What organization doesn’t need an edge over their competitors in attracting top talent?
The Canada’s Top Employer’s list was recently announced. Getting on this list can be a huge lift to your employer brand, and mean that - amongst your competitors - your organization will stand out for talent looking to land a new role. It can also be a sense of pride for employees in knowing they are on a “top employer” list.
This particular competition is driven by submissions by employers, versus feedback solicited from employees, which, in my view, can tell a much richer story of the true employee experience. Still, those making the list are offering some wonderful and valuable programs that can be used as inspiration for organizations looking to improve their employee experience.
Below are some of the things that top employers are doing differently:
Raising the bar on paid time off
31% of this year’s winners start employees at 4 weeks’ vacation
Offering of “wellness” days (outside of paid sick time)
Better + more inclusive benefits policies for major life events
Maternity and parental leave top-up ranging from 36 to 76 weeks, and offered across all classes of employees (vs being reserved for only some)
One organization offered a top-up for 8 weeks re compassionate care leave
Supports for life outside of work
$1,000 - $2,000 scholarship for children of employees who attend post-secondary
Paid days off or grants for employees volunteering in the community
“Do what you love” grant of $1,350 for whatever brings you joy - concerts, spa treatment etc.
Employee listening functions
Weekly small-group meetings with the CEO to establish 2-way communication (Dentons LLP)
Organizing an innovation challenge each year to enable employees to think creatively outside of daily engagements to help solve business challenges (Ernst & Young)
Professional development
Offering leadership development programs for all levels of management, not just the most senior leaders/executives [so critical given that middle managers face increasing pressures and are so important to the employee experience]
I hope this list has served as affirmation you’re on the right track, or inspiration to do some things differently.
If you’d ever like to talk about the employee experience, let’s setup a time to connect.
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