Simon Fraser University
The Aboriginal Reconciliation Council presented a special report to Simon Fraser University's president during a witnessing ceremony in Coast Salish protocol and tradition   (Photo credit: Greg Ehlers)

Recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers (2025), Canada's Top Family-Friendly Employers (2024) and BC's Top Employers (2025):

Here are some of the reasons why Simon Fraser University was selected as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers (2025), Canada's Top Family-Friendly Employers (2024) and BC's Top Employers (2025):

  • Simon Fraser University employees can confidently plan for the future through the security of defined benefit pension plan and remain enrolled in the university's health benefits plan after they retire, with 50 per cent premiums and no age limit
  • Simon Fraser University employees work in one of the country's most unique campuses atop Burnaby Mountain, with free access to extensive fitness facilities that include a swimming pool, racquetball courts, indoor soccer, a climbing wall, women-only hours, personal fitness consultations and a range of instructor-led classes such as pilates, yoga, Zumba, and spin
  • Simon Fraser University provides generous maternity and parental leave top-up payments for employees who are new mothers, fathers or adoptive parents (to 100 per cent of salary for 35 weeks) -- and employees can apply to extend their leave into an unpaid leave of absence
Simon Fraser University employees, students and volunteers participate in the annual Terry Fox Run in support of cancer research   (Photo credit: Dale Northey)

Employer Background

Industry Post secondary schools, university
Established in Canada 1965
Major Canadian locations Burnaby BC, Vancouver BC, Surrey BC
Full-time employees in Canada 3,572
Part-time employees in Canada 4,376
Workforce engaged on a contract basis 0.40%
Average age of employees in Canada 39 years
Longest serving employee 51 years

Work Environment Rating: A+

Flexible work options hybrid work option, flexible work hours, 35-hour work week (with full pay), telecommuting, shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay), earned days off program, earned days off program lets employees work 0.8 extra hours each day and receive 2 days off each month
Commuter amenities walk to public transit, transit subsidies, online carpool sign-up, electric vehicle charging stations, secure/sheltered bicycle parking, nearby bike sharing station
Onsite workplace features telecommuter workstations, sit-stand workstations, religious observance room, self-serve lunchroom, outdoor patio, student union building features lounges, a community kitchen, online gaming lounge and live performance stage, and a private wellness room
Employee lounge amenities comfortable seating, music, television
Onsite cafeteria healthy menus, special diet menus
Other food options at main location several cafeterias, food courts, restaurants and food vendors across campus, pub and restaurant, fully operational dining room and conference centre, visiting food trucks
Onsite fitness facility shared-use facility, free membership, treadmills, stationary bikes, stairmasters, instructor-led classes (pilates, yoga, Zumba, spin), elliptical trainers, rowing machines, weights, basketball court, shower facilities, swimming pool, racquetball courts, indoor soccer court, badminton courts, climbing wall, women-only hours, free fitness consultations

Work Atmosphere & Communications Rating: B+

Past social events annual staff achievement award dinner, summer employee appreciation barbecue
Cultural aspects business-casual dress daily, casual dress (e.g. jeans) daily, music while working, can bring pets to work when needed, organized social activities for retirees
Employee communications intranet site, company newsletter

Financial Benefits & Compensation Rating: A

Financial benefits note Simon Fraser University has multiple employee groups, financial benefits may vary by position
Outside salary surveys participates in outside salary surveys every 12 months
Employee salary reviews individual salaries are reviewed every 12 months
Long-term savings defined-benefit (DB) pension
Long-term planning phased-in retirement work options
Additional financial benefits discounted home insurance, academic tuition coverage available to current employees and retirees

Health & Family-Friendly Benefits Rating: A+

Health plan note Simon Fraser University has multiple employee groups, health plans may vary by position
Health plan premium as part of the health plan, the employer pays up to 100% of the premiums
Minimum hours worked for coverage 14 hours per week
Waiting period for coverage 30 days
Family coverage option yes
Retiree coverage with no age limit yes
Dental coverage routine, restorative, orthodontics
Eyecare $500 every 2 years
Paid sick days employees receive 5 days off each year
Health plan includes traditional coverage (e.g. prescription drugs), employee assistance (EAP) plan, semi-private hospital room, physiotherapy, medical travel insurance, homecare, medical equipment and supplies, massage therapy, podiatrist, chiropractor, alternative coverage (e.g. acupuncture, naturopathy)
Mental health practitioner benefit up to $2,500 each year
Additional health plan information the university has separate health plans for its faculty, administrative staff and professionals, and unionized employees
Additional health and wellness initiatives Organizational Health Department (manages illness, sick leave, and wellness policies across the university and works with employees and managers to help employees returning to work)
Family-friendly benefits note Simon Fraser University has multiple employee groups, family-friendly policies may vary by position
Maternity top-up (mothers) up to 100% of salary for 35 weeks
Parental top-up (fathers) up to 100% of salary for 35 weeks
Adoption top-up up to 100% of salary for 35 weeks
Additional family-friendly benefits extended parental leave to unpaid leave, child care onsite, compassionate top-up to 100% of salary for 1 week
Additional family-friendly information onsite (and off-campus) childcare centres, offers spring break and summer camp programs for school-aged kids, participates in the annual Take Our Kids to Work Day for Grade 9 students

Vacation & Personal Time-Off Rating: A+

Vacation note Simon Fraser University has multiple employee groups, vacation policies may vary by position
Vacation allowance new employees receive 4 weeks of paid vacation after their first year on the job
Vacation jump vacation increases after 8 years of employment
Maximum vacation allowance employees move to a maximum of 6 weeks of vacation over their career
Paid holiday shutdown during the Christmas to New Year's holiday break, employees receive an additional 3 days off
Unpaid leave maximum 12 months
Additional time-off information reading week break (100 per cent of salary for one week)

Employee Engagement & Performance Rating: B

Employee performance reviews employees receive individual performance reviews every 6 months
Managers receive performance review training yes
Exit interview exit interview option is available for departing employees
Performance recognition long-service awards, Staff Achievement Awards (for administrative, professional, clerical, technical and trades employees)
In-house survey period in-house surveys are conducted every 24 months

Training & Skills Development Rating: A+

In-house training initiatives in-house training, online training, leadership development programs, subsidies for professional accreditation, mentoring to transfer retirees' skills
Related tuition subsidies employer covers up to 100% of tuition per year
Unrelated tuition subsidies employer covers up to 100% of tuition per year for courses unrelated to current position

Community Involvement Rating: B

Scope of charitable involvement local
Employee charitable involvement employees receive paid time off to volunteer
Total number of charities supported last year approximately 2 charitable and community organizations were supported last year
Some of the community organizations supported United Way, Terry Fox Foundation
Community highlight SFU supports the annual United Way campaign to raise funds for local agencies and programs that provide support to children and seniors living in poverty, as well as programs to help prevent bullying among children -- employees also participate in the annual Terry Fox Run with all money raised directed to cancer research.

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