Canada's Best Employee Benefit Plans for 2024 revealed

HRD Canada has just announced the winners of its 2024 5-Star Benefit Programs, recognizing companies that go above and beyond to support their employees' needs.

In the race to attract and keep top talent, Canadian employers are stepping up with creative and people-first benefit plans, and it’s clear that benefits are more important than ever. According to Randstad’s Employer Brand Research 2024, benefits are now the number one factor that Canadians consider when choosing an employer—beating out career progression, remote work, and even strong management.

This shift shows just how crucial great benefits are in today’s job market.

This year’s 5-Star Benefit Programs winners are leading the way with flexible, customized plans that focus on employee well-being and prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I).

Canada’s Best Employee Benefit Plans winners leading the way

Among the winners is SMS Engineering, which has also been making waves with its standout approach to employee benefits. The company emphasizes a holistic strategy, offering comprehensive health coverage alongside flexible work arrangements and wellness initiatives. By listening closely to employee feedback, SMS Engineering has built a benefits program that aligns with the unique needs of its team, reinforcing its commitment to employee well-being.

Another standout is BASF Canada, which offers a range of personalized perks like wellness reimbursements, enhanced savings programs, and telemedicine services. “We wanted our benefits to be more agile and flexible to meet the diverse needs of today’s workforce,” says Peter Halder, head of people at BASF Canada.

As companies compete for talent, staying competitive with innovative benefits has never been more critical. Even though the labour market has eased slightly, benefits remain a major differentiator for attracting top talent.

Keep an eye out for more updates on how Canadian companies are shaping the future of employee benefits.