Johnson Inc.

Johnson Inc.'s physical workplace is rated as average. The company's suburban head office is located just north of the city's downtown core, close to the Churchill Square shopping plaza, banks and public parks. Their head office also features an employee lounge (with comfortable seating, television and video games); religious observance room; onsite cafeteria; secure bicycle parking; free parking; self-serve lunchrooms and kitchen areas on each floor; nearby public schools and a daycare facility across the street.

Johnson Inc.'s work atmosphere is rated as above-average. Employees at their head office enjoy business casual dress; can listen to music while working; organized social events. In operation for over 15 years, the company-subsidized social committee organizes an annual Christmas dinner and dance, a wine and cheese event during the holidays, a "girl's night out" at the movies, family skating parties and potluck lunches. The social committee also organizes charitable fundraising events, with funds often matched by the company. Johnson also keeps employees informed about company news and gathers feedback through a corporate intranet site; traditional suggestion box; email suggestion box.

Johnson Inc.'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. The company also provides signing bonuses for some employees; new employee referral bonuses (to $1,000 for some positions); defined contribution pension plan with employer contributions (up to 5% of salary); matching RSP contributions (up to 2.5% of salary); life & disability insurance; retirement planning assistance; discounted company products and services; year-end bonuses for some employees.

Johnson Inc.'s health and family benefits are rated as above-average. Johnson Inc. manages a self-insured health benefits plan. As part of the health plan, the employer pays 60% of the premiums. Employees who work 20 hours per week receive coverage. 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; eyecare ($125 every 2 years); traditional medicine coverage; alternative medicine coverage; massage therapy; medical equipment and supplies; homecare; employee assistance (EAP) plan; travel insurance; healthclub subsidy (to $500 each year). Employees also receive a health spending account, with varies in amount based on years of service (from $500 to $900). The company's family-friendly benefits include; fertility treatments; maternity top-up payments (to 100% of salary for 17 weeks); parental leave top-up for new fathers (to 100% of salary for 17 weeks); parental leave top-up for adoptive parents (to 100% of salary for 17 weeks); health benefits during maternity and parental leave. 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); phased-in retirement work options; compassionate leave top-up payment (to 100% for 3 days).

Johnson Inc.'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 can schedule 3 personal days off each year, as needed. Employees receive 28 personal days off, as scheduled by their employer. During the Christmas to New Year's holiday break, employees receive an additional 4 days off. Employees receive 10 paid sick days every year.

Johnson Inc.'s employee engagement program is rated as very good. Employees receive individual performance reviews every 6 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 interview provided for departing employees. The company rewards exceptional employee performance through a formal awards program (called the Platinum Club) with the lucky (and deserving) employees winning a trip for two to a surprise location (recent winners have headed south to St. Thomas in the Caribbean). In a recent initiative, all employees received a branded iPod as a thank you for their dedication and hard work. Johnson Inc. sponsors its own in-house employee satisfaction survey. (Surveys are conducted every 12 months); Johnson Inc. hires an outside consultant to conduct confidential employee satisfaction and engagement surveys. (These surveys are held every 12 months).

Johnson Inc.'s training and skills development program is rated as above-average. Employees receive tuition subsidies for courses related to their position. (Employers cover up to 100% of tuition). Employees may also receive tuition subsidies for courses unrelated to their current position. (Employers cover up to 50% of non-related tuition). Johnson also supports employees' ongoing career development with subsidies for professional accreditations; financial bonuses for course completions; in-house training programs; online training programs; online employee skills inventory; formal mentoring program; career planning services; formal mangement training program; financial bonuses for the completion of certain accreditation (from $100 to $2,000).

Johnson Inc.'s community involvement program is rated as very good. Every year the company and its employees support a variety of local and national charitable organizations. Employees take part in the selection of charitable groups assisted each year. Johnson has a creative approach to charitable fundraising, collecting "fines" from presenters who go over time limits, or from delegates who are late arriving at employee meetings. The company matches the amount collected, and donates the funds to a local charity.