Toronto International Film Festival

TIFF's physical workplace is rated as above-average. To accommodate its spectacular success and growth, TIFF recently moved to the spectacular new "Bell Lightbox" centre. The Festival's new home includes over 153,000 square feet of multi-use space and is located in the heart of the city's rapidly developing entertainment district. In addition to office space, the custom-built facility features a spectacular three-storey atrium, five cinemas, two galleries, three learning studios and the film reference library. In addition to working inside one of this country's most unique workplaces, employees also enjoy an employee lounge (with comfortable seating); a separate volunteer lounge; a private staff sceening room; wellness room (that can also be used for prayer); free coffee and tea; onsite café and Oliver Bonacini restaurant; secure bicycle parking; shower facilities, and direct streetcar in front of the building and nearby subway access.

TIFF's work atmosphere is rated as above-average. On the job, employees enjoy casual dress daily; organized social events. The employee social committee organizes a variety of events for employees throughout the year, including an evening holiday party during the Christmas season, monthly pub nights, a post festival wrap party in late September, a movie industry-themed Halloween party, and the unique "Canadians Not in Cannes" party for employees who stay behind during the Cannes Film Festival. Throughout the year, employees can provide feedback and are kept informed about new developments through a company newsletter; corporate intranet site; email suggestion box.

TIFF'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. TIFF also provides year-end bonuses for all employees; year-end bonuses (to $25,000); matching RSP contributions (up to 5% of salary); life & disability insurance; employee passes to the Toronto International Film Festival (including the opening gala); advance tickets to public movie screenings; and discounts on food and beverages at TIFF events.

TIFF's health and family benefits are rated as above-average. The company's health benefits plan is managed by Sun Life Financial Group. 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; eyecare ($200 every 2 years); traditional medicine coverage; alternative medicine coverage; massage therapy; medical equipment and supplies; homecare; employee assistance (EAP) plan; travel insurance. TIFF's family-friendly benefits include: maternity top-up payments (to 100% of salary for 25 weeks); parental leave top-up for new fathers (to 100% of salary for 25 weeks); parental leave top-up for adoptive parents (to 100% of salary for 25 weeks); health benefits during maternity and parental leave; compassionate top-up payment (to 100% of salary for 1 week) while caring for a family member; flexible working hours; shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay); and a formal overtime policy.

TIFF's vacation and personal time-off are rated as average. New employees receive 2 weeks of vacation allowance after their first year. Vacation increases after 3 years on the job. Long-serving employees receive a maximum of 5 weeks of vacation each year. Employees can schedule 8 personal days off each year, as needed. Employees can also apply for an unpaid leave of absence. (Some employee groups start with 3 weeks paid vacation after their first year).

TIFF's employee engagement program is rated as very good. 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. Exit interview provided for departing employees. At the annual review meetings, employees and managers work together to set development goals for the upcoming year and follow-up with informal mid-year reviews to monitor progress. TIFF hires an outside consultant to conduct confidential employee satisfaction and engagement surveys. (These surveys are held every 24 months).

TIFF's training and skills development program is rated as very good. Employees receive tuition subsidies for courses related to their position. (Employers cover up to 100% of tuition). TIFF also supports ongoing employee development with subsidies for professional accreditations; in-house training programs; career planning services; new employee orientation program; paid and unpaid internship programs.

TIFF's community involvement program is rated as average. In addition to its support for local film festivals, TIFF operates a tightly focuse community outreach program for youth that is spearheaded by the employee-led "NextWave Youth Committee". The goal of the new initiative is to bring film-related events to youth across Toronto, bring those youth to the Bell Lightbox for unique events and experiences in film.