For the fourth consecutive year, the 250-person architectural firm, Diamond Schmitt Architects has made the list of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. Now in its 20th year, the competition recognizes employers with exceptional human resources programs and forward-thinking workplace policies.
“We have experienced considerable growth in our company in the past year and we strive to ensure we have the most progressive programs to both engage and maintain the well-being of our talented staff,” said Lilia Kiriakou, human resources director at the design practice, in a press release. “Through the solicitation of continual feedback, we pride ourselves on knowing what’s really important to our employees and encourage our staff to be part of driving innovative initiatives.”
An example of this innovation is the launch of Diamond Schmitt University (DSU), a learning program of fundamental to mastery level courses delivered by both staff and external partnerships. The firm also encourages fun with a summer family picnic on Toronto Island, a paid day off to ski and snowshoe and an annual in-house pie tasting competition.
Employers are evaluated based on eight key criteria and then compared to similar organizations in their fields to figure out which company is doing the best. The criteria include:
- Physical Workplace
- Work Atmosphere & Social
- Health, Financial & Family Benefits
- Vacation & Time Off
- Employee Communications
- Performance Management
- Training & Skills Development
- Community Involvement
This year’s competition saw a record number of employers take part in the selection process. Mattamy Homes Ltd., Canada’s largest residential home builder and Ivanhoé Cambridge Inc., a property management firm based in Montreal, also made the list.
Canada’s Top 100 Employers is an annual national competition. Any employer with its head office or principal place of business in Canada may apply regardless of size, whether private or public sector.
