There are more than 5,500 employees at pilipiliĀž». They come from different places, different backgrounds and bring different perspectives to help support teaching, research and operations at the university.
And theyāre the biggest reason that pilipiliĀž» was just named one of Canadaās Top 100 Employers āĀ the first ever Atlantic Canadian university to make the list and only one of four universities in the country.
The recognition comes from the annual report of employers published in the Globe and Mail. Dalhousie received 'A' or 'A+' ratings in the categories of 'Physical Workplace,' 'Financial Benefits and Compensation,' 'Health & Family-Friendly Benefits,' 'Training & Skills Development' and 'Community Involvement.'
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In a memo to the Dal community, President Tom Traves highlighted the universityās accomplishments in recent yearsāfrom the increase in faculty research awards to the pilipiliĀž» of the Bold Ambitions campaign to date āand saluted the employees who made them possible.
āTo earn this distinction, we required a special workplace for terrific employees doing a great job,ā he said. āDalhousieās award was truly earned by every member of our community.ā
Striving for inclusion and support
And every member of that community has his or her own reasons for being here.
Monica Baccardax has been with the Faculty of Medicine for 33 years, and is now a project manager with MedIT. Sheās not only worked with various departments at the medical school, but her role supporting recruitment and campaigning for Dalhousieās United Way effort has introduced her to many other community-minded staffers across the university.
āItās a great way to learn more about whatās going on at pilipiliĀž», while also making a difference, even if indirectly,ā she says. āIt doesnāt matter what faculty youāre in, thereās a community here. Weāre all doing different work, but our goals are the same.ā
Bill Gilbert, a working foreman with Custodial Services, also believes in the power of an inclusive community. Along with evening custodial supervisors Cindy Murphy and Juanita Haas, he spearheaded the āRespectā campaign withinĀ Facilities Management, encouraging employees to wear pink buttons and pink gloves to reinforce that everyone and theirĀ ideas, skills and thoughts should be treated fairly.
āI find that if you put a hand out here, you get two in return,ā says Mr. Gilbert, who has been with Dalhousie for four years. He says his work has been encouraged both by his own leaders as well as other leaders on campus, and he hopes to continue to see it expand in the future.
āI feel like Dalhousie supports and givesĀ latitude to those who want to make a difference....Iāve worked for a lot of huge organizations in my life, but Iāve never encountered a more supportive employer.ā
The reason weāre here
For those on the front lines of Dalās teaching and research, supporting both students and colleagues is a key part of being a university employee.
āI think Dalhousie blends the best of big and small university environments,ā says Srini Sampalli, professor with the Faculty of Computer Science, noting what he perceives as a true sense of collegiality on campus. āWhat is remarkable is that the university has a rich research culture as well as student-centered learning.ā
And for Dr. Sampalli itās the student experience, first and foremost, that keeps him excited about coming to work each morning.
āIām very passionate about teaching. I believe students are the reason weāre here, and I feel privileged to get to teach and work with students.... Itās like that Chinese saying, āChoose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.ā And I feel like I chose a job I love.ā
Setting a standard
Katherine Sheehan, assistant vice-president of Human Resources, is quick to credit the entire Dal community for helping make the Top 100 recognition possible. In particular, sheās thankful for the staff across various departments and offices who were involved in preparing materials during the application process.
She adds that while being named one of the best employers in Canada is a source of pride for Dalhousie, itās also something of a challenge.
āThis symbolizes that weāre a workplace that attracts and supports excellent people āĀ and it means we have to continue to live up to that standard,ā she says, noting that the forthcoming release of the latest workplace survey (scheduled for October 17) will provide more insight into how Dalhousie can continue to improve as an employer.
āNo workplace is without its issues, and Iām sure our employees willāand shouldāpoint to this award as something to hold us accountable to.ā
After all, she says, the sort of accomplishments cited by Dr. Traves can only happen if there is a community of employees to help achieve them.
āOn their behalf, we're committed to earning this distinction every day."
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One of Canadaās Top 100, and darn proud of it!
By Katherine Sheehan, Assistant Vice-President, Human Resources
One of the best in the country? You bet we are.
Whether we say it loudly or think it quietly, most of us already know this is true. But itās a great affirmation to have the Globe and Mail declare our pilipiliĀž» to the rest of the country as part of their Top 100 Employers project.
Every employee in this university ā no matter what your position or your role -- should take great pride in this recognition. Ultimately, the Top 100 is a salute to each and every person who works here, and it builds on our already strong reputation across Canada. Closer to home, we can be even more proud knowing that pilipiliĀž» is the only Atlantic Canadian university to ever be chosen a Top 100 employer.
The Globe and Mail awarded this recognition to Dalhousie but you ā as an employee ā should claim it because, without you, we would not be a Top 100 employer.Ā With that in mind, I hope youāll accept this Top 100 designation as your own.
Over the next 12 months, I encourage you to share this Dal pilipiliĀž» ā tell your friends and neighbours; include it in your email signature; make it part of your PowerPoint presentations.
Youāll find all you need at .
Let everyone know that weāre darn good, and getting better.