Diamond Schmitt Architects has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for 2016 in a nationwide survey conducted by Mediacorp Canada Inc. The competition invited 8000 companies to present a comprehensive review of their operations and Human Resources practices that were compared against other companies by sector and by region.
Diamond Schmitt Architects is the only architecture firm and one of the smallest companies on a list that includes some of the most recognizable names across the Canadian corporate landscape.
“It’s indeed an honour to be acknowledged by this program and to be in the presence of much larger companies, including multinational firms and even some of our clients,” said Donald Schmitt, Principal, with the 170-person design practice. “This award signifies our ongoing commitment and investment in our people, and our belief in creating a rewarding work environment,” added Lilia Kiriakou, Director of Human Resources.
Canada’s Top 100 Employers is an editorial project that recognizes employers with exceptional human resources programs and forward-thinking workplace policies. “This year’s Top 100 winners are influencing Canadians every day, and our goal is to document these leaders in the hope that they will inspire change for others,” says Richard Yerema, Managing Editor at Mediacorp Canada.
The competition focuses on 8 key criteria: (1) Physical Workplace; (2) Work Atmosphere & Social; (3) Health, Financial & Family Benefits; (4) Vacation & Time-Off; (5) Employee Communications; (6) Performance Management; (7) Training & Skills Development; and (8) Community Involvement. The results of these graded criteria form a catalogue of best-practices for employers and job seekers alike and can be viewed at: http://www.CanadasTop100.com/national
Highlights of Diamond Schmitt’s practices and policies include flexible work options, team lunches, a weekly office-wide design meeting, social events for staff and their families, annual employee reviews, in-house training and subsidized tuition for outside courses, weekly Lunch and Learn sessions, and an active commitment to community engagement.