Best workplaces build cultures of connection, caring and career growth

A great workplace is built on a foundation of trust, purpose and culture. And the companies on this year’s Best Workplaces™ in Canada list prove that investing in people is the key to long-term success, helping them retain talent in tight labour markets and drive business value.

The organizations that earn this recognition span industries, from finance and professional services to tech giants and small charities. While they all share the honour of being named among Canada’s best workplaces, no two are exactly alike. Each company forges its own path, shaped by its leadership, values and the people who bring them to life every day.

“When we survey thousands of organizations, the biggest differences aren’t between industries but within them,” says Jose Tolovi Neto, managing partner, Great Place To Work® Canada. “While the outcome may be similar – a strong, trust-based culture – each company takes its own unique path to get there. Culture is shaped by a distinct blend of shared values, beliefs and behaviours, influenced by leadership, policies and daily interactions. There is no one-size-fits-all formula; the best workplaces create environments that authentically reflect who they are.”

Three such organizations are Doane Grant Thornton LLP, Quadra Chemicals Ltd. and Centurion Asset Management Inc. – all of different sizes and in different industries and each has forged its own path that authentically reflects who they are: Doane Grant Thornton through leading inclusively, Quadra through caring for employees and Centurion through helping employees realize their full potential.

Doane Grant Thornton, a company in the professional services industry with almost 3,000 employees, has received the acknowledgement as a best workplace again this year, the 18th time it’s been on the list. That speaks to the company’s legacy that’s been built over the years and is an enduring confirmation of how much the company cares for its colleagues and works to create a workplace ecosystem in which workers can thrive, says Sharon Healy, chief people and culture officer.

Doane Grant Thornton focuses on inclusion and creating a great culture for employees. Its Diverse Exchange Program connects colleagues of varying seniority to share perspectives, promoting learning, growth and appreciation of diverse life experiences.

The company’s culture and purpose are not taglines, Healy says. Rather, they are built on a belief system that is practised every day.

“It’s grounded in human connection,” she says. “Our culture is our strategic differentiator, and it’s how we attract and retain wonderful colleagues and clients. We call this ‘leading inclusively’. It’s about weaving inclusion into everything we do at the firm as a common value that connects colleagues and strengthens teams.”

Similarly, human connection is part of the cultural fabric of Quadra Chemicals, a manufacturing company with 442 employees that is in the second year of being named on the Best Workplaces in Canada list.

“This recognition is a powerful asset, not only in attracting top talent but also in reinforcing our reputation among customers and suppliers,” says Marie-Chantal Perreault, vice-president of human resources. “It signals that we prioritize our people, fostering a work environment where employees feel empowered and engaged. It also offers insight into Quadra’s values, culture and the way we do business.”

Quadra is committed to employee well-being and has recently revamped benefits to support employees, including a health spending account, a comprehensive benefits package, generous time off and a disconnect policy.

A company-wide dedication to continuous learning, such as technical training, skill development and leadership programs, elevates both individual and organizational performance, Perreault says.

Centurion Asset Management, a real estate asset management company with 359 employees, is on the Best Workplaces in Canada list for the fifth year. Committed to the personal and professional growth of employees, the company has a learning academy, an education reimbursement program and a mentoring program. In 2024, 31 employees were promoted, 74 per cent of whom are from minority groups.

“We recognize that a culture of growth is pivotal and, when employees feel stagnant in their roles, it can have far-reaching effects, including increased turnover, lowered morale and diminished motivation,” says Laura Salvatore, executive vice-president of human capital at Centurion. “By focusing on providing our employees with opportunities to learn, grow and advance within the company, we’ve seen remarkable improvements in retention and employee satisfaction. As a result, Centurion has proudly achieved an impressive monthly turnover rate of just three per cent, reflecting our dedication to creating a fulfilling and dynamic work environment.”

Salvatore says a culture of inclusion is embedded at Centurion through recent initiatives such as a discussion panel in celebration of International Women’s Day, in which female members of the Centurion executive committee shared their personal stories, career journeys and insights on professional progression, continuous learning and the critical resources that support women in the workplace.

“For us, a great place to work is one where you trust the people that you work for, have pride in what you do and enjoy the people you work with,” says Tolovi Neto. “Our mission is to build a better world, by helping every organization become a great workplace for all.”

Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio with Great Place to Work. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.