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Work. Made Better. Report 2025
Celebrating Canada’s People and Culture Leaders
The world of work is changing fast. We created the Work. Made Better. Report to capture a clear, evidence-based picture of how organizations across Canada are adapting and what it takes to lead well through this moment of transformation.
People and Culture teams are being asked to do more than ever before: build engaged teams, navigate rapid AI adoption, drive inclusion, and support well-being through constant change. Yet until now, there has been no Canadian-first benchmark showing what is actually working.
This report fills that gap. It brings together national research, organizational case studies, and stories from leaders who are setting the standard for workplace excellence.
About the Work. Made Better. Awards
Why This Matters
Unlike most workplace awards, which are US-based or adapted for Canadian audiences, the Work. Made Better. Awards were created in Canada by CareerJoy, a 100 percent Canadian people and culture firm.
These awards honour the unique role People and Culture leaders play in shaping workplaces across public, private, and nonprofit sectors from coast to coast to coast. Each year, a select group of organizations are recognized for creating environments where people thrive, innovation flourishes, and measurable results are achieved.
Why This Matters for Leaders
The measurable impact of People and Culture leadership
According to the Human Resources Professionals Association, 42 percent of Canadian leaders believe low morale and burnout are harming performance, and poor work-life balance is costing employers an estimated 20 billion dollars a year in lost productivity and health costs. This report highlights the strategies top employers are using to build resilient, engaged teams and protect their organizations from these risks.
How the Winners Were Selected
Recognizing the organizations shaping the future of work
Hundreds of organizations were reviewed through a comprehensive multi-step process that included:
Nominations from our national partner network
A detailed assessment of engagement, innovation, inclusion, and leadership practices
In-depth interviews with shortlisted organizations to explore their strategies, programs, and measurable impact
This rigorous process ensures each winner represents real, proven People and Culture leadership, not just good intentions or marketing claims. Their stories and insights form the backbone of this year’s report.
Sneak Peek: What’s Inside
Engagement Signals
Only 19% of Canadians say they’re fully engaged at work. Discover the factors driving engagement (and disengagement) and what high-performing organizations are doing differently.
The Rise of AI
With 66% of Canadians already using generative AI and 79% of CEOs planning adoption, learn how leaders are balancing innovation with accountability, avoiding bias, and keeping people first.
Canadian Identity at Work
Immigration now fuels nearly one in four Canadian workers. Explore how organizations like Seneca and Barry Callebaut are turning diversity into resilience and competitive advantage.
DEI as a Performance Strategy
More than 70% of leaders have invested in DEI, but accountability is lagging. See how organizations like OSBIE and World Vision are embedding inclusion into leadership and metrics.
Leadership in Transition
Stories from Kriska Group, Pursuit, and CFMWS show how leaders are guiding teams through disruption with empathy, adaptability, and future-focused coaching.
Work-Life Integration & Resilience
Canada ranks 5th globally for work-life balance, yet 42% of employees still report poor mental health. See how employers like The Salvation Army and Fraserway RV are building resilience by supporting balance, belonging, and care.
Award-Winning Stories
Learn directly from the Work. Made Better. Awards winners — from World Vision to The Northwest Company — and see what practical steps they’re taking to make work better.
Organizations setting the standard for the future of work in Canada
Pursuit
At Pursuit, Jamie Thorpe uses Coaching Circles, powered by peer feedback, to foster collaborative, real-time development. By creating spaces where leaders engage, share insights, and learn from one another, Pursuit cultivates a culture of continuous improvement that strengthens leadership and drives innovation. In the face of AI-driven change, these developed leaders are better equipped to manage disruption and lead their teams with agility.
Barry Callebut
At Barry Callebaut Group, Shari Blackburn and Felechia Hines exemplify the role of People and Culture as strategic partners at the leadership table. Their unwavering commitment to putting people first ensures that meaningful support, self-awareness, learning, and personal development are integral to the employee experience. By embedding a culture of respect and empowerment, they create an environment where individuals feel genuinely valued and supported, demonstrating forward-thinking leadership that drives both people and business success.
CFMWS
At Canadian Forces Morale & Welfare Services, Vanessa Walsh and Todd Stride lead the way as strategic partners by integrating forward-thinking programs like CareerCOACH+ to provide personalized, scalable career support for military spouses/partners, CAF members and their families. Their commitment to placing people at the centre of their strategy and having a strong voice at the leadership table drives a culture of empowerment, growth, and meaningful development.
