Dalhousie University

Dalhousie's physical workplace is rated as exceptional. Located in historic Halifax, Dalhousie is woven into the fabric of Canada's largest city in Atlantic Canada. The university is comprised three downtown campuses that are all withing walking distance to downtown, offering great ocean views and easy access to shops and restaurant in one the country's most liveable cities. At work employees can take advantage onsite fitness facility (with subsidized membership to the 100,000 square-foot Dalplex fitness centre that features a fully-equipped gym, raquetball and squash courts, two climbing walls, a 50 metre swimming pool, dry saunas and even a "Fun Zone" play area for children); employee lounge (with comfortable seating and television); student union building with games, pool tables, televisions and computers; an art gallery; theatre; several food outlets (with healthy and special diet menu items, outdoor eating areas; secure bicycle parking.

Dalhousie's work atmosphere is rated as average. On the job (and depending on their position), university employees may enjoy business casual dress; casual dress daily; casual dress Fridays; can listen to music while working; employee sports teams. Throughout the university and across the various departments, employees host a variety of fun events, from Christmas holiday parties to summer barbeques. Throughout the year, Dalhousie keeps employees up-to-date and solicits feedback through a company newsletter; email suggestion box.

Dalhousie'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. Along with ensuring employees receive competitive compensation, employees also recieve defined benefit pension with employer contributions (up to 12% of salary); life & disability insurance; subsidized home Internet access; subsidized home and auto insurance; low-interest home loans (for some employees); discounts (to 10%) on purchases at the university bookstore; year-end bonuses for some employees.

Dalhousie's health and family benefits are rated as above-average. The university's health plan is administered by Medavie Blue Cross and is open to full- and part-time employees. As part of the health plan, the employer pays 60% of the premiums. There is no waiting period before coverage begins. The health plan also includes retiree coverage with no age limit. The basic plan includes routine dental; restorative dental; orthodontics; eyecare ($100 every 2 years); traditional medicine coverage; medical equipment and supplies; homecare; employee assistance (EAP) plan; travel insurance. Dalhousie's family friendly benefits include maternity and parental leave top-up payments (to 95% of salary) for new parents, with the duration of maternity and parental leave top-ups ranging from 17 to 31 weeks for new mothers, parental leave for new fathers ranging from 7 to 17 weeks, and adoptive parent leave ranging from 7 to 27 weeks, depending on employee group and length of employment. Health benefits during maternity and parental leave; subsidized onsite daycare; onsite daycare centre; with 108 spaces; 15 childcare workers; and a 36 month waiting list for available spaces; pre-arranged emergency short-term daycare. Additional family friendly benefits include; post-secondary academic scholarships for children of employees; 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 work options.

Dalhousie's vacation and personal time-off are rated as average. New employees receive 3 weeks of vacation allowance after their first year. Vacation increases after 10 years on the job. Long-serving employees receive a maximum of 5 weeks of vacation each year. Employees receive 6 personal days off, as scheduled by their employer. During the Christmas to New Year's holiday break, employees receive an additional 3 days off. Employees receive 5 paid sick days every year. Employees can also apply for an unpaid leave of absence. Depending on the employee group some employees start at 4 and 5 weeks of paid vacatioin.

Dalhousie'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. As part of the review process employees can provide confidential feedback on their manager's performance. Exit interview provided for departing employees. Across the university, performance excellence is recognized through special recognition awards that are specific to each unit, department and faculty group. Dalhousie hires an outside consultant to conduct confidential employee satisfaction and engagement surveys. (These surveys are held every 24 months).

Dalhousie's training and skills development program is rated as exceptional. Employees receive tuition subsidies for courses related to their position. (Employers pay up to $2,412 in subsidies). Employees may also receive tuition subsidies for courses unrelated to their current position. For general interest courses or those not directly related to an employee's position, Dalhousie offers employees up to two credits each year as well as 50% tuition subsidy for immediate family members of an employee. In addition to subsidized and free tuition, employees also receive subsidies for professional accreditations; in-house apprenticeship and skilled trades programs; in-house training programs; formal mentoring program; career planning services.

Dalhousie's community involvement program is rated as above-average. The university and its employees focus their charitable support towards a variety of local and international charitable initiatives. Employees receive time-off to volunteer and manage the annual United Way campaign. Every year, employees volunteer and actively raise money for a number of initiatives, including the United Way, the annual Cancer Society Daffodil Day (to also welcome spring), the Day of Caring, and Doctors Without Borders.