At Payworks, employees team up at work and play

Ten years ago, Kyle Leung began his career at Payworks Inc. as part of a University of Manitoba co-op program. Now, he takes part in interviews to hire students. “I try to engage them by showing what working at Payworks can offer,” says Leung, a software development team lead. “It’s impactful to see them later and find that they love the work.”

A Winnipeg-based workforce management company, Payworks develops cloud-based products for payroll, human resources, employee time and absence management for businesses across Canada.

“It starts with our motto to do right by people – in our organization and with customers,” says Maureen Kinnear, chief technology officer. “We listen to different perspectives which helps us connect and build a better plan.”

Kinnear sees value in the company’s efforts to expose diverse populations of the future workforce to an exciting career proposition. “We’re looking at how we can partner with post-secondary, secondary and even middle school organizations in the community to promote exciting career paths in information technology,” she says.

Last year, she brought a group from Payworks to help out and represent women in technology at an e-sports video gaming competition, held in a local school division. It was meant to encourage a broad range of young people to take part.

At Payworks alone, there are opportunities in software development, IT infrastructure support, cybersecurity and IT architecture, says Kinnear. “We’re growing. And we’re constantly reimagining and leveraging technology to be more secure, reliable and intuitive.”

One way employees look forward to shining a light on new ideas is through Codeworks. This daylong, annual competition between Payworks teams is an opportunity for employees to collaborate on different technical challenges. The goal is to come up with a minimum viable project solution while racing against other teams and the clock. In past years, some ideas have gone on to be integrated into the Payworks product and processes.

Other perks include two “pay it forward” days for staff to volunteer in the community, free parking and a brand new state-of-the-art building in Winnipeg. Comfortable meeting rooms with computers, large screens and smart boards allow for brainstorming and encourage employee collaboration across Canada.

“Company leaders put thought and effort into making this a collaborative space,” says Leung. “And we have a golf simulator, ping pong, outdoor sports courts and a gym.”

Payworks also promotes well-being through a wellness credit that Leung can use to pay his recreational soccer registration or buy sports equipment. And there is an on-site mini market where employees can purchase fresh, healthy meals alongside a range of snack options.

During his co-op placement, Leung knew he wanted to work with Payworks, and he interviewed and was hired for a position as a software developer. Since then, he has been promoted to tech lead, and now team lead, managing a team of four employees.

As the company grows, Leung sees new opportunities. He took leadership training with a cohort of colleagues in various departments from across Canada. And he finds the leaders of the organization are approachable if he has input or needs an answer to a question.

“I’m excited to come into the new office to catch up with people in person on the sports courts or at the ping pong table,” says Leung. “But also to put our heads down and work on new architecture for our product. We work hard and play hard!”

“Payworks is a grown-in-Manitoba success story entering its 25th year,” says Kinnear. “I experience the culture on a daily basis – wonderful, supportive people in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing the winners of this year's Manitoba's Top Employers competition, published March 11, 2025 in the Winnipeg Free Press. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, who did not write or review the content.