In today’s highly competitive marketplace companies not only vie for clients, but for key employees as well. One of the major problems facing employers today in the GTA today is the acquisition and retention of key personnel. This problem will become even more apparent in the next few years with the impending retirement of the Baby Boomers. Things like adoption leave benefits and paternity leave benefits that were “wish list items” years ago are pretty much standard issue today.

The highly anticipated Greater Toronto Guide to the Top 50 Employers will soon be out and you can be sure that Toronto’s labour talent will be consulting this guide when making employment decisions.

Mediacorp graded companies on the following 7 factors:

• Physical workplace
• Work and social atmosphere
• Vacation and time off
• Employee communications
• Performance management
• Training and skills development
• Health, financial, and family

In order to compile this unbiased Toronto Guide to the Top 50 Employers Mediacorp examined in depth approximately 1,800 leading edge employers from more than 40 different industries and sectors. One of the areas examined that is unique to major centres like the GTA was how companies were attracting and integrating new immigrants. We all hear about the importance of corporate “green” initiatives. As a result environmental responsibility is also being taken into account. And charitable works and community involvement are also important issues that are being examined.

The days of offering better than average compensation packages, company cars, and medical/dental plans to attract the brightest and the best are long over. Companies in the GTA must compete in the employment wars in order to attract and retain the brightest and the best. What would make you want to leave your present employment? What makes you stay?