From hiring practices to training and development, there are many things to consider when it comes to being one of the city’s Best Places to Work.
“Human resources has rarely been under such a spotlight,” said OBJ editor in chief Anne Howland. “There are so many key issues at play, including diversity and inclusion and shifting trends in the labour market, not to mention generational differences in the workplace and the effect that AI might have on many aspects of our work lives.”
Best Places to Work is an annual program organized by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Board of Trade. Eligible firms are required to be in business for at least a year, as well as to maintain an office and have a minimum of 15 employees in the National Capital Region.
(Sponsored)
Inspired by love and loss, donor Tom Moore triples Giving Tuesday donations
For Tom Moore, a retired tech executive and longtime Ottawa resident, giving back to The Ottawa Hospital isn’t just a gesture of generosity. It’s personal. Tom grew up on a
Family-owned Coke Canada Bottling investing to grow in Ottawa-Gatineau
Have you ever wondered where your favourite Coca-Cola products come from? Few people in know that over 300 popular beverages products, like Coca-Cola, Coke Zero, Fuze, Fanta, Monster Energy, A&W
Participants are ranked according to the results of in-depth employer questionnaires and employee engagement surveys conducted by U.S.-based Workforce Research Group.
Employees are asked to rate the performance of their workplace in categories such as leadership and planning, corporate culture, job satisfaction, training, and pay and benefits. This year, there were more than 1,300 employee surveys completed.
Employers fill out an extensive questionnaire that determines what types of benefits they provide to employees and assesses how their workplaces address issues ranging from work-life balance to diversity.
Based on that research, here is a ranked list of the top 20 Best Places to Work for 2025:
1. Knak
Knak fosters a culture of creativity, collaboration and balance, supported by a flexible hybrid model and strong employee engagement. With standout perks like wellness programs, milestone rewards and employee ownership, Knak builds a values-driven workplace where individuals feel heard, valued and set up for shared success.
CO-FOUNDER/CEO: Pierce Ujjainwalla
SECTOR: Technology
YEAR STARTED: 2015
EMPLOYEES: 98
2. Stoneworks Technology Inc.
Stoneworks fosters a welcoming, inclusive culture rooted in a “pay-it-forward” philosophy, offering strong benefits and ongoing community support. With a focus on personal growth, team success and putting family first, employees thrive in a workplace that values learning, celebration and meaningful impact.
CEO: Jody Burton
SECTOR: Technology
YEAR STARTED: 2020
EMPLOYEES: 25
3. Snowed In Studios
Snowed In Studios has been a leader in Ottawa’s videogame industry for 15 years, known for its people-first culture and strict no-crunch policy. With a focus on transparency, career growth and work-life balance, the studio offers a supportive, fun environment where employees can thrive both professionally and personally.
STUDIO HEAD: Nigel Franks
SECTOR: Technology
YEAR STARTED: 2010
EMPLOYEES: 117
4. Relax Massage Group
Relax Massage Group is a therapist-first clinic that prioritizes the well-being and growth of its team to deliver exceptional client care. With more than 20 years in the industry, it fosters an inclusive, supportive and fun culture, making it one of Ottawa’s leading employers of RMTs.
OWNER/FOUNDER: Melissa Gardner
SECTOR: Health care
YEAR STARTED: 2004
EMPLOYEES: 30
5. Ottawa General Contractors
With its family-like culture, Ottawa General Contractors fosters a fun, respectful and engaging environment by offering flexible schedules, competitive pay and perks such as free Friday lunches. It supports the team’s growth with customized workflows and performance-based rewards, leading to a truly connected and rewarding workplace.
PRESIDENT: Fares Elsabbagh
SECTOR: Construction
YEAR STARTED: 2007
EMPLOYEES: 29
6. HW Partners
HW Partners, formerly Hendry Warren LLP, fosters a collaborative, supportive culture where employees grow both personally and professionally. With flexible hours, social events, community involvement and strong mentorship and CPA development programs, the firm prioritizes balance, connection and long-term career growth.
PARTNER: Shaina Watt
SECTOR: Accounting
YEAR STARTED: 2002
EMPLOYEES: 68
7. Dilfo Mechanical Ltd.
Dilfo Mechanical fosters a respectful, collaborative culture where employees are valued, supported and engaged in meaningful work across major projects and a growing service division. With strong safety standards, career development and a commitment to work-life balance, Dilfo’s values and trusted industry relationships create a stable, rewarding workplace.
PRESIDENT: Danny Dillon
SECTOR: Construction
YEAR STARTED: 1980
EMPLOYEES: 286
8. Entuitive
Entuitive is a purpose-driven, B Corp-certified firm that prioritizes innovation, collaboration and sustainability with a people-first culture supported by hybrid work, strong benefits and a focus on wellness and DEI. As a worker-owned company, it empowers employees through mentorship, mobility opportunities and meaningful engagement, creating a workplace where people thrive.
CEO: Brock Schroeder
SECTOR: Engineering
YEAR STARTED: 2011
EMPLOYEES: 338
9. MP Lundy Construction Inc.
MP Lundy Construction is a culture-first company where professionals are supported, challenged and valued through strong mentorship, generous benefits and long-term career opportunities. With a focus on employee well-being and a close-knit, high-performing team, Lundy fosters a workplace where people thrive and build lasting careers.
