Gamma-Dynacare Medical Laboratories Inc.

Gamma-Dynacare's physical workplace is rated as average. The organization's suburban location offers convenient highway access and is only a short drive to numerous shops and services, from banking to golfing to Ontario's famous Woodbine horse racing track. When expanding the one-storey facility a number of years ago, the company made available draft blueprints for employees to review. Employees were asked to provide their feedback on the proposed design and many of their recommendations were incorporated into the final design. The firm has since implemented the same feedback approach when re-designing its Ottawa and London offices. Inside the Brampton location, the building features a large self-serve cafeteria (with lots of natural lighting); an outdoor patio and picnic area; an in-house learning centre with internet kiosks, telephones and reading materials; and free parking.

Gamma-Dynacare's work atmosphere is rated as average. Throughout the year, employees enjoy business casual dress; casual dress daily; can listen to music while working. Every year, Gamma-Dynacare organizes family summer picnics at Canada's Wonderland, summer barbeques and holiday parties during the Christmas season, including a children's Christmas party and an annual holiday luncheon. The company also hosts an annual employee appreciation day and celebrates industry events such as National Medical Laboratory Professionals Week and Health and Safety Day to promote safe work practices. The company also gathers feedback and keeps employees up-to-date through a company newsletter; traditional suggestion box; email suggestion box.

Gamma-Dynacare's financial benefits are rated as 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 competitive compensation, Gamma-Dynacare provides matching RSP contributions (up to 4% of salary); life & disability insurance; retirement planning assistance; incentive bonus program for management personnel.

Gamma-Dynacare's health and family benefits are rated as above-average. Their health benefits plan is managed by Sun Life Assurance. As part of the health plan, the employer pays 100% of the premiums. Employees who work 25 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 basic plan includes routine dental; restorative dental; eyecare ($150 every 2 years); traditional medicine coverage; alternative medicine coverage; massage therapy; medical equipment and supplies; homecare; employee assistance (EAP) plan; travel insurance. Employees also receive increased drug coverage (to 90%) when using the Pharamex Direct pharmacy delivery service. The organization's family-friendly benefits include: maternity top-up payments (to 75% of salary for 15 weeks); parental leave top-up for new fathers (to 75% of salary for 15 weeks); parental leave top-up for adoptive parents (to 75% of salary for 15 weeks). Additional family-friendly benefits include: flexible working hours; telecommuting; shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay).

Gamma-Dynacare'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 5 years on the job. Long-serving employees receive a maximum of 5 weeks of vacation each year. Employees can schedule 2 personal days off each year, as needed. Employees receive 8 paid sick days every year. Employees can also apply for an unpaid leave of absence. (The company recently granted a two-month leave of absence to an employee who travelled overseas to visit family).

Gamma-Dynacare's 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. Through the company's performance management program, Gamma-Dynacare celebrates exceptional employee performance with on-the-spot rewards, such as gift cards and cash bonuses. The company also operates a peer-to-peer awards program that lets employees nominate their colleagues for a chance to win public recognition at an annual gala event as well as a $500 cash award. Gamma-Dynacare hires an outside consultant to conduct confidential employee satisfaction and engagement surveys. (These surveys are held every 36 months).

Gamma-Dynacare's training and skills development program is rated as very good. Employees receive tuition subsidies for courses related to their position. (The employer provides up to $500 in subsidies). Employees may also receive tuition subsidies for courses unrelated to their current position. (The employer provides up to $500 in tuition subsidies for non-related courses). The company also supports ongoing career development with subsidies for professional accreditations; in-house apprenticeship and skilled trades internships; in-house training programs; online training programs; formal mentoring program; career planning services; new employee orientation program. In addition, the company hosts lunch celebrations to congratulate employees who have obtained their Ontario Laboratory Association accreditation and/or the College of American Pathologists accreditation.

Gamma-Dynacare's community involvement program is rated as average. Every year, the company supports a variety of local, national and international charitable initiatives. Employees take part in the selection of charitable groups assisted each year. Approximately 7 charitable and community organizations were supported last year. Every year, employees host a number of unique fundraising activities, from pumpkin-carving contests to participation in the annual Walk to End Poverty. Last year, the company and its employee directed support to a number of charities, including the Untied Way, the Starlight Foundation, the Salvation Army's Women's Shelter and the Salvation Army's Adopt-a-Family program. Gamma-Dynacare also sponsors a child in Haiti through the Plan International development agency, which works to help over 1 million children and families in developing countries around the world.