DeltaWare Systems Inc.

Deltaware's physical workplace is rated as average. Located in downtown Charlottetown, the company is housed within the state-of-the-art Atlantic Technology Centre, a building designed to foster technology innovation in Prince Edward Island. In addition to a computer training lab, interactive theatre, exhibition space, conference suite, and video conferencing capabilities, their head office features an employee lounge (with comfortable seating, music, flat-screen television, magazines and daily newspapers); secure bicycle parking; rooftop patio; free coffee/tea; self-serve lunchroom; outdoor barbeque.

Deltaware's 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. Social events include Christmas and summer parties, with meals and transportation paid for by the company. The company also organizes an annual golf tournament, where employees can win iPods, gift certificates or kitchen appliances. A wellness committee also organizes health-related events, such as hiking excursions and "geocaching" (an outdoor treasure hunting game). Beyond the many opportunities for social interactions found at a smaller employer, Deltaware also keeps employees informed about new company developments through a company newsletter; corporate intranet site; email suggestion box.

Deltaware's financial benefits are rated as very good. To keep salaries competitive the company participates in outside salary surveys every 24 months. Individual salaries are reviewed every 12 months. In addition to competitive compensation (and living in one of the country's most popular and affordable cities), the company also provides defined benefit pension with employer contribution (up to 5% of salary); life & disability insurance; discounts on home computers; subsidized home Internet access.

Deltaware's health and family benefits are rated as average. The company's health benefits plan is managed by Sun Life Financial. As part of the health plan, the employer pays 50% of the premiums. Employees who work 20 hours per week receive coverage. The waiting period for new employees is 180 days. The basic plan includes routine dental; restorative dental; orthodontics; eyecare ($200 every 2 years); traditional medicine coverage; alternative medicine coverage; massage therapy; medical equipment and supplies; employee assistance (EAP) plan; travel insurance; healthclub subsidy ($300 each year). Additional family-friendly benefits include: flexible working hours; telecommuting; shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay); earned days off (EDO) program.

Deltaware'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 10 years on the job. Long-serving employees receive a maximum of 4 weeks of vacation each year. Employees receive 3 paid sick days every year. Employees can also apply for an unpaid leave of absence.

Deltaware'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. Exceptional employee performance is recognized on-the-spot rewards that include gift certificates for a variety of rewards, including restaurant dinners, entertainment and retail vouchers. Managers also treat employees with meals to celebrate individual and group accomplishments. The company also hosts an annual rewards event (called May Madness) with over $2,500 worth of prizes awarded to deserving employees. Deltaware sponsors its own in-house employee satisfaction survey. (Surveys are conducted every 24 months).

Deltaware's 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 $2,400 in subsidies). Employees may also receive tuition subsidies for courses unrelated to their current position. (The employer provides up to $2,400 in tuition subsidies for non-related courses). Deltaware supports employees' career development with: subsidies for professional accreditations; in-house apprenticeship and skilled trades internships; in-house training programs; online training programs; formal mentoring program.

Deltaware's community involvement program is rated as above-average. Deltaware and its employees support a number of local and national charitable initiatives. Employees take part in the selection of charitable groups assisted each year. Employees receive paid time off to volunteer with their favourite charitable organizations. Last year, employees donated over 600 hours volunteering with charitable projects. Approximately 100 charitable and community organizations were supported last year. The company and its employees supported the Autism Society of Prince Edward Island, the Prince County Hospital Foundation, and the Heart & Storke Foundation of Canada, to name a few. Every year, the company also hosts the "DeltaWare 5K Fun Run" to raise money for a local charity, as selected by employees. Deltaware also supports community sports teams and facilities and provides money for academic scholarships for local high school and post-secondary students.