TORONTO, Ontario — If Multi-Health Systems’ (MHS) 165 employees feel and act like owners of the company, it’s because they are. While MHS is a profit-share company, it’s the corporate culture that embraces employee involvement in all aspects of the company’s operations. That helps attract and retain the best, and openly encourages formal and informal teamwork.
MHS’ reputation for collaboration is illustrated by one of the most popular employee involvement activities, the company’s annual hackathon. The day-long event is an intense brainstorming session where members of staff quickly generate, prototype and test creative, innovative ideas that might disrupt their business or industry. Winning ideas are selected by a panel of judges; some have resulted in new processes and technologies for the business.
In this dynamic environment, managers reinforce work-life balance, giving, kindness and respect toward others, with a focus on paying it forward in the communities in which they live and work. MHS’ Community 360 initiative encourages volunteering, fundraising, and learning and development activities with the local Boys and Girls Club. In 2017, employees raised $18,000, matched by the company to $37,574, and volunteered 839 hours.
The MHS culture is one of family helping each other, committed to creating an environment that is psychologically healthy. Leadership and staff believe it is their responsibility to be contributing members of the community, which is not unlike the way the company runs its business. Employees are empowered to make decisions that are in the best interest of the company. They benefit from a sense of achievement, teamwork and self-fulfillment in a safe, supportive healthy workplace.
Multi-Health Systems: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Additional workplace practices
Health and Safety
- With MHS’s focus on health, a group of employees banded together to form a walking club; using fitness trackers, they have virtually walked to Alaska, Tokyo and Paris.
- Meditation room with massage chair and treadmill desks available for any staff member’s use.
Work-life Balance
Up to five days of paid time off for bereavement.
Employee Recognition
- At annual hackathon, all employees vote one innovative concept as the Employee Choice Award.
- Project milestones celebrated on a regular basis.
Outcomes
- Revenue and profitability have increased year after year; in the past five years, revenue has increased 15 percent on average per year.
- Awarded one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures in 2016 and 2017.
- Personal day policy (10 per year) allows employees to take time off at their own discretion, eliminating unplanned absenteeism.