Nuance Communications Canada Inc.

Nuance Communications' physical workplace is rated as very good. The company's head office is located in the heart of downtown Montréal, amidst the city's Old Port, Bell Centre, and Place des Arts. The building is a converted Eaton's department store and is linked to Montréal's underground city, which provides commuters with access to subway, train lines, and bus hubs. Inside, the building features a large glass atrium, which supplies the office with natural light; an employee lounge (with television and foosball table); secure bicycle parking; transit subsidies; subsidized car parking; free coffee, tea and soft drinks; first-aid rooms with beds; discounts at nearby restaurants; access to bike paths; and shower facilities.

Nuance Communications' work atmosphere is rated as above-average. On the job, employees enjoy business casual dress; casual dress daily; organized social events. Operating since 2005, the company-subsidized Montréal Social Committee organizes social events for employees throughout the year. Past events include a Halloween party with games, prizes, and a company sponsored lunch, adult and children's Christmas parties, and a lunch boat cruise on the St. Lawrence river. Nuance Communications captures feedback and keeps employees up-to-date through a company newsletter; corporate intranet site.

Nuance Communications' 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 ensuring competitive compensation rates, Nuance offers signing bonuses for some employees; new employee referral bonuses (to $3,000 for some positions); year-end bonuses for all employees; share-purchase plan for all employees; defined contribution pension plan with employer contributions (up to 2% of salary); life & disability insurance; and interest free loans for home computer purchases.

Nuance Communications' health and family benefits are rated as average. Nuance's health benefits plan is managed by Great West Life. As part of the health plan, the employer pays 75% of the premiums. Employees who work 28 hours per week receive coverage. The waiting period for new employees is 1 day. Employees receive full family coverage on the health benefits plan. 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; homecare; employee assistance (EAP) plan; travel insurance. As part of their health plan, employees receive a $500 health spending account each year to spend on services as desired. The company also hosts an annual wellness week where a variety of health professionals come to the office to introduce their products and services, including nutritionists, massage therapists, vision care specialists, online health evalutions, fitness intruction, and even organic food providers. Nuances' family-friendly benefits include; maternity top-up payments (to 100% of salary for 8 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; telecommuting; shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay).

Nuance Communications' vacation and personal time-off are rated as exceptional. New employees receive 4 weeks of vacation allowance after their first year. Long-serving employees receive a maximum of 5 weeks of vacation each year. Employees receive 10 paid sick days every year. Employees can also apply for an unpaid leave of absence.

Nuance Communications' 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. Exit interview provided for departing employees. The company operates reward programs in recognition of employees' exceptional performance. Employees may receive gift cards or additional time off, bonuses and even equity grants for some employees. Nuance also has a formal program (called the Chairman's Club) to recognize its high performing sales and management employees. Nuance Communications sponsors its own in-house employee satisfaction survey. (Surveys are conducted every 12 months); Nuance Communications hires an outside consultant to conduct confidential employee satisfaction and engagement surveys. (These surveys are held every 12 months).

Nuance Communications' training and skills development program is rated as exceptional. Employees receive tuition subsidies for courses related to their position. (Employers pay up to $3,000 in subsidies). Employees may also receive tuition subsidies for courses unrelated to their current position. (Employers pay up to $3,000 in tuition subsidies for non-related courses). Subsidies for professional accreditations; in-house training programs; online training programs. The company operates Nuance University, an online learning and development tool which enables employees to access learning and career resources at their convenience.

Nuance Communications' community involvement program is rated as very good. Nuance Communications and its employees support local charitable organizations. Employees take part in the selection of charitable groups assisted each year. Approximately 1 charitable and community organization were supported last year. As part of its charitable program, a committee of several employees regularly review local organizations as well as charities with the greatest need and connection to employees' lives. Every year, employees actively volunteer and raise money for the annual United Way campaign -- last year over 65% of Nuance's employees helped to raise of $80,000 for the campaign.