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The University of New Brunswick (UNB) has again been honoured as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2025.

This prestigious recognition highlights the university’s commitment to supporting employees' professional and personal growth well into retirement.

Now in its 25th year, Canada’s Top 100 Employers is a Globe & Mail competition that recognizes employers from across the country that offer exceptional human resources programs and forward-thinking workplace policies.

“We see the competition winners adapting to reflect how Canada is changing,” said Kristina Leung, managing editor of this year’s project.

“The best employers recognize that traditional benefits—such as paid time off for religious holidays, medical or health benefits, or even cultural events organized for employees—need to reflect the nation as it is today.”

Shawn Quinlan, associate vice president of People and Culture at UNB, cited the university’s progressive approach to employee well-being and development as the driving force behind the honour.

“Providing a positive employee experience is so important to us, and being recognized as a Top 100 Employer again this year is outstanding news,” Quinlan said.

“We’re not only looking at best practices; we’re constantly innovating and adapting to the diverse and ever-evolving needs of the UNB community.”

Here are just a few reasons why UNB sets a benchmark in higher education employment.

Supporting families and health

UNB helps employees every step of the way in starting a family, offering a fertility support benefit, maternity and parental leave top-ups, the ability to extend their leave into an unpaid leave of absence, and the option to phase-in their return to work. On the university’s Fredericton campus, on-site childcare services are available when they are ready to come back to work.

Planning for the future

UNB helps employees plan securely for the future with retirement planning assistance and contributions to a shared-risk pension plan.

Retirees can also stay connected through the UNB Retired Employees Association, which assists members with health benefits and related concerns, and provides a collective voice to the university.

Work environment

UNB received an A+ rating in the category of Work Environment. It offers flexible work options, including hybrid work, flexible work hours, telecommuting and adjusted summer hours.

Commuter amenities include walking access to public transit, electric vehicle charging stations and secure bicycle parking.

The Fredericton campus features sit-stand workstations, a religious observance room and access to a world-class fitness facility at the award-winning Richard J. CURRIE CENTER. Employees on the Saint John campus have access to newly installed telecommuting workstations and complimentary gym memberships.

Training and development

Also receiving top marks is the university’s offer of in-house training initiatives for employees, including online training, leadership development programs and subsidies for professional accreditation.

The university covers up to 100 per cent of tuition per year for related and unrelated courses and complimentary access to LinkedIn Learning.

Moving forward

UNB’s commitment to further enhancing its workplace culture and environment never stops.

“We’re continually exploring new initiatives and programs that support and positively impact employees’ lives.

“I’m so proud to be part of UNB,” he said. “We strive to be leaders in so many areas, and it all starts with our people.”

This is UNB's 13th consecutive year on the Canada’s Top 100 Employers list.