PRESIDENT/CEO/OWNER: Sean Lundy
SECTOR: Construction
YEAR STARTED: 1967
EMPLOYEES: 38
10. TPH Plumbing and Heating
TPH is redefining work in the trades through a culture of innovation, integrity and craftsmanship where every employee is empowered to grow and lead. With cutting-edge tools such as 3D BIM and a strong focus on safety, collaboration and work-life balance, TPH builds not just systems but lasting careers and futures.
PRESIDENT: Patrick Taillefer
SECTOR: Construction
YEAR STARTED: 1986
EMPLOYEES: 130
11. numbercrunch
numbercrunch fosters a fun, flexible and people-first culture where connection, curiosity and collaboration thrive. With unique team-building activities, meaningful benefits and a strong sense of belonging, it’s a workplace where employees grow, feel valued and enjoy coming to work.
CO-FOUNDER: Susan Richards
SECTOR: Finance
YEAR STARTED: 2005
EMPLOYEES: 27
12. Invest Ottawa
Invest Ottawa offers an inclusive, flexible and impact-driven workplace where employees grow alongside a diverse team of both long-standing and new staff. As the city’s lead economic development agency, Invest Ottawa fosters meaningful work, strong community partnerships and a culture grounded in trust, belonging and equal opportunity.
PRESIDENT/CEO: Sonya Shorey
SECTOR: Non-profit
YEAR STARTED: 2012
EMPLOYEES: 82
13. Forest Products Association of Canada/Canadian Wood Council
The Forest Products Association of Canada and Canadian Wood Council foster a collaborative, multigenerational culture where employees feel valued, empowered and proud of their meaningful work. With a strong employee net promoter score, flexible hybrid work, in-house coaching and a focus on well-being, the organizations prioritize purpose, growth and balance.
PRESIDENT/CEO: Derek Nighbor
SECTOR: Agriculture-forestry
YEAR STARTED: 1913
EMPLOYEES: 53
14. Trellis
Trellis is an Ottawa-based software company helping Amazon and Walmart sellers grow through AI-powered ad optimization and merchandising tools. The company focuses on the key pillars of price, product, placement and promotion. Trellis fosters a collaborative, fast-growing startup culture where employees enjoy flexibility, strong work-life balance and continuous learning opportunities.
CEO: Fahim Sheikh
SECTOR: Technology
YEAR STARTED: 2019
EMPLOYEES: 44
15. Pomerleau Construction
Pomerleau fosters a purpose-driven culture grounded in authenticity, innovation and inclusion, where every employee has the opportunity to lead and grow. With flexible work, strong learning and wellness programs and impactful community projects, the company builds not just structures but lasting careers and a workplace where people thrive.
CEO: Philippe Adam
SECTOR: Construction
YEAR STARTED: 1964
EMPLOYEES: 3,803
16. March Networks
March Networks is an Ottawa-based global leader in intelligent video surveillance and business intelligence solutions. With more than 25 years of experience, the company fosters a collaborative, innovation-driven culture that values flexibility, professional growth and employee input. Its commitment to sustainability, diversity and cutting-edge technology makes it a purpose-driven and people-focused workplace.
PRESIDENT/CEO: Peter Strom
SECTOR: Technology
YEAR STARTED: 2000
EMPLOYEES: 141
17. Searidge Technologies
Searidge Technologies fosters a collaborative, purpose-driven culture where employees feel empowered, heard and united in transforming aviation. With strong leadership, meaningful work, standout perks like daily lunch, birthdays off and RRSP-matching, the company maintains high engagement, low turnover and a shared sense of pride.
CEO: Moodie Cheikh
SECTOR: Technology
YEAR STARTED: 2006
EMPLOYEES: 57
18. Alliance Engineering & Construction Ltd.
Alliance Engineering & Construction is known for its vibrant, team-oriented culture that emphasizes innovation, professional development and employee well-being. With flexible schedules, mentorship opportunities, social events and benefits such as RRSPs and extra-long summer weekends, employees feel supported, engaged and motivated to grow.
PRESIDENT: Peter Paciorek
SECTOR: Construction
YEAR STARTED: 2010
EMPLOYEES: 99
19. seoplus+
seoplus+ offers a purpose-driven workplace where employees create meaningful impact through innovation, collaboration and client success. With strong professional growth opportunities, competitive benefits and a commitment to community, the company fosters high engagement and long-term retention.
CEO: Eddy Abounehme
SECTOR: Advertising
YEAR STARTED: 2012
EMPLOYEES: 45
20. Mann Lawyers LLP
Mann Lawyers is a compassionate, collaborative firm where every team member is valued and supported through mentorship, career development and flexible work arrangements. Its inclusive culture and commitment to wellness create a meaningful workplace where people thrive and make a positive impact.
CO-MANAGING PARTNER: Andre Martin
SECTOR: Legal
YEAR STARTED: 1994
EMPLOYEES: 63
Recipients will be celebrated at the Best Places to Work Employer Summit tomorrow at Rogers Centre Ottawa.
The half-day conference will explore the challenges and opportunities in today’s evolving workplaces. Speakers include Alastair Summerlee of Ottawa Education Group and Karen Brownrigg of iHR Advisory Services.
The summit will also include DisruptHR, a volunteer-run event intended to challenge conventional HR practices. For more information, click this link.
Best Places to Work also includes a free career and training expo. More information here.
