By Erin McLaughlin
Toronto, Ontario — December 6, 2017 — The Canada’s Top 100 Employers project, a national competition developed to recognize employers offering exceptional workplaces recently announced their 2018 winners. This year, a handful of employers within the automotive industry were chosen—3M, BASF, Ford and Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC).
Selections are based on eight criteria including the physical workplace, the work atmosphere, benefits, vacation and training.
3M Canada was recognized for a number of qualities. Employees get paid time off to volunteer with their community to encourage improving the lives of others. New mothers get maternity leave top-up payments—up to 100 percent of their salary for up to 17 weeks. Fathers and adoptive parents can receive up to 100 percent of their salary for up to eight weeks. 3M Canada’s head office also has a fully equipped gym with free membership, and the London manufacturing facility has a park with two baseball diamonds, a soccer field, tennis court and a children’s playground.
BASF was selected for its ongoing employee training and development programs. As well, the company boasts a tuition reimbursement program offering $25,000 annually for graduate programs and $15,000 for undergraduate programs. Maternity plans are available for maternal and parental leave for up to 17 weeks with 100 percent salary. Health benefits extend to retirees, and retirement planning assistance is available.
“Our commitment to employees—it’s a question of attracting the best talent. To attract the best talent we have to be among the best, and remain competitive,” said Raja Ramanathan, Human Resources Business Partner, BASF Canada, on where the value lies in treating one’s employees well. He continued, “Employees are at the heart of our organization. With a work culture of inclusiveness, openness and diversity, we can handle any challenge.”
Subsidized access to an onsite fitness facility and daycare are available for Ford employees, which helped push it into Canada’s top 100 employers. Employees can participate in Ford’s “Ford Auto” purchase program, which offers discounts on employee purchases. The company also offers ongoing employee development with tuition subsidies for non-related courses, in-house apprenticeships and skilled trades programs.
TMMC employees receive a substantial amount of paid time off—3.8 weeks—after just one year of employment. After two years, employees enjoy four weeks off, and long-term employees receive up to 6.4 weeks off. Retirement planning assistance and pension plans are available, along with discounts on new vehicles for employees and their family members. The TMMC manufacturing facility is one of the largest in Southwestern Ontario, with a number of amenities for staff. Such amenities include free membership to a fitness facility, an employee lounge with a games room, a quiet room for religious and spiritual practices, walking trails, various sporting areas and a community garden.
For more information on the Canada’s Top Employers program, please visit canadastop100.com.
