Concordia is a top Montreal employer for the 9th year in a row

For the ninth consecutive year, Concordia University has been recognized as an outstanding workplace, earning its place among Montreal's Top Employers for 2024.

This annual competition is a special designation that recognizes employers in the Greater Montreal area that create an exceptional work environment.

“Being acknowledged once again among Montreal's Top Employers reaffirms Concordia's ongoing efforts to create an exceptional workplace atmosphere,” says Carolina Willsher, associate vice-president of human resources. “Our focus on promoting health, supporting work-life balance and providing generous benefits underscores our commitment to our people.”

Organizations are evaluated by the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers on eight main criteria, including work atmosphere, health, financial and family benefits, training and skills development.

Here are some of the highlights that set Concordia apart:

Promoting health and well-being

“As a next-generation university, we value the importance of planting the seeds of tomorrow in everything we are and do,” says Michael Di Grappa, vice-president of services and sustainability. “Investing in the mental and physical well-being of staff and faculty, who are the very core of Concordia, can only contribute to a brighter future,”

Concordia offers several services to encourage healthy habits when it comes to physical activity, nutrition and health. Among others, eligible employees can take advantage of subsidized memberships to Le Gym, including access to a personal trainer and nutrition consultation services, as well as instructor-led classes such as Zumba or kickboxing.

A comprehensive array of well-being services and support are available online.

Generous benefits and pension plans

The university stands out for offering advantageous plans to current employees but also for its consideration of retirees.

“We take into account not only current needs but future financial stability to ensure a thriving journey during and after the years at Concordia,” Willsher notes.

Concordia helps employees plan securely for the future with contributions to a defined benefit pension plan and health benefits that extend to retirees.

Giving value to family and work-life balance

Concordia's commitment to the well-being of its employees is demonstrated by a conscious and attentive approach to balancing family, personal and professional life.

The university’s family-friendly benefits include parental leave top-ups for new parents according to their respective employee group and collective agreement or applicable policy. In addition, they can take advantage of phased-in work options to facilitate a smooth transition back to work.

Similarly, a range of flexible working options is available to meet the different needs of employees. From hybrid work to compressed work weeks, employees and managers can work together to achieve a healthy professional–personal life balance.

“This recognition is not only an honour but also a commitment that must be perpetuated,” Di Grappa says.

“As we celebrate this achievement and we look to the future, our goal is to continue to provide a positive working environment for our employees. We remain committed to being responsive and adapting to emerging needs as we navigate new realities.”

Learn more about working at Concordia and current job opportunities, and read the full Montreal’s Top Employers feature about Concordia online.