courses related and not directly related to an employee’s current position

Industry: Credit union
FT employees in Canada: 116
Location: St. John’s, N.L.
Interest points:

• academic scholarship program for children of employees and members
• tuition subsidies for courses related and not directly related to an employee’s current position
• new employees start with three weeks of vacation, moving to four weeks after three years on the job
• earned days-off program allows employees to extend their workday to earn an extra day off every three weeks
• retirement planning assistance, phased-in work options for employees nearing retirement and matching RSP contributions

Industry: Petroleum Refining and Distribution
FT employees in Canada: 379
Location: Come By Chance, N.L.
Interest points:

• new employees start at three weeks of paid vacation, moving to a maximum of six weeks over the course of their careers
• longer-serving employees can apply for an unpaid leave of absence
• full-time employees have access to retirement planning assistance and receive contributions to a defined benefit pension plan

Industry: Nursing care facilities
FT employees in Canada: 1,012
Location: Dartmouth, N.S.
Interest points:

• in-house and online training programs as well as tuition subsidies for courses at outside academic institutions
• employee-led “Staff Morale and Recreation Team” organizes events including a holiday family movie and a winter carnival
• main location amenities include an employee lounge, a quiet room for meditation and relaxation, and an onsite fitness facility with staff-only hours
• defined benefit pension plan

 

NOSEWORTHY CHAPMAN CHARTERED
PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS Read More
Industry: Accounting
FT employees in Canada: 55
Location: St. John’s, N.L.
Interest points:

• new parents (and adoptive parents) receive a weekly maternity and parental leave top-up payment for the full year of their leave ($92 per week for 52 weeks)
• social committee organizes a number of events, including an after-tax season dinner and social, mid-winter blues casino night, annual summer-sizzle barbecue, and a dinner and dance to kick-off the Christmas season
• employees provide input on the firm’s charitable efforts, receive paid time off for volunteering and matching employer donations

Industry: Computer systems design services
FT employees in Canada: 880
Location: Halifax, N.S.
Interest points:

• Employee Incentive and Management Incentive programs offer financial rewards and/or salary increases for innovations and new ideas that support business development
• head office location features an employee lounge (comfortable seating, video games, foosball, table hockey, books and magazines) as well as onsite yoga classes, weekly massages and monthly visits from professional hair stylists
• in-house and online training programs, formal mentoring and tuition subsidies for job-related courses (to $5,250)

Industry: Provincial Crown corporation, economic development
FT employees in Canada: 143
Location: Fredericton, N.B.
Interest points:

• head office employees have free access to an onsite, shared-use fitness facility and free weekly onsite massages from students at the Atlantic College of Therapeutic Massage
• maternity and parental leave top-up payments for new and adoptive moms (to 75 per cent of salary for 16 weeks) with the option to extend leave to an unpaid leave of absence
• tuition subsidies for courses related to current position along with a variety of in-house training initiatives

Industry: Medical cannibas grower
FT employees in Canada: 619
Location: Moncton, N.B.
Interest points:

• new employee referral bonus (up to $250 for each successful hire)
• access to a wellness spending account (to $250 annually), support for IVF treatments if needed (to $3,000 per employee) and discount medical cannabis when prescribed
• in-house and online training initiatives and tuition subsidies for job-related programs at outside academic institutions

 

PROVINCIAL AEROSPACE LTD./PAL Read More
Industry: Air transportation
FT employees in Canada: 1,091
Location: St. John’s, N.L.
Interest points:

• maternity leave top-up payments (to 100 per cent of salary for up to 17 weeks) with the option to extend leave into an unpaid leave of absence
• access to support for IVF treatments if needed (to $15,000)
• no-limit tuition subsidies for courses related and not directly related to current position
• co-op placements, paid internships, apprenticeships and formal mentoring programs
• social committee events include an employee Christmas party (as well as a separate event for employees’ children), special family day event, summer barbecue, movie nights, and more

Industry: Custom computer programming services
FT employees in Canada: 214
Location: Halifax, N.S.
Interest points:

• maternity and parental leave top-up payments for employees who are new mothers, fathers or adoptive parents, to 100 per cent of salary for up to 14 weeks
• new employees receive three weeks of starting vacation allowance, moving to four weeks after two years on the job
• telecommuting and flexible work options
• share purchase plan for employees plus matching RSP contributions

Industry: Medical diagnostic products
FT employees in Canada: 130
Location: Charlottetown, P.E.I.
Interest points:

