Bank of Canada's physical workplace is rated as exceptional. The company's head office is situated in the heart of downtown Ottawa within a heritage building that also houses Canada's National Currency Museum. The newest part of the building was completed in 1979 and designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson. The building is located on Ottawa's Confederation Boulevard, a ceremonial route connecting many of the capital's most significant and historic buildings. Transit stops directly at the Bank's entrance, making the office easily accessible to commuters. The building is also within minutes of numerous urban parks and recreational paths, including Ottawa River and Rideau Canal. Inside, the head office features an onsite fitness facility (with partially subsidized memberships for employees and their immediate family members, treadmills, stationary bikes, shower facilities, rowing machines, weights, instructor-led classes, climbing wall, badminton, basketball and floor hockey court, and a 200-meter indoor track); employee lounge (with comfortable seating); nap room; religious observance room; onsite cafeteria (with healthy and special holiday menus); secure bicycle parking; transit subsidies; car pool sign-up; floor to ceiling glass walls providing all employees with access to natural light; interior tropical gardens with a three meter waterfall; outdoor patio/deck and indoor rooftop terrace; and an onsite library and reading lounge.

Bank of Canada's work atmosphere is rated as above-average. On the job, employees enjoy business casual dress; casual dress daily; can listen to music while working; employee sports teams; organized social events. The Bank of Canada operates the Staff Association, a company-subsidized social committee responsible for the organization of social activities throughout the year. Past events include an annual hockey tournament (called The Governor's Cup), an annual golf tournament, children's Christmas party, staff reception for the holiday season, a special "Bring Your Kids to Work" day and lunch with the Governor, and annual long service dinners. The Association also arranges for discounted ticket sales for various venues including the Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Place, and Canada's Wonderland. The Bank of Canada captures feedback and keeps employees up-to-date through a company newsletter; corporate intranet site.

Bank of Canada's financial benefits are rated as above-average. To keep salaries competitive the company participates in outside salary surveys every 12 months. Individual salaries are reviewed every 12 months. In addition to ensuring competitive compensation rates, the Bank of Canada provides signing bonuses for some employees; year-end bonuses for all employees; defined benefit pension plan; life & disability insurance; retirement planning assistance; and relocation assistance for new hires and current employees moving to other Bank locations.

Bank of Canada's health and family benefits are rated as above-average. The Bank of Canada's health benefits plan is managed by Great-West Life. As part of the health plan, the employer pays 85% of the premiums. The health plan is a flexible plan with adjustable premiums and coverage levels. There is no waiting period before coverage begins. Family coverage is available on the health benefits plan. The basic plan includes routine dental; restorative dental; eyecare ($250 every 2 years); traditional medicine coverage; alternative medicine coverage; employee assistance (EAP) plan; healthclub subsidy (to $350 each year); medical equipment and supplies; physiotherapy; massage therapy; homecare; travel insurance. As part of the flexible health plan, employees receive "flex-dollars" equal to 2 percent of their salary that can be applied to enhanced coverage or taken as taxable income. The Bank's family-friendly benefits include; maternity top-up payments (to 93% of salary for 27 weeks); parental leave top-up for new fathers (to 93% of salary for 12 weeks); parental leave top-up for adoptive parents (to 93% of salary for 12 weeks); health benefits during maternity and parental leave; extended unpaid parental leave option (beyond the first year). Additional family-friendly benefits include; compassionate top-up payment (to 93% of salary for 8 weeks) while caring for a family member; flexible working hours; shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay); compressed work week; telecommuting; earned days off (EDO) program.

Bank of Canada's vacation and personal time-off are rated as very good. New employees receive 3 weeks of vacation allowance after their first year. Vacation increases after 8 years on the job. Long-serving employees receive a maximum of 5 weeks of vacation each year. Employees can also apply for an unpaid leave of absence.

Bank of Canada's employee engagement program is rated as very good. Employees receive individual performance reviews every 12 months. Managers receive training in how to conduct effective performance reviews. Exit interviews are provided for departing employees. The company also conducts entrance reviews with new employees to check-in after three months on the job. Employees and managers work together to establish annual performance agreements, which outline work goals and the employees' learning objectives for the coming year. The Bank of Canada recognizes exceptional performance through long service awards, and allocates funds for managers to distribute among individuals and teams in recognition of their contribution and accomplishment. Bank of Canada hires an outside consultant to conduct confidential employee satisfaction and engagement surveys. (These surveys are held every 36 months).

Bank of Canada's training and skills development program is rated as exceptional. Employees receive tuition subsidies for courses related to their position. (Employer pays up to $7,000 in subsidies). Employees may also receive tuition subsidies for courses unrelated to their current position. (Employer covers up to 75% of non-related tuition). (Employer pays up to $7,000 in tuition subsidies). In addition to generous tuition subsidies, the Bank of Canada provides subsidies for professional accreditations; formal mentoring program; in-house training programs; online training programs; online employee skills inventory; new employee orientation program. The Bank dedicates over 3.8% of its payroll expenditures on programs to improve employee learning and development. The Bank also offers external development opportunities in the form of exchanges with other central banks and international finance organizations.

Bank of Canada's community involvement program is rated as very good. The Bank of Canada and its employees support a variety of local and international charities. Employees take part in the selection of charitable groups assisted each year. Approximately 16 charitable and community organizations were supported last year. The annual United Way/Centraide campaign is a central focus for the Bank of Canada. In 2009, the Bank was able to raise donations by eight percent through a variety of fun fundraising activities, from pancake breakfasts to an in-house mini-putt game with departmental teams playing through the "office links". In addition, the Bank organizes an annual holiday season food drive in order to assist local families in need. Across the organization, individual departments also host their own charitable events to raise money for organizations that are selected by employees.