J.L. Richards & Associates Limited (JLR), an engineering, architecture, and planning firm, provides multidisciplinary consulting services to its clients. Vice-president René Lambert says that all the efforts and resources that go into being a “Best Place to Work” are important for the firm, and they drive positive outcomes like engagement and retention. “It is validating to see our efforts recognized in such a big way through this award,” says Lambert.
What is your recruitment philosophy?
“We are looking for the top tier of talent in the engineering, architectural, and planning worlds,” Lambert says. “Employees stay here for a long time and enjoy what they do, where they work, and the relationships they forge.”
Job creation
“In all of our disciplines, we have openings for new talent,” Lambert says. “We’re in a good growth cycle and every new hire is an opportunity to explore new and exciting work.”
Mentorship, training, and development
JLR has a strong focus on career mentorship and technical development, with programs and initiatives that support both. “Our career mentorship program pairs a senior leader with an employee in an entirely different discipline,” says Kristin McCartney, human resources manager. “This program helps diffuse and propagate our culture, and teaches both parties about another perspective,” she adds.
Paid time off
JLR has a strong focus on work-life balance. Employees have access to ample paid time-off banks, including vacation, sick time, medical appointment leave, and even banked time—a policy whereby anything worked over and above 37.5 hours in a week can be banked and either paid out or used for extra time off.
“Employees who want to immerse themselves in a project will accumulate banked time if they work more than a regular work week,” says Lambert.
“It is one of the big reasons that people feel valued for their time here,” adds McCartney.
Wellness initiatives
JLR has a full calendar of wellness initiatives, focusing on mental, financial, and social well-being. In January, for example, the focus is on mental health to align with Bell Let’s Talk Day. In August, employees received a 20-minute massage in the office, on office time. Employees also enjoy a reduced rate with GoodLife Fitness and a virtual tele-medicine service for quick prescriptions and referrals.
Employee ownership
The cornerstone of JLR’s culture is its broad-based employee-ownership model. Approximately two-thirds of its 470+ employees are shareholders, and none of its shares are held by external parties. “Every policy, every program, every step we take corporately is defined by the fact that we are proudly employee owned,” says Lambert.
Have fun!
“JLR allots ‘fun funds’ each year, discretionary team building budgets for managers to use however they see fit,” says McCartney. “We started this practice in the pandemic and never stopped.”
The firm also organizes company-wide and department social events, which are a long-standing tradition and always generate a lot of energy and excitement. Employees are also empowered to lead their own events, including dragon-boating, volleyball, and hockey tournaments along with philanthropic initiatives that give back to the communities employees live in.
Company career page
