Employees energize their own careers at ABB Canada

Jennifer Almeida had worked for 16 years in the technology industry when she applied for a sales position at ABB Canada. Parenting two young children during the pandemic, she was looking for a flexible environment that would be challenging as well. Three and a half years later, she manages 30 employees in ABB Robotic Services Canada.

“During the interview, we talked about benefits and growing my career,” says Almeida, now business unit manager. “It was reassuring. I never felt I had to withhold who I am as a parent.”

“ABB fosters an inclusive environment that promotes growth,” says Katie Bessette, country human resources manager. “Talent is a rare resource, and we are committed to attracting, nurturing and retaining our employees for long-term success.”

Headquartered in Montréal, ABB Canada is a technology leader in electrification and automation. The company creates products, solutions, systems and services that increase energy efficiency and reliability for industrial, utility and infrastructure customers across Canada.

ABB’s inclusive culture shows up in many ways. Employees may join various diversity, equity and inclusion committees. The company also conducts an anonymous engagement survey that gives leaders an idea of how involved employees feel in their work. An engagement task force analyzes the survey and works to implement employee suggestions and to improve the culture of the organization.

Another way Bessette and her team ensure inclusivity and growth is through transparency. Almost 99 per cent of open job positions are posted on an internal portal. “Even if someone applies and isn’t yet the right fit, the interview with a manager might lead to a development plan and new projects,” she says.

Employees are encouraged to own their career. “But it’s really a dance between an employee and their manager,” says Bessette. “We ask that employees let their manager know what they want to do and what development they need to get there.”

Managers also recognize potential and keep an eye out for the next opportunity for their employees – even if it is in a different department. “We offer opportunities to work with interesting technologies and on game-changing products around the globe,” says Bessette. “Some global opportunities even allow employees to continue to work from Canada.”

When Almeida was promoted into her new role, she received development support in her transition to becoming a people manager. She has access to an external business coach and a manager who mentors her through an open door policy and brainstorming sessions.

In addition, the company offers a global mentorship program. Employees can apply to be mentored and may get assigned to an ABB leader in another region or country.

Almeida herself is a mentor in the program. She does speaking engagements with schools and committees. “I share with younger generations that ABB offers a great deal of opportunity for someone who is both curious and dares to dream.”

Almeida recently spoke on sustainability for the ABB Women in Industry Committee. She’s one of many employees educating others on how ABB helps customers reduce emissions and increase renewable energy use. True to its purpose, ABB is also shrinking its own footprint across products, systems, services and offices.

“We have a sustainability committee that looks at everything, from making sure we’re not printing or copying unnecessarily to considering the packaging we’re using to ensuring the lights are shut off when we’re not around,” says Almeida.

“Many of our employees tell us they feel they are making a difference,” says Bessette.

“I’m happy to go to work every morning,” says Almeida. “The people I work with are passionate about our work. They’re like my second family.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Canada's Top 100 Employers winners, published November 15, 2024 in The Globe and Mail. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.

ABB has been ahead of its time for a long time

Mike Golden began working with ABB Canada as a contractor involved in building the head office campus in Montréal ten years ago. From there, he quickly started looking for a permanent position.

“I knew I’d be joining a company that is ahead of its time,” says Golden, now country security manager. “The leaders weren’t afraid to leap forward into an open concept. Now we are accessible to each other, and all desks have natural light.”

Headquartered in Montréal, ABB Canada is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company helps industries by creating solutions, systems and services that increase energy efficiency and reliability for industrial, utility and infrastructure customers across Canada.

The Montréal campus received LEED Silver certification for its green construction and features. Once the building was complete, Golden was hired to manage it.

“We have two green plant walls per floor, a common space where people can go to relax or have lunch,” says Golden. “And outside, we have an employee garden and farm bees.” ABB has also reduced the office’s eco-footprint with central printers, garbage bins and composting receptacles.

“Our purpose internally, and with our projects, is to create a more sustainable future and support our community,” says Golden.

“ABB’s purpose is attractive to prospective and current employees,” says Katie Bessette, country human resources manager. “As is our commitment to constantly evolve and improve our work environment.”

