Monsanto Canada's physical workplace is rated as average. Monsanto's head office is located in SmartPark at the University of Manitoba with other research and technology companies. Close to public transit and highway access, park-like campus, surroundings with grass areas and ponds. Walking distance of Red River and walking and biking trails. Is also close to variety of restaurants, shopping and various outdoor parks such as King's Park, Maple Grove Park, St. Vital Park. Attached to the head office is a custom built breeding facility, which was opened in 2010 and is in the process of becoming LEED silver certified. Inside, the office features an employee lounge (with comfortable seating, fireplace, music, television, reading material and video games); secure bicycle parking; free parking; kitchen areas with microwaves, dishwashers fridges and sinks; training room; outdoor eating area with barbecue; free coffee, tea and hot chocolate; and convenient access to the University of Manitoba's many services, from ATMs to restaurants to fitness and swimming facilities.

Monsanto Canada's work atmosphere is rated as above-average. On the job, employees enjoy business casual dress; casual dress daily; can listen to music while working; employee sports teams. The company hosts social events and celebrations throughout the year including an adult Christmas party with dinner and dancing, children's Christmas party complete with gifts, games, entertain, food and a visit from Santa, ice cream Fridays and barbecues during the summer months, hockey tournament. Monsanto keeps employees up to date on company developments through a company newsletter; corporate intranet site; email suggestion box.

Monsanto Canada's financial benefits are rated as very good. To keep salaries competitive the company participates in outside salary surveys every 12 months. Individual salaries are reviewed every 12 months. In addition to providing competitive compensation, Monsanto offers signing bonuses for some employees; year-end bonuses for all employees; defined contribution pension plan with employer contributions (up to 6% of salary); life & disability insurance; subsidized home Internet access; retirement planning assistance; phased-in retirement work options; discounted auto lease rates; and profit-sharing for managers.

Monsanto Canada's health and family benefits are rated as exceptional. The company's health benefits plan is managed by Manulife Financial. As part of the health plan, the employer pays 100% of the premiums. Employees who work 20 hours per week receive coverage. There is no waiting period before coverage begins. Family coverage is available on the health benefits plan. Retiree coverage is also available on the health plan, with no age limit. The basic plan includes routine dental; restorative dental; orthodontics; eyecare ($250 every 2 years); traditional medicine coverage; alternative medicine coverage; fertility treatment medications; employee assistance (EAP) plan; medical equipment and supplies; physiotherapy; massage therapy; homecare; travel insurance. The company's family-friendly benefits include; maternity top-up payments (to 90% of salary for 26 weeks); parental leave top-up for new fathers (to 90% of salary for 15 weeks); parental leave top-up for adoptive parents (to 90% of salary for 26 weeks); health benefits during maternity and parental leave; extended unpaid parental leave option (beyond the first year). Additional family-friendly benefits include; flexible working hours; shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay); compressed work week; telecommuting; and compassionate leave top-up on a case by case basis.

Monsanto Canada'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 4 weeks of vacation each year. Employees receive 10 paid sick days every year. Employees can schedule 2 personal days off each year, as needed. Employees receive 2 personal days off, as scheduled by their employer. Employees can also apply for an unpaid leave of absence.

Monsanto Canada's employee engagement program is rated as above-average. 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 interviews are provided for departing employees. Employees recently received an iPad2 in recognition of the company's success. The company also manages a range of service and recognition awards across Canada, including gift cards, spa coupons, and tickets to sports events. Monsanto Canada sponsors its own in-house employee satisfaction survey. (Surveys are conducted every 3 months); Monsanto Canada hires an outside consultant to conduct confidential employee satisfaction and engagement surveys. (These surveys are held every 24 months).

Monsanto Canada's training and skills development program is rated as exceptional. Employees receive tuition subsidies for courses related to their position. (Employer pays up to $10,000 in subsidies). Employees may also receive tuition subsidies for courses unrelated to their current position. (Employer pays up to $10,000 in tuition subsidies). In addition to its generous tuition subsidies, Monsanto provides subsidies for professional accreditations; in-house apprenticeship and skilled trades programs; formal mentoring program; financial bonuses for course completions; career planning services; in-house training programs; online training programs; online employee skills inventory; new employee orientation program; formal management training program; leadership training; and lunch'n'learn seminars.

Monsanto Canada's community involvement program is rated as exceptional. Monsanto and its employees support a variety of local, national and international charitable organizations each year. Employees take part in the selection of charitable groups assisted each year. Employees receive paid time off to volunteer with their favourite charitable organizations. As part of this program, employees receive 3 paid days off to volunteer. Last year, employees donated over 500 hours volunteering with charitable projects. Approximately 36 charitable and community organizations were supported last year. The company manages a charitable fund (The Monsanto Fund) that was established in 1964 with a focus of providing basic education support in farming communities around the world, including supporting schools, libraries, science centers, farmer training programs, etc., and supporting nonprofit organizations that help with food security, sanitation, access to clean water, public safety and other local needs. Organizations that have recently benefited from the fund include Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba, Canada's Farmers Grow Communities, and the United Way of Winnipeg. Monsanto also encourages its employees to make donations to their favourite charities through a matching gift program -- the company matches employee contributions of up to $500 per year.