Ten Hamilton organizations make Top Employer list

Ten Hamilton companies made the cut for Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employer list for 2024, announced last week as part of Canada’s Top 100 Employers project.

Attracting and retaining employees in one of Ontario’s tightest job markets isn’t an easy thing to do, but some employers are doubling down to make sure their employees know they are supported at work and in their personal lives, noted Richard Yerema, executive editor of Canada’s Top 100 Employers project.

“This year’s winning employers have learned from the ebbs and flows of the pandemic,” Yerema said. “They let their employees know they have the flexibility needed to take care of themselves and their families.”

Employers in the Hamilton-Niagara area continue to face a tight labour market, with the region’s unemployment rate declining since the beginning of the year and remaining among the lowest in Ontario. Local employers have been focused on recruiting new employees while ensuring existing staff feel supported at work and in their personal lives.

McMaster University is one of the organizations cited, the ninth time the school has secured a position on the top employers project.

“This achievement is so important to us as we continue to strengthen our community, create meaningful opportunities and enrich people’s connections,” said Melanie Garaffa, McMaster’s Associate Director, Talent, Equity and Development.

Interactive events such as the annual Pull4Mac McMaster bus pull and the annual McMaster Children’s Party in December help “build trust, respect, inclusivity and teamwork,” she said. “And they strengthen relationships.”

That’s crucial because “the diverse perspectives, skills and strengths of our people are our greatest asset,” added McMaster Equity and Inclusion Vice-Provost, Barrington Walker.
“It truly is a community at McMaster, and we have a collective responsibility to work together to build a positive environment, where everyone feels valued, respected and included.”

McMaster employs 18,000 faculty, researchers, staff and students, in a variety of roles.

Now in its 17th edition, Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers is an editorial competition that recognizes employers with exceptional human resources programs and forward-thinking workplace policies in the Hamilton-Niagara area.

Organized by Toronto-based Mediacorp review, editors rate employers on eight criteria: (1) Workplace; (2) Work Atmosphere & Social; (3) Health, Financial and Family Benefits; (4) Vacation & Time Off; (5) Employee Communications; (6) Performance Management; (7) Training & Skills Development; and (8) Community Involvement.

“Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers recognize that their employees have lives outside of work and understand the importance of accommodating employees when extra flexibility is needed,” explained Kristina Leung, managing editor at Mediacorp.

From increased maternity and parental leave top-up to healthy food options, onsite fitness amenities and spending accounts for wellness and lifestyle expenses, the winning employers understand the importance of providing employees with programs and initiatives that are both useful and easily accessible, she added.

Other Hamilton-area employers include ArcelorMittal Dofasco, the City of Hamilton, Hamilton Health Sciences, Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority, Mohawk College, St. Joseph’s Healthcare, L3Harris Technologies and Stryker Canada of Waterdown and accounting firm Durward Jones Barkwell & Co., which has offices in Hamilton, Burlington, St. Catharines and Welland.