Town’s HR department among most impactful in country

The Town of Stouffville has been named a Canadian HR Reporter Employer of Choice, an award that celebrates the most forward-thinking and impactful human resources (HR) departments in the country.

The award recognizes its progressive workplace culture and commitment to employee engagement, inclusiveness and innovation. Regular engagement surveys, quarterly town halls and digital newsletters are just some of the ways leadership ensures staff voices are heard and valued, the town reports.

“The Town of Stouffville actively gauges employee opinion on the workplace and uses this feedback to shape its policies and programs,” says Director of Human Resources Claudette Banks. “We don’t implement policies in isolation; we build them in partnership with our employees to create a supportive and inclusive work environment.”

The town, for example, recently introduced enhanced maternity and parental leave top-ups, developed in direct response to staff feedback. Participation in feedback surveys remains high, reflecting a workforce that feels empowered and supported to help shape the future of the organization, it says.

The Canadian HR Reporter’s fifth annual Employers of Choice Report highlights HR teams that excel in areas such as innovation, employee engagement, leadership, culture and professional development. Organizations were encouraged to nominate their HR teams by completing a nomination form outlining their strategies, achievements and team strengths. Following the nomination phase, employees from participating companies were invited to complete an anonymous survey assessing their HR department’s performance and workplace impact.

The town says it also fosters a strong sense of connection through inclusive social events, such as pancake breakfasts and the annual holiday party, led by an active staff social committee. Professional development opportunities, such as Career Conversations and participation in special projects, support continuous learning, while initiatives like the Stouffville Game Changer Awards ensure employee efforts are recognized and celebrated.

The town also prioritizes wellness, offering staff access to free gym memberships, ergonomic workstations, lactation rooms and wellness zones. Regular compensation benchmarking ensures fairness and helps attract and retain top talent, it notes.

“This recognition speaks volumes about the culture we’ve built at the Town of Stouffville,” says Mayor Iain Lovatt. “I’m proud of our leadership team and staff for creating a workplace where people feel respected, supported and empowered to succeed.”

Photo: The Town of Stouffville’s human resources team and senior leadership team. (supplied photo)