As Genome Canada continues its leading role in Canada’s COVID-19 public health response, the organization has been named a 2021 Top Employer for the National Capital Region.
This year’s winners were announced today by Mediacorp Canada Inc., organizer of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project. The National Capital Region’s Top Employers are being celebrated in a special magazine published today in the Ottawa Citizen and an online feature.
“Great people are at the heart of Genome Canada,” says President and CEO Dr. Rob Annan. “Our mission is nothing short of building a healthier and more prosperous future for all Canadians through research and innovation. We have seen this come to life in Genome Canada’s leadership in mobilizing a national response to the COVID-19 pandemic—great people committed to an important mission having an outsized impact.” Winning this award for the first time is especially momentous as Genome Canada celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2020.
Central to our success is Genome Canada’s commitment to an inclusive and supportive work culture for our 25 full-time staff. The organization’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility (IDEA) Committee plays a key role in supporting this commitment to staff and to advancing IDEA across Genome Canada’s programs, policies, governance and operations. A Well-Being Committee helps keep staff connected and a weekly all-employee ‘team scrum’ helps staff stay motivated, engaged and energized. And team spirit is strong at holiday parties, lunch-and-learns and other themed events—a spirit that has persisted over the last year through virtual gatherings.
In the National Capital Region competition, employers were evaluated by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers using criteria such as physical workspace; work atmosphere and social activities; health, financial and family benefits; training and skills development and community involvement.
In March last year, Genome Canada acted quickly to support staff in the transition to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, we have successfully hired and onboarded 10 new staff virtually since temporarily closing the in-person office last March. Staff received an allowance for reimbursement of home office expenses. One-on-one meetings were held with each employee to determine individual needs and to offer additional support. Staff were sent care packages with chocolate, branded face masks for all family members, and gift cards to a local restaurant and coffee shop. Over the summer, staff were given Friday afternoons off with pay to help them rest and recharge.
Genome Canada offers a comprehensive health and dental plan for all employees, with premiums paid by the employer; a generous health care spending account; an annual performance award plan and family-friendly benefits such as a pregnancy/parental leave top-up.
For more information, visit Genome Canada’s careers page.
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Media contact
Nicola Katz
Director, Communications
Genome Canada
C: 613-297-0267
nkatz@genomecanada.ca
Genome Canada is a not-for-profit organization that acts as a catalyst for developing and applying genomics and genomic-based technologies, to create economic and social benefits for Canadians. Genome Canada connects ideas and people across public and private sectors to find new uses for genomics, invests in large-scale science and technology to fuel innovation, and translates discoveries into applications and solutions across key sectors of national importance, including health, agriculture, forestry, fisheries & aquaculture, energy, mining and the environment.