College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, The

The College of Physicians and Surgeons' physical workplace is rated as above-average. CPSO's head office is located in downtown Toronto, within a short walk to subway stations as well as the College street car line outside the front door. The six-storey building was originally constructed in the 1960s and recently underwent a complete renovation. Inside, the head office features an onsite fitness facility (with subsidized memberships, stationary bikes, shower facilities, walking and running clubs); employee lounge (with comfortable seating, daily newspapers and board games); nap room; religious observance room; secure bicycle parking; free parking; subsidized on-site yoga and pilates classes; free coffee/tea; outdoor patio/deck; two shopping malls nearby (College Park and the Eaton Centre).

The College of Physicians and Surgeons' work atmosphere is rated as very good. Employees at their head office enjoy business casual dress; casual dress Fridays; can listen to music while working; employee sports teams; organized social events. The company-subsidized social committee organizes an annual year-end formal, an annual employee appreciation day, an annual lunch to celebrate its long-serving employees, and a special Christmas party for employees' children. In addition, employees and their families can kick-off the Christmas season watching the city's famous Santa Claus parade from the comfort of the head office building, which is conveniently located directly on the parade route -- with the College providing everyone with free parking, hotdogs and drinks. The College keeps employees informed and gathers feedback through company newsletter; corporate intranet site; email suggestion box.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons' 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. CPSO also provides new employee referral bonuses (to $800 for some positions); defined contribution pension plan with employer contribution (up to 10% of salary); life & disability insurance; retirement planning assistance; discounts on home computers; an interest-free computer purchase plan.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons' health and family benefits are rated as very good. Their health benefits plan is managed by Great West Life. As part of the health plan, the employer pays 100% of the premiums. Employees who work 28 hours per week receive coverage. The waiting period for new employees is 90 days. Employees receive full family coverage on the health benefits plan. The health plan also includes retiree coverage with no age limit. The basic plan includes routine dental; restorative dental; eyecare ($300 every 2 years); traditional medicine coverage; alternative medicine coverage; massage therapy; medical equipment and supplies; homecare; employee assistance (EAP) plan; travel insurance. Lunchtime wellness workshops. The College's family-friendly benefits include maternity and parental leave top-up payments to 100% of salary for the first two weeks, followed by: maternity top-up payments (to 75% of salary for 26 weeks); parental leave top-up for new fathers (to 75% of salary for 26 weeks); parental leave top-up for adoptive parents (to 75% of salary for 26 weeks). Additional family-friendly benefits include: flexible working hours; telecommuting; 35-hour work week (with full pay); shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay); reduced summer hours program; compressed work week; earned days off (EDO) program; phased-in retirement.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons' 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 5 years on the job. Long-serving employees receive a maximum of 6 weeks of vacation each year. Employees can schedule 2 personal days off each year, as needed. During the Christmas to New Year's holiday break, employees receive an additional 4 days off. Employees receive 12 paid sick days every year. Employees can also apply for an unpaid leave of absence. (One employee was recently granted a one-year leave of absence to obtain a Master's degree in England).

The College of Physicians and Surgeons' employee engagement program is rated as average. Employees receive individual performance reviews every 12 months. As part of the review process employees can provide confidential feedback on their manager's performance. As part of its employee performance review process, employees and managers meet to plan the annual review, discussing whether or not there is a need for a self assessment or whether a third party should be consulted as part of the process. If so, managers and employees work together to establish the questions asked and the follow-up to discuss and review the solicited feedback. As part of their discussion, managers and employees develop a performance rating and set performance objectives fro the upcoming year. In recognition of excellent employee performance, the College sponsors a peer-to-peer recognition program as well as a traditional manager-sponsored awards program. Top performing employees receive personally tailored non-monetary gifts, such as afternoon lunches, flowers, evening dinners and movie passes.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons' training and skills development program is rated as above-average. Employees receive tuition subsidies for courses related to their position. (The employer provides up to $3,000 in subsidies). Employees may also receive tuition subsidies for courses unrelated to their current position. (The employer provides up to $3,000 in tuition subsidies for non-related courses). The College also supports ongoing employee career development with: subsidies for professional accreditations; job exchanges; opportunities for internal and external secondments.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons' community involvement program is rated as very good. The College supports a variety of local charitable initiatives, choosing to direct support to small local organizations with a primary focus on health-related issues and programs for children. As part of their fundraising efforts, employees host fun events to raise money, including bingo games, book sales, raffles for prizes, silent auctions and bake sales. Employees take part in the selection of charitable groups assisted each year. Employees receive paid time off to volunteer with their favourite charitable organizations. Employees also receive 2 paid days off to volunteer. Last year, employees donated over 700 hours volunteering with charitable projects. Over the past number of years, the College and its employees have directed support to the Canadian Hearing Society & Parent Infant Intervention Program, the Toronto Children's Breakfast Club, The Teresa House and The Gate House.