University of New Brunswick / UNB
Basil Alexander, an assistant professor for UNB's faculty of law, leads a virtual class   (Photo credit: Rob Blanchard)

Recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers (2023) and Atlantic Canada's Top Employers (2023):

Here are some of the reasons why University of New Brunswick / UNB was selected as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers (2023) and Atlantic Canada's Top Employers (2023):

  • UNB has developed a formal remote work policy that includes hybrid work and fully remote work-from-home arrangements, use of shared and hotel office space for employees to reserve as needed, and ensures that employees have access to the technology and supplies required for remote work
  • UNB employees are encouraged to continue their professional (and personal) development through a variety of in-house and online training initiatives, subsidies for professional accreditations, and full tuition subsidies for courses related and not directly related to their current position
  • UNB helps employees plan securely for the future with contributions to a defined benefit pension plan and retirement planning assistance -- retirees can also stay connected through a dedicated Retired Employees Association, which assists members with health benefits and related concerns, and provides a collective voice to the university
Nursing faculty members at the UNB Saint John campus   (Photo credit: Cameron Fitch)

Employer Background

Industry Post secondary schools, university
Established in Canada 1785
Major Canadian hiring locations Fredericton NB, Saint John NB
Full-time employees in Canada 1,816
Part-time employees in Canada 377
Workforce engaged on a contract basis 39%
Average age of employees in Canada 44 years
Longest serving employee 50 years

Work Environment Rating: A+

Hybrid work office equipment loan program, introduced a formal remote work policy that features options for hybrid and remote work arrangements
Flexible work options flexible work hours, shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay), telecommuting, reduced summer hours
Commuter amenities walk to public transit, free parking, subsidized parking, electric vehicle charging stations, secure/sheltered bicycle parking
Onsite workplace features the university's main Fredericton campus features historic buildings such as Sir Howard Douglas Hall (dating back to 1785), telecommuter workstations, sit-stand workstations, religious observance room, outdoor patio, outdoor barbecue, discounts at local restaurants
Employee lounge amenities comfortable seating, fireplace, music, television, numerous gathering areas around campus, healthy menus, special diet menus, subsidized meals, take-home meals
Other food options at main location smaller market-style cafeterias throughout campus, pubs, coffee shop, convenience store
Onsite fitness facility shared-use facility, subsidized membership, treadmills, stationary bikes, stairmasters, instructor-led classes (Zumba, yoga, pilates, spin, silver series and aqua exercise for older adults), elliptical trainers, rowing machines, weights, basketball court, shower facilities, indoor track, TRX facilities, dance studio, climbing wall, swimming pool, performance lab, semi-private programs, fitness assessments, personal trainers, ice arena, squash courts

Work Atmosphere & Communications Rating: B

Past social events adapted many of its traditional events into virtual events, including a campus-wide Christmas party, departmental Christmas parties, games nights, art shows at the UNB’s Art Centre, the annual president’s award ceremony and homecoming events
Cultural aspects business-casual dress daily, dress-for-your-day policy, casual dress Fridays, music while working, employee sports teams, organized social activities for retirees
Employee communications intranet site, company newsletter
Other in-house communications departmental newsletters

Financial Benefits & Compensation Rating: A

Financial benefits note UNB 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 retirement planning assistance, phased-in retirement work options
Signing bonuses available for some positions
Additional financial benefits corporate discount program (e.g. retail, services, travel, etc.), discounted parking passes, gym memberships, numerous product and service discounts, from computer purchases to restaurants and groceries

Health & Family-Friendly Benefits Rating: A

Health plan note UNB has multiple employee groups, health plans may vary by position
Health plan premium as part of the health plan, the employer pays up to 50% of the premiums
Minimum hours worked for coverage 13 hours per week
Waiting period for coverage 180 days
Family coverage option yes
Retiree coverage with no age limit yes
Dental coverage routine, restorative
Eyecare $325 every 2 years
Paid sick days employees receive 3 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, medical equipment and supplies, massage therapy, nutrition planning, podiatrist, osteopathy, chiropractor, alternative coverage (e.g. acupuncture, naturopathy), virtual healthcare services
Additional health plan information no maximum for mental health practitioner benefit, retiree coverage available
Additional health and wellness initiatives campus-wide wellness committee, departmental wellness initiatives and ongoing healthy living challenges
Family-friendly benefits note UNB has multiple employee groups, family-friendly policies may vary by position
Maternity top-up (mothers) up to 95% of salary for 17 weeks
Parental top-up (mothers) up to 95% of salary for 15 weeks
Parental top-up (fathers) up to 95% of salary for 17 weeks
Adoption top-up up to 95% of salary for 17 weeks
Additional family-friendly benefits extended parental leave to unpaid leave, phased-in return to work for new parents, child care onsite
Additional family-friendly information maternity and parental leave top-up duration vary by employee group

Vacation & Personal Time-Off Rating: B

Vacation note UNB has multiple employee groups, vacation policies may vary by position
Vacation allowance new employees receive 3 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 5 weeks of vacation over their career
Paid holiday shutdown during the Christmas to New Year's holiday break, employees receive an additional 2 days off
Unpaid leave of absence option yes
Additional time-off information faculty receive 4 weeks of starting vacation

Employee Engagement & Performance Rating: A

Employee performance reviews employees receive individual performance reviews every 12 months
Managers receive performance review training yes
Confidential employee feedback employees can also provide confidential feedback on their manager's performance
Exit interview exit interview option is available for departing employees
Performance recognition peer-to-peer recognition awards, long-service awards, UNB Merit Awards, excellence in teaching awards, distinguished service awards, President's Medal (for service over the span of a career), excellence in research awards, University Teaching Scholar Award, University Research Scholar Award

Training & Skills Development Rating: A+

In-house training initiatives in-house training, online training, subsidies for professional accreditation
Tuition subsidies (related to job) yes
Tuition subsidies (unrelated to job) yes
Education leave educational leaves of absence are available
Financial bonuses for course completions yes

Community Involvement Rating: B+

Scope of charitable involvement local, national, international
Employee charitable involvement employees are involved in selection of charities
Some of the community organizations supported United Way, Canadian Blood Services, Promise Partnership (in-house initiative focused on poverty reduction in Saint John)
Community highlight UNB encourages employees to support the United Way through payroll deductions and encourages employees (and students) to suggest and organize their own initiatives.

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