City of Ottawa's physical workplace is rated as above-average. The City's main location (City Hall) is centrally located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, within minutes of several city attractions including the Rideau Canal, the Ottawa River, the National Arts Centre, Confederation Park, and By-ward market. The building consists of two wings, a modern wing and a heritage wing that was originally constructed in 1875. As a result of it's central location, employees may take part in several events as the city hosts over 35 major festivals a year, including the Ottawa Chamber Music Festival, International Jazz Festival and Winterlude, to name a few. The Changing of the Guard procession also passes City Hall twice a day from the month of May to August. The building features a Council chamber, large atrium, sculptures, onsite fitness facility (with subsidized membership, treadmills, stationary bikes, stairmasters, rowing machines, weights, shower facilities and instructor-led classes such as yoga and cardio-kick boxing); employee lounge (with comfortable seating); religious observance room; onsite cafeteria (with healthy and special diet menus); secure bicycle parking; transit subsidies; art gallery, courtyard and fountain.

City of Ottawa's work atmosphere is rated as average. On the job, head office employees enjoy business casual dress; casual dress Fridays; employee sports teams. Employees also participate in the annual Mayor's Festive Lunch. The City keeps employees up to date on company developments through company newsletter; corporate intranet site; email suggestion box.

City of Ottawa's financial benefits are rated as very good. To keep salaries competitive the company participates in outside salary surveys every 12 months. Individual salaries are reviewed every 12 months. The City of Ottawa also provides a year-end bonuses for some employees; defined benefit pension with employer contributions (up to 7.4% of salary); life & disability insurance; and year-end bonuses for some employees.

City of Ottawa's health and family benefits are rated as above-average. The City's health benefits plan is managed by Manulife Financial. As part of the health plan, the employer pays 100% of the premiums. Employees who work 30 hours per week receive coverage. There is no waiting period before coverage begins. Retiree coverage is also available on the health plan, up to 65 years of age. The basic plan includes routine dental; restorative dental; orthodontics; eyecare ($500 every 2 years); traditional medicine coverage; alternative medicine coverage; employee assistance (EAP) plan; medical equipment and supplies; physiotherapy; massage therapy; homecare; travel insurance. The City's family-friendly benefits include maternity leave top-up payments (to 93% of salary for 17 weeks) followed by parental leave top-up payments (to 93% of salary for 10 weeks); maternity top-up payments (to 93% of salary for 27 weeks); parental leave top-up for new fathers (to 93% of salary for 10 weeks); parental leave top-up for adoptive parents (to 93% of salary for 10 weeks); health benefits during maternity and parental leave; extended unpaid parental leave option (beyond the first year); onsite daycare centre. Additional family-friendly benefits include: flexible working hours; 35-hour work week (with full pay); shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay); compressed work week; telecommuting.

City of Ottawa's vacation and personal time-off are rated as above-average. New employees receive 3 weeks of vacation allowance after their first year. Vacation increases after 5 years on the job. Long-serving employees receive a maximum of 7 weeks of vacation each year. Employees receive 3 paid sick days every year. Employees can schedule 4 personal days off each year, as needed. Employees can also apply for an unpaid leave of absence.

City of Ottawa'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. Performance feedback is also solicited from co-workers and other managers familiar with each employee's work. As part of the review process employees can provide confidential feedback on their manager's performance. Exit interviews are provided for departing employees. Exceptional performance is recognized through a variety of awards including the Bravo! program, peer recognition awards, individual and team achievement and the City Manager's Award for Excellence. The City also manages a performance development program for all employees which includes quarterly meetings and performance review. City of Ottawa hires an outside consultant to conduct confidential employee satisfaction and engagement surveys. (These surveys are held every 24 months).

City of Ottawa's training and skills development program is rated as above-average. Employees receive tuition subsidies for courses related to their position. Employees may also receive tuition subsidies for courses unrelated to their current position. The City also encourages ongoing development with subsidies for professional accreditations; in-house apprenticeship and skilled trades programs; formal mentoring program; career planning services; in-house training programs; online training programs; online employee skills inventory; The City also manages several in-house apprenticeship and skilled trades programs for many branches of the City's operations. The City also developed an Emerging Leaders curriculum to help foster high potential employees.

City of Ottawa's community involvement program is rated as very good. The City supports a variety of local, national and international charitable organizations. The City's community and social services department partnered with the "Let Them Be Kids" initiative to construct a play space for the Ottawa Family Shelter. Over 100 employees volunteered their time to assemble the space as well as tend to the existing grounds, which are home to approximately 60 children and their families. The City also contributes to the United Way through donations and participates in a variety of fund raising initiatives. 1.37.