Golden recently became ABB’s country security manager. With a nationwide mandate, he has helped to develop policies in support of the employee experience.

One benefit of working with ABB is that the company strives to give flexibility to its workforce. In fact, in certain cases, employees can temporarily work remotely outside of the country.

“We look at requests from the perspective of ‘What’s the optimal way for the employee to work?’” says Golden. He began doing a risk analysis and, along with human resources, led an internal group that developed an out-of-country work policy and system for employees and managers to follow.

Now, employees can register a request online and their manager will know the steps to consider regarding safety, insurance and tax implications. Very often, the answer is yes, but if it’s not, the employee knows the reason why.

Another benefit of working at ABB is community involvement. In Québec, the company supports the Balade de Rêve, runs an annual giving campaign and has become a silver sponsor of a 48-hour charity ride for Make-A-Wish Canada.

ABB’s involvement with such events is encouraged by healthy and sustainable amenities at the office. Employees can commute to work on a bike, leave it in a secure rack and shower and change at the in-house gym.

Golden and a colleague — both avid cyclists — were asked to join a team at the ride for charity four years ago – and they have since organized a way for more colleagues to become involved.

In 2025, Golden’s objective is to build four teams to participate in the charity event. “Employees who take part have an opportunity to meet people they wouldn’t normally work with, including leaders who come out to ride or support.

“I know I’m in the right organization,” says Golden. “I don’t come only for work, but also for a good life.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Montreal’s Top Employers winners, published March 18, 2025 in the Montreal Gazette. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.

A supportive environment energizes employees at ABB

A graduate in electrical engineering, Samy Hubbi had options in terms of the type of work he would take on. Before he joined ABB Canada, he knew he wanted to work with a big company with values that aligned with his own, and he was looking for a rotational program. ABB’s culture and leading Discovery rotational program were the answer.

“I didn’t know if I wanted to start in sales, operations or pure engineering,” says Hubbi, now an electrical designer. “But after 18 months in the ABB Discovery program, the rotations allowed me to find what I wanted to do.”

Headquartered in Montréal, ABB Canada is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company helps industries by creating solutions, systems and services that increase energy efficiency and reliability for industrial, utility and infrastructure customers across Canada.

“Our commitment to sustainability appeals to prospective talent, especially the younger generations,” says Katie Bessette, country human resources manager. “We provide tools and resources to empower them to make a difference.”

Each year, ABB surveys employees to find out what is working well and where there is room to do better. Armed with this information, the company has improved benefits and vacation packages and added policies and programs to ensure the work environment is inclusive.

“It’s a competitive environment to attract talent and retain quality employees, and ABB has been working to ensure we remain a top employer,” says Bessette. “We are happy that 83 per cent of our first Discovery program cohort are with us after three years.”

To this end, employees have access to various development platforms. And one of the company’s strengths is transparency. Almost 99 per cent of open positions are posted on an internal portal for employees who may wish to apply.

Each year, employees work with their managers to map out or review a career path and identify next steps. Bessette says these could include coaching or mentorship opportunities, a cross-functional experience, a course or a new project.

Since joining ABB, Hubbi has received mentorship from his managers. The first rotation set the tone for a positive and inclusive experience.

“I didn’t feel shy to reach out for support,” he says. “The team was multicultural, friendly and helpful. They never made me feel I was taking up their time with questions.” Employees in the current rotations of the Discovery program experience a buddy system and Hubbi is proud to be a buddy to someone in the new cohort.

Hubbi finds that ABB is always innovating to create more effective and sustainable technologies. He likes to work on new ways of doing things. “It keeps me relevant and curious,” he says. And as an employee at ABB, Hubbi has experienced many opportunities for training to promote sustainable development.

Originally from Syria, Hubbi has lived in France and Dubai. He is happy to work for a global organization. “I like that there is mobility. Should I ever want to move, I would have the opportunity to do so without leaving the company,” he says.

Overall, Hubbi finds that ABB is a name young people recognize. “The company provides a flexible work environment, and fosters learning while supporting growth,” he says. “I have a hard time thinking how the grass could be greener anywhere else.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Canada's Top Employers for Young People winners, published January 21, 2025 in The Globe and Mail. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.