Greater Toronto's Top Employers (2025) Magazine - Flipbook - Page 5
5
( 2025 )
And as Mikita noted, there’s good
reason for that. Kristina Leung, managing
editor at Mediacorp, points out that
remote and hybrid work don’t really create
a “well-oiled machine” for collaborating.
“Bringing back social events allows you
to recreate the old water cooler atmosphere by fostering engagement, communication and relationship-building,” she
says. “If you’re doing a team event, or
volunteering for a charity, you’ve got to put
your heads together and collectively figure
out the best way to do something.
In-person events organically provide
built-in opportunities for cohesion,
collaboration and even soft skills development. They really drive connection and
belonging with the organization.
“And that’s what we noticed in the
language employers are using,” adds
Leung. “They’re really doubling down on
the need to foster the kind of work culture
that is based on authentic connections and
communication and engagement, and
speaking about it as an integral part of
what makes their organization gel
together.”
Sage Software Canada Ltd. is another
Top Employer keen to ensure employees
stay in close touch despite a hybrid model.
“We create opportunities for social
connection through events that unite us
for a common purpose,” says Cinzia Bazzo,
managing director for Canada. “Whether
we’re packing gifts or meals, participating
in virtual charity runs, or engaging in
mentorship programs, these activities
allow us to work side by side for good.”
She notes that Sage is committed to an
environment where people learn, thrive
and develop. “But growth isn’t just about
learning – it’s also about building trust
through collaboration,” says Bazzo.
“Whether it’s through executive roundtables that give our team direct access to
leadership, lively Major League Baseball
opening weekend office celebrations, or
the recent festivities for our new Toronto
office, we strive to foster a sense of
community and camaraderie.
“Extraordinary things can happen when
you see yourself as part of a cohesive
trusted team dedicated to lifting each
other up, sharing knowledge and celebrating successes.”
Extraordinary indeed. As Mikita says of
Vena’s socially minded people, “There is a
lot of time and effort spent on having
interesting and fun things going on.”
– Berton Woodward
K.MALLON/VENA
Cont.
Vena Solutions provides staff with the opportunity to mingle and reconnect weekly with drinks, snacks, and music in the
kitchen area.
FLIPP
THE RETURN OF FUN
Employees at Etobicoke-based Flipp Corp. gather monthly for lunches catered by local restaurants, providing staff at the
digital marketing firm the opportunity to reconnect.
