MDS Nordion Inc.

MDS Nordion Inc.'s physical workplace is rated as exceptional. The company's campus-like setting is located in the heart of the city's technology community. The 60-acre campus is located within a short drive to golfing, shopping, recreational facilities, new housing developments and the Scotiabank Place. The head office consists of two buildings, separating administrative and production functions, and features onsite fitness facility (with subsidized $9 monthly memberships, treadmills, stationary bikes, stairmasters, rowing machines, weights, instructor-led classes and shower facilities); outdoor baseball diamond, volleyball court and soccer field; employee lounge; onsite cafeteria (with healthy menus, salad bar, and discounted coffee for those who bring their own mugs); outdoor patio and barbeque; secure bicycle parking; free parking; nearby public transit (15 minute walk).

MDS Nordion Inc.'s work atmosphere is rated as very good. On the job, employees enjoy business casual dress; casual dress Fridays; can listen to music while working; employee sports teams; organized social events. Every year the social committee organizes a variety of fun events, from a summer barbeque and outdoor meeting (called the June Tent Event), an emloyee meeting an luncheon at a nearby hotel in December, and an activity-filled family day for employees and their families. Corporate intranet site; email suggestion box.

MDS Nordion Inc.'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; signing bonuses for some employees; new employee referral bonuses (to $2,500 for some positions); year-end bonuses for all employees; year-end bonuses (to $45,000); share-purchase plan for all employees; profit-sharing plan for all employees; matching RSP contributions (up to 6% of salary); life & disability insurance.

MDS Nordion Inc.'s health and family benefits are rated as very good. The company's health plan is manage by Sun Life. As part of the health plan, the employer pays 50% of the premiums. The health plan is a flexible plan with adjustable premiums and coverage levels. Employees who work 15 hours per week receive coverage. There is no waiting period before coverage begins. 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; orthodontics; eyecare ($300 every 2 years); traditional medicine coverage; alternative medicine coverage; massage therapy; medical equipment and supplies; employee assistance (EAP) plan; travel insurance; healthclub subsidy ($150 each year). Additional family friendly benefits include parental leave top-up payments for new fathers and adoptive parents; maternity top-up payments (to 75% of salary for 7 weeks); post-secondary academic scholarships to children of employees; flexible working hours; telecommuting; shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay); compressed work week; and an optional EDO program where employees can bank hours (up to 22.5 hours) and take the earned days between Christmas and New Year's off.

MDS Nordion 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 6 weeks of vacation each year. Employees can schedule 2 personal days off each year, as needed. Employees receive 10 paid sick days every year.

MDS Nordion Inc.'s employee engagement program is rated as above-average. 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. As part of the review process, employees may also receive informal mid-year reviews. The company recognizes exceptional work performance of its union and non-union employees through profit sharing and annual bonus plans, respectively. In addition, managers recognize individual work performance through on-the-spot awards, including tickets to hockey games, weekend getaways and restaurant dinners. MDS Nordion Inc. sponsors its own in-house employee satisfaction survey. (Surveys are conducted every 12 months).

MDS Nordion Inc.'s training and skills development program is rated as above-average. Employees receive tuition subsidies for courses related to their position. (The employer subsidizes up to 100% of tuition). Employees may also receive tuition subsidies for courses unrelated to their current position. (The employer subsidizes up to 100% of non-related tuition). In addition to tuition subsidies (that are paid up-front), the company also support ongoing training through in-house training programs; online training programs; formal mentoring program; career planning services; new employee orientation program.

MDS Nordion Inc.'s community involvement program is rated as above-average. The company supports a variety of local charitable initiatives every year. Employees receive paid time off to volunteer with their favourite charitable organizations. Employees also receive 1 paid day off to volunteer. Last year, employees donated over 455 hours volunteering with charitable projects. Approximately 20 charitable and community organizations were supported last year. The primary focus of MDS Nordion's charitable program is directed towards community events and organizations that promote health and well-being. Last year, the company and its employees were strong supporters of the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (raising over $100,000) as well as donating over $70,000 for the Ottawa Hospital as part of the National Capital Race weekend.