2023 Impact Awards winner: Imperial Tobacco

To put it simply: “Our company succeeds when our people thrive,” says Lito Charet, vice-president, human resources. “The last few years have truly redefined the way we work, further confirming that a one-size-fits-all approach isn’t the most optimal—but rather, embracing flexibility and empowering our employees to balance their schedules to what suits them.” 

Some changes include empowering head office employees to work from home up to 50% of the time as the new standard and the company has also implemented what it calls Fri-Yays, from Easter to Thanksgiving, to encourage employees to log-off at noon on Fridays to enjoy a longer weekend.

Learning opportunities also play a key role. In 2022, they were expanded to be more inclusive to leaders and employees of all levels as a response to feedback from its Diversity & Inclusion Employee Advisory Council. Through the addition of open enrollment programs and expanding access to its on-demand, digital self-study platforms, it continues to inspire and support the development of knowledge and skills.

“The voice of our employees led to us becoming certified for the first time ever as one of Canada’s Great Places to Work in 2022 and we aim to continue to put the employees voice at the centre of our people strategy,” says Charet.