RIM is Canada's 'Most Attractive Employer'

Randstad Canada has declared Research in Motion winner of the inaugural 2011 Randstad Award for most attractive employer.

In voting for RIM, over 7,000 Canadian jobseekers and workers said the company topped 6 of the 10 attractiveness categories, with respondents perceiving RIM as a company that offers a pleasant work atmosphere, career progression and quality training, as well as strong management, best salary and interesting job content.

The Randstad Award aims to reward and encourage best practices in building the best employer brands, as chosen by workers and job seekers in search of employment opportunities within Canada's leading organizations. The top five award winners voted the most attractive companies to work for in Canada overall were: Research in Motion Limited, IBM Canada, McGill University, Air Canada and Bombardier.

"It's exciting to see Canadians recognize companies that focus on the future," says Jan Hein Bax, President, Randstad Canada. "RIM, IBM, McGill, Air Canada and Bombardier each have such an influential impact on our day to day lives, and will continue to shape our future, here and around the world, through technology, transportation and education. Creativity, innovation, and social responsibility are all qualities that resonate with the values of Canadians, and we proudly celebrate these with the Randstad Award."

Key findings:

• Overall, a pleasant work atmosphere is listed as the most important factor (six out of ten) when seeking an employer, followed by high salary (56%) and job security (53%). Good work-life balance (48%) and interesting job content (35%) were also listed as important factors.

• Gender: men seek companies that offer innovation (104% more important vs. women), strong management (22% more important) and image (57% more important), while women look for strong workplace culture (28% more important vs. men), convenient location (39% more important) and work-life balance (24% more important). Personal satisfaction and financial stability are equally important to both men and women.

• Age: Younger people between the ages of 18 and 39 years old mainly look for career progression opportunities and global mobility, and are attracted to innovative companies with a strong image and reputation. The importance of comfort, financial stability and values increases for those over 40 years old.

• Education: Post-Graduates are attracted to market leaders with a strong image that offer international career opportunities and advancement. Those with less education look for financially stable companies that offer long-term job security.

"With global skills shortages continuing to intensify, the insights from the survey will help employers to find out why potential candidates choose one company over another and what factors determine the attractiveness of an employer," says Jan. "It is our aim to contribute to the world of work through this global program. The business environment changes so rapidly. It's important to have a strong employer brand to help you forge ahead when your company encounters challenges. The stronger your employer brand is, the better prepared you will be and in time, with the proper attention, your brand, and your business, will continue to grow and flourish."