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UNB named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers

Author: Hilary Creamer Robinson

Posted on Nov 29, 2023

Category: UNB Fredericton , UNB Saint John

For the 11th year, the University of New Brunswick (UNB) has been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers (2024). It is one of four universities nationwide to receive the annual designation.

“There’s been a lot of conversation around whether we will ever return to pre-pandemic work norms, but for top employers, there’s no looking back – only forward,” says Kristina Leung, managing editor of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project.

UNB pivoted and shape-shifted its way through the pandemic and has since remained flexible to the individual needs of its over 2000 full and part-time employees.

Post-pandemic, UNB has supported the continued growth and development of its employees, including the navigation of a new and, for many, intimidating frontier: the world of generative artificial intelligence.

“This year’s winners have shown a clear focus on three key pillars: creating new ways of working, anticipating employees’ needs, and focusing on future skills development,” Leung said. “The best employers have emerged from the pandemic with stronger DNA and constantly change to improve their workplaces.”

UNB earned its place on the list in part by eschewing a one-size-fits-all approach and adapting to the individual needs of each of its employees and for its commitment to employees’ professional development, but also for its access to fitness facilities and programs, and health and retirement planning assistance.

“We’re incredibly proud to again be named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers,” said Paul Mazerolle, President and Vice-Chancellor of UNB. “We are fortunate to have outstanding people at UNB. We strive to create a people-centric work environment where all our employees feel supported and know they are an essential part of our community.”

UNB earned A+ ratings in the categories of work environment and training and skills and development, with Top 100 citing the university’s flexible work options, onsite workplace features and commuter amenities. UNB’s in-house training initiatives, tuition subsidies and educational leave of absence options also received gold stars.

The university scored well in all other categories, including work atmosphere and communications (B), financial benefits and compensation (A), health and family-friendly benefits (A), vacation and personal time-off (B), employee engagement and performance (A) and community involvement (B+).

The complete list of Canada’s Top 100 Employers (2024) was announced on Nov. 17. Winners include Aboriginal Peoples Television Network Inc., Bank of Canada, Canadian National Railway Company, The Hospital For Sick Children and Irving Oil.