OSBIE
At OSBIE, Jeff Pratt and Harjit Douglas lead with a strategic focus on inclusion, utilizing insightful surveys and DEI workshops to ensure every voice is heard. Their approach fosters a culture where diverse perspectives strengthen collaboration, driving the development of high-performing teams that are empowered and engaged.
World Vision
At World Vision Canada, Shari Friesen and Judi Hesp demonstrate exceptional commitment to making work better by prioritizing their employees’ growth and future opportunities. By fostering environments where individuals feel valued and supported, they help build high-performing teams that thrive even through times of change and transition. Their dedication to cultivating a culture of respect, empowerment, and continuous development reflects forward-thinking, people-centred leadership that puts the well-being and potential of their people at the heart of organizational success.
Katimavik
At Katimavik, values-based development is the norm, using tech-enabled tools to create mission-aligned growth paths for staff and youth alike. Through programs like FuturePerfect, which include career identity and resume workshops, Katimavik helps Canadian youth build essential career skills, ethical behaviours, and community engagement. This foundation prepares them to adapt, thrive, and lead the way through AI’s new challenges as part of Canada’s workforce.
Seneca
At Seneca, resume writing and LinkedIn support programs guide new Canadians—many new to Canada’s workplace landscape—in acquiring the skills to navigate an AI-driven job market successfully. This comprehensive support builds confidence and equips diverse talent to thrive and excel in today’s evolving employment landscape.
KTG
Kriska Group builds organizational resilience by supporting employees through career transitions with care, helping sustain morale and ensure a future-ready workforce. Led by Heather Mewhinney, Director of Human Resources, Kriska Group prioritizes employee growth and future opportunities, creating an environment where individuals feel valued, especially during change. Their culture of respect and empowerment reflects forward-thinking, people-centered leadership, focused on both personal and professional growth.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, led by Josie Delpriore, Senior Director of Human Resources, strengthens resilience by guiding employees through change while maintaining a stable, supportive culture. Their focus on work-life integration ensures individuals feel valued and empowered during transitions. By fostering respect and support, even in challenging times, the Salvation Army showcases resilient, people-centered leadership that balances organizational strength with employee well-being.
Fraserway RV
Dal Dulkoan, Director of People & Culture, stands out for creating environments where individuals feel valued and supported, especially during times of change or transition. Their dedication to maintaining a culture of respect and empowerment, even in the most challenging circumstances, showcases their forward-thinking and people-centered leadership.
Northwest Company
Dianne Stefanko, Director of Employee Relations & Safety, and Alison Coville, Chief People Officer, stand out for creating workplaces where individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. Their unwavering commitment to fostering trust and empowerment, even in times of transition, highlights their people-centered and forward-thinking leadership.
Fresenius Medical Care
Vanessa Tripp, HR Business Partner, is recognized for cultivating environments where individuals feel respected, supported, and empowered. Her commitment to guiding teams with empathy and foresight—especially during periods of change—demonstrates a people-first approach to leadership.
Why download the report
Exclusive insights
Understand the trends shaping Canadian workplaces in 2025, from AI to DEI to employee engagement.
Award-winning examples
Learn directly from organizations recognized as this year’s Work. Made Better. Award winners.
Actionable takeaways
Explore strategies you can apply right away to strengthen your culture, retention, and leadership.
Report highlights
We want to be on the front end of influencing strategy, not just implementing it. When we’re invited early, we can help shape the direction in a way that puts people first while still driving the business.
Shari Blackburn
Human Resources Manager, Barry Callebaut
Canadian People & Culture is positioning itself not as a service provider, but as a strategic driver.
Alan Kearns
Founder & Brand Champion, CareerJoy
We’re creating micro-moments of development all the time. Peer coaching, feedback loops, and personalized check-ins are how we’re keeping our team engaged in a hybrid world.
Jamie Thorpe
Senior Vice President, People, Pursuit Collection
About CareerJoy
Human-first. AI-smart. 100 percent Canadian. Global reach. Proven results.
CareerJoy is Canada’s national people and culture firm, trusted by hundreds of public, private, and nonprofit partners from coast to coast including the Government of Canada, BMW, Shopify, World Vision, YMCA, BGC Canada, and Fluevog Shoes.
We are:
Human-First — keeping people at the heart of work
AI-Smart — using technology to enhance, not replace, leadership
100 percent Canadian — built for the realities, legislation, and culture of Canadian workplaces
Global Reach, Proven Results — applying world-class practices with Canadian insight
We help organizations lead well through change with:
Career transition and outplacement
[LQ] Leadership Intelligence development
Executive and leadership coaching
Career and professional development programs
Culture and engagement strategies
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