Brock University has been recognized as one of Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers for 2022.

The annual competition, now in its 15th year, is organized by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers. The award honours organizations that demonstrate industry leadership in offering an exceptional place to work through progressive and forward-thinking programs.

This is the fourth time Brock University has received the designation, having been selected in every year it has applied: 2017, 2018, 2021 and 2022.

This year’s winners were announced on Tuesday, Jan. 11 in a special magazine published by The Hamilton Spectator in print and online.

Brock University’s Interim President Lynn Wells said being formally recognized as one of Hamilton-Niagara’s Top Employers validates to the external community that Brock is an incredible place to work, learn and teach.

“Those who work here understand how special Brock is,” said Wells. “They have reaped the benefits of a great health plan, participated in training and learning opportunities, and experienced a welcoming and inclusive employee community dedicated to supporting student success. Being externally recognized as a top employer in the area demonstrates to others outside the University what our employees already know: that Brock values its people and is a top career choice in the region.”

To select workplaces for the designation, employers were compared to other organizations in their field and evaluated on eight criteria: physical workspace; work atmosphere and social; health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community investment.

Some of the reasons Brock University was selected include its tuition and professional accreditation subsidies; its hybrid pension plan, which includes a defined benefit pension; phased-in work options when nearing retirement; and the strategic use of a workplace wellness framework that includes several initiatives to help employees prioritize their health and well-being, such as mental health training, remote office ergonomics and a monthly wellness calendar.

Organizations were also evaluated on their response to the pandemic. Some of the initiatives Brock led include extending the Employee Family and Assistance Program to all employees, offering free access to virtual fitness classes and creating an internal employee wellness hub with information and resources to encourage healthy work-life balance.

“Health, wellness and well-being have long been a top priority of Brock’s, for both our students and employees,” said Jennifer Guarasci, Associate Vice-President, Human Resources. “The past two years have put a spotlight on issues such as mental health, flexible work arrangements and professional development, so I am thrilled that Brock has been recognized for its continued efforts in these areas by being named a top employer. As we look forward to the changing nature of work, we plan to continue our efforts to nurture a positive, supportive, inclusive and accessible work environment.”

Brock University offers unique career opportunities in teaching, research, administration, student support services and leadership. Current career opportunities can be found at brocku.ca/careers