Next Level Games Inc.

Next Level Games' physical workplace is rated as above-average. Next Level Games recently moved into a modern office that is located in the heart of the city's busiest shopping district. As part of planning for the mover, employee feedback was sought on everything from workplace design to the use of eco-friendly building materials. Inside, the new head office features an employee lounge (with comfortable seating, music, television games, old-school arcade games, foosball table, board games and a large videogame inventory); weekly onsite instructor-led fitness classes; secure bicycle parking; lunch room with free coffee and tea; carpool sign-up system; subsidized memberships to a nearby fitness facility (across the street).

Next Level Games' work atmosphere is rated as exceptional. As a smaller employer, Next Level Games offers an intimate work atmosphere where face-to-face meetings are more common than facebook updates. On the job, employees enjoy casual dress daily; can listen to music while working; can bring pets to work when needed; employee sports teams; organized social events. The company's social committee organizes several employee events, including a Halloween costume contest, office Easter-egg hunt, birthday celebrations, and an offsite employee Christmas party with a separate party for employees' children. Employees also gather informally for pub nights, summer family barbeques, the annual Vancouver 10K Sun Run and can take advantage of company-paid Cypress Mountain ski passes and discounted movie passes throughout the year. The company keeps employees informed through monthly meetings (with cake and beer) and through a corporate intranet site.

Next Level Games' 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, the company offers signing bonuses for some employees; share-purchase plan for all employees; profit-sharing plan for all employees; life & disability insurance; discounted company products.

Next Level Games' health and family benefits are rated as above-average. The company's health benefits plan is managed by Sun Life Financial As part of the health plan, the employer pays 100% of the premiums. Employees who work 20 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; orthodontics; eyecare ($200 every 2 years); traditional medicine coverage; alternative medicine coverage; massage therapy; medical equipment and supplies; homecare; employee assistance (EAP) plan; travel insurance; healthclub subsidy ($360 each year). As part of their health plan, employees also receive an $800 flexible spending account that can be used for health benefits not covered by the basic plan. Next Level's family-friendly benefits include; maternity top-up payments (to 80% of salary for 27 weeks); parental leave top-up for new fathers (to 100% of salary for 2 weeks); parental leave top-up for adoptive parents (to 80% of salary for 27 weeks). Additional family-friendly benefits include: flexible working hours; telecommuting; compressed work week.

Next Level Games' vacation and personal time-off are rated as above-average. New employees receive 3 weeks of vacation allowance after their first year. Vacation increases after 4 years on the job. Long-serving employees receive a maximum of 4 weeks of vacation each year. Employees can schedule 5 personal days off each year, as needed. During the Christmas to New Year's holiday break, employees receive an additional 3 days off. Employees receive 30 paid sick days every year.

Next Level Games' 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 create a personal development plan, which can be revisited at any time during the year between employees and their managers. The company takes a unique approach in recognizing exceptional employee performance, preferring to recognize team performance over the individual. At the end of each project the entire employee team heads out to enjoy a day of fun activities (such as go-karting) and a company-paid dinner afterwards to celebrate a job well done. Next Level Games sponsors its own in-house employee satisfaction survey. (Surveys are conducted every 12 months); Next Level Games hires an outside consultant to conduct confidential employee satisfaction and engagement surveys. (These surveys are held every 12 months).

Next Level Games' training and skills development program is rated as very good. Employees receive tuition subsidies for courses related to their position. (The employer subsidizes up to 100% of tuition). In addition, the company helps employees develop their careers through in-house training programs; online employee skills inventory; formal mentoring program; career planning services.

Next Level Games' community involvement program is rated as above-average. Next Level Games participates in a variety of local, national and international charitable initiatives that reflect the diverse interests of its employees. Employees take part in the selection of charitable groups assisted each year. Approximately 6 charitable and community organizations were supported last year. At least every quarter, the company makes a charitable donation to an employee-selected charity. In addition, employees are encouraged to volunteer with local intiatives, including last year's "Great-Canadian Shoreline Clean-up". In the past, Next Level and its employees have donated their unused and home (but hardly out-of-date) game systems and games that were distributed to low income families at Christmas time.