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University cited as a top GTA employer

Ryerson ranks in Greater Toronto’s Top Employers Competition for third straight year
December 13, 2016
Students studying in the Student Learning Centre

Photo: Ryerson was cited for its mental health initiatives and state-of-the-art facilities. Photo by Christopher Manson.

For the third straight year, Ryerson University has been selected as one of Greater Toronto’s top employers.

The Greater Toronto’s Top Employers Competition (external link, opens in new window)  evaluates workplaces on eight criteria: physical workplace; work atmosphere and social; health, financial, and family benefits; vacation and time-off; employee communications; performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement.

Ryerson was praised (external link, opens in new window)  for its Workplace Wellbeing Services (opens in new window)  unit, including its employment of a Mental Health Co-ordinator to oversee wellness initiatives across campus. The university was also noted for its accommodations for new parents (including parental leave top-up payments and on-site childcare), and such amenities as its cafeteria, quiet room, and fitness facilities.

“I strongly believe one of the most important aspects of being a good employer is creating a positive, inclusive environment for all faculty and staff,” said Ryerson president Mohamed Lachemi. “I am very pleased that Ryerson has been recognized as a top employer; it reflects our efforts and our commitment to create and foster a welcoming, supportive and respectful workplace.”

“We’re working to infuse equity, diversity and inclusion (opens in new window)  in everything we do,” said Christina Sass-Korstak, assistant vice-president, Human Resources (opens in new window) . “For example, this year we launched a series of mental health workshops, and also a variety of workshops for employees to increase their wellbeing and resiliency.”

Sass-Korstak also noted that Ryerson supports professional development for employees through tuition waivers, rebates and other learning opportunities (opens in new window) . There are also many ways for employees to be engaged in the community, for example, with the Ryerson University Lifeline Syria Challenge (opens in new window) .

Ryerson’s Recognition and Awards also nurtures a culture of appreciation, says Sass-Korstak. “We’ve created a lot of easy ways for leaders and colleagues to recognize and appreciate each other: both the major accomplishments and the everyday contributions.” Ryerson’s ‘Say Thanks’ informal recognition program includes ecards, gifts, and an online toolkit for effective recognition practices.

At Ryerson, an important aspect of being a good employer is creating a positive, inclusive environment which puts people first. The university is proud to offer programs and services that enrich the employee experience.

Learn more about the winners of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers Competition (external link, opens in new window) .

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