• tuition subsidies for job-related courses (up to $4,700 per year), subsidies for professional accreditation, and a variety of in-house and online training programs
• three weeks of starting vacation allowance, moving to four weeks after four years on the job
• flexible work hours and a telecommuting option
• maternity and parental leave top-up payments for new mothers and fathers, including adoptive parents (to 100 per cent of salary for up to eight weeks)

Industry: Technical consulting and management services
FT employees in Canada: 817
Location: Happy Valley-Goose Bay, N.L.
Interest points:

• variety of in-house training options as well as tuition subsidies for courses related and indirectly related to current position (up to $5,250 annually)
• retirement planning assistance and contributions to a defined contribution pension plan
• phased-in work options for employees nearing retirement
• subsidized access to fully equipped, shared-use onsite fitness facility featuring a basketball court, sauna and instructor-led yoga classes (baseball diamonds outside in the summer months)

Industry: Mobile communications services
FT employees in Canada: 51
Location: Bedford, N.S.
Interest points:

• new employee referral bonuses, to $500 for each successfully hired new candidate
• matching RSP contributions
• year-end bonus program is open to all employees

Industry: Airport operations
FT employees in Canada: 105
Location: St. John’s, N.L.
Interest points:

• in-house job training initiatives and tuition subsidies for courses related and not directly related to current position
• free memberships to an onsite fitness facility that’s open 24 hours, seven days a week

Industry: Defence electronics manufacturing
FT employees in Canada: 147
Location: Dartmouth, N.S.
Interest points:

• summer and paid internship programs
• tuition subsidies for courses at outside academic institutions
• social activities throughout the year, including summer barbecues, golf games, lunchtime soccer in the summer and hockey games in the winter
• new employee referral bonuses (to $5,000)
• access to the company’s share purchase plan as well as profit-sharing

Industry: Credit union
FT employees in Canada: 812
Location: Caraquet, N.B.
Interest points:

• new employees start with three weeks of paid vacation and up to four paid personal days each year
• employees can apply for unpaid leaves of absence (up to one year) as well as self-funded leaves of absence (to a maximum of two weeks)
• flexible work options
• parents with pre-school children can take advantage of an onsite daycare centre
• defined contribution pension plan
• year-end bonus program open to all employees
• phased-in work options for employees nearing retirement

Industry: Post secondary schools, university
FT employees in Canada: 1,754
Location: Fredericton, N.B.
Interest points:

• on-campus amenities include a cafeteria (with healthy and special diet menus), a quiet room for meditation and reflection, and subsidized access to UNB’s fitness facility, which features an indoor swimming pool, a climbing wall, a dance studio and various fitness classes such as Zumba, yoga and pilates
• performance recognition including the Excellence in Teaching Awards, Distinguished Service Awards and President’s Medals for Service Over the Span of a Career
• defined benefit pension plan and retirement planning assistance
• Retired Employees Association assists members with health benefits and related concerns, and provides a collective voice to the university

Industry: Specialized financial software
FT employees in Canada: 384
Location: St. John’s, N.L.
Interest points:

• tuition subsidies for courses both related and unrelated to an employees’ current role (up to $2,000)
• no-limit vacation policy where time off is officially unlimited and determined on a case-by-case basis
• share purchase plan (available to all employees)
• new employee referral bonuses, up to $2,000

Industry: Custom website design services
FT employees in Canada: 140
Location: Halifax, N.S.
Interest points:

• new employee referral bonuses, up to $500 for each successful new hire
• new employees receive three weeks of paid starting vacation and additional time off over the Christmas holiday season (to five days)
• office features an employee lounge with television, foosball, video and arcade games
• daily selection of snacks including granola bars, rice crispy squares, cookies and weekly deliveries of fresh fruit

Industry: Data processing, hosting, and related services
FT employees in Canada: 548
Location: Hebron, N.S.
Interest points:

• Wellness Coordinator organizes events throughout the year, from walking to weight loss challenges
• free yoga classes hosted every month and subsidized gym memberships at GoodLife Fitness
• matching RSP contributions and year-end bonus program that’s open to all employees
• social activities include an employee appreciation week, annual Christmas party (separate kids party), summer barbecue, ice cream day, candy buffet day, casino night and golfing

Industry: Administration of human resource programs
FT employees in Canada: 414
Location: Halifax, N.S.
Interest points:

• full tuition subsidies for courses both related and not directly related to current position plus a variety of in-house training options
• maternity leave top-up payments (to 93 per cent of salary for 16 weeks) and parental leave top-up for new fathers and adoptive parents (to 93 per cent of salary for 10 weeks)
• children of employees may be eligible for post-secondary academic scholarships
• retirement planning assistance and defined benefit pension plan