HYDRO Ottawa’s Energized Workplace is an Inviting Workplace

As a smaller company, in a government town, you might think Hydro Ottawa would be at a disadvantage when it comes to competing for talent. So why then, you might ask, is Hydro Ottawa consistently recognized as one of the top employers in the National Capital Region?

Lyne Parent-Garvey, Hydro Ottawa’s Chief Human Resources Officer, knows why. “Hydro Ottawa offers potential and existing employees a great work experience, one in which every employee is encouraged, recognized and rewarded,” she says. Here are just 10 examples (and there are more, says Lyne) of why Hydro Ottawa has become the go-to company for employees ready to make a positive difference, personally and professionally.

Good things come in small packages. At Hydro Ottawa, being smaller means every employee knows what they do makes a difference. And every employee will see—quickly—what that difference is.

Innovation finds a home. Employees in any company are naturally expected to do a good job. At Hydro Ottawa, our employees are encouraged to be innovative, to constantly seek new ways to improve the customer experience, be it through new technology or enhanced service offerings.

We give where we live. Our United Way Ottawa workplace campaigns have raised more than $2.4 million. And, through our ‘Paperless Hero’ campaigns, we’ve donated over $400,000 to the CHEO Foundation. Also, employees get one paid day off every year to volunteer in the community.

Safety first, safety by choice. Every working day, half of Hydro Ottawa’s workforce finds itself working in dangerous situations. In response, we have a robust safety program, provide safe work practices training consistent with industry best practices and promote employee health and wellness.

Green means go for the environment. Our new facilities are built to LEED Gold standards, our waste diversion rate is over 90 per cent year over year, we have solar panels that offset our energy consumption and we generate clean green power for Ontario. These are some of the reasons Hydro Ottawa has been recognized as a ‘green’ employer for eight years.

A focus on diversity. We believe diversity and inclusion is about recognizing, respecting and valuing differences. We’ve been recognized as one of the best diversity employers in Canada, in large part because we know that diverse backgrounds and perspectives means enhanced innovation and performance. Through our Diversity and Inclusion Plan employees get the tools and support they need to build an even more diverse and inclusive culture and workplace.

Recognizing employee achievements. Honouring exceptional performance and outstanding achievements is rewarding and inspiring. At Hydro Ottawa, we celebrate our employees’ work every day and with awards for living our values of teamwork, integrity, excellence and service. Recipients are formally recognized at our annual Employee Forum and Recognition Event.

An environment that works. Every Hydro Ottawa employee has a laptop so they can work where they want. In the cafeteria or at touchdown stations, wherever they feel most productive. Our open-concept includes collaboration spaces as well as quiet rooms for those who want, well, quiet.

We’re a values-based company. Strong feedback mechanisms ensure that Hydro Ottawa and its employees are always on the same page, sharing and respecting different perspectives, experiences and backgrounds. Our CEO meets with employees once a month while ad-hoc surveys and focus groups keep everyone on the right path.

Competitive compensation. Yes, you may earn more in other organizations, but Hydro Ottawa is more than competitive when it comes to offering a defined benefit pension, benefits, paid leave and stability of employment. The real difference is the one you’ll make every day working for an innovative and dynamic company like Hydro Ottawa.