Healthy Communities • Y Stories
YMCA of Greater Toronto honoured as a Top GTA Employer
07 December 2018 - by YMCA of Greater Toronto
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a top employer for more than 6,000 employees including hundreds of registered early childhood educators in more than 300 licensed child care locations across the Greater Toronto Area – from Milton to Clarington and Toronto to Shelburne.
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is honoured to be selected as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for the eleventh year!
“This award means more than recognition as we have embarked on a journey to be a great workplace and offer an environment where people enjoy their work and grow in the process of doing it,” says Melanie Laflamme, Senior Vice President Human Resources and Organizational Development.
“Our staff bring their heart and soul to work, in making a difference in the lives of others and the health of our communities every day,” says Melanie. “We try to reciprocate that generosity of spirit through upgrading and enhancing our Human Resources policies, benefits and practices so that our staff can find meaning and satisfaction in their work.”
Over the years, YMCA staff have shared their experiences about what makes the YMCA a great place to work. In honour of our recognition as a top employer, we profile Pamela Shirran’s story.
Pamela, like many staff and volunteers, is passionate about her role and about making a difference in our communities. “As an employee, I get to instill a sense of pride in new members, volunteers and staff every day,” says Pamela. “I am proud of our values, our approach to working with the community and what the YMCA means to so many people”
Pamela realized early on that the YMCA felt like home for her. This feeling led her to become a volunteer and then an employee. “It did not take very long for me to realize what a great place this is,” says Pamela. “The staff were helpful, kind and proud of what they stand for. They seemed happy at work. This is what made me want to be more involved in the first place. Becoming a volunteer solidified this further.”
For Pamela, there are many aspects of the Y she values and feels supported by. “The YMCA is a Top Employer not only because it provides a great, inclusive environment but also for many other reasons,” she says. “As a single mom, the flexible work hours, and great benefits for salaried and hourly staff are important to me.”
She has also benefitted from different development and leadership opportunities. “We have been provided with many projects and special assignments that allow us to collaborate with others throughout the Association. This helps us further develop skills and knowledge. The YMCA also offers scholarship programs to help employees further their education and learning.”
When asked what she finds most appealing about the YMCA, she said she finds it challenging to pinpoint one thing. “It’s a combination of things that make it a great place to work,” says Pamela. “The pride in helping others, the values that we live every day, the opportunities that I am offered, and the understanding and support I receive from my coworkers and leaders. The YMCA is more than just a job, it is an extension of my family.”
The voices of our staff and volunteers and their stories contribute to a culture of diversity and enrich our workplaces and communities. We are honoured to be recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and take pride in giving back to our staff and volunteers and providing healthy work environments.
The YMCA of Greater Toronto is honoured to be selected as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for the eleventh year!
“This award means more than recognition as we have embarked on a journey to be a great workplace and offer an environment where people enjoy their work and grow in the process of doing it,” says Melanie Laflamme, Senior Vice President Human Resources and Organizational Development.
“Our staff bring their heart and soul to work, in making a difference in the lives of others and the health of our communities every day,” says Melanie. “We try to reciprocate that generosity of spirit through upgrading and enhancing our Human Resources policies, benefits and practices so that our staff can find meaning and satisfaction in their work.”
Over the years, YMCA staff have shared their experiences about what makes the YMCA a great place to work. In honour of our recognition as a top employer, we profile Pamela Shirran’s story.
Pamela, like many staff and volunteers, is passionate about her role and about making a difference in our communities. “As an employee, I get to instill a sense of pride in new members, volunteers and staff every day,” says Pamela. “I am proud of our values, our approach to working with the community and what the YMCA means to so many people”
Pamela realized early on that the YMCA felt like home for her. This feeling led her to become a volunteer and then an employee. “It did not take very long for me to realize what a great place this is,” says Pamela. “The staff were helpful, kind and proud of what they stand for. They seemed happy at work. This is what made me want to be more involved in the first place. Becoming a volunteer solidified this further.”
For Pamela, there are many aspects of the Y she values and feels supported by. “The YMCA is a Top Employer not only because it provides a great, inclusive environment but also for many other reasons,” she says. “As a single mom, the flexible work hours, and great benefits for salaried and hourly staff are important to me.”
She has also benefitted from different development and leadership opportunities. “We have been provided with many projects and special assignments that allow us to collaborate with others throughout the Association. This helps us further develop skills and knowledge. The YMCA also offers scholarship programs to help employees further their education and learning.”
When asked what she finds most appealing about the YMCA, she said she finds it challenging to pinpoint one thing. “It’s a combination of things that make it a great place to work,” says Pamela. “The pride in helping others, the values that we live every day, the opportunities that I am offered, and the understanding and support I receive from my coworkers and leaders. The YMCA is more than just a job, it is an extension of my family.”
The voices of our staff and volunteers and their stories contribute to a culture of diversity and enrich our workplaces and communities. We are honoured to be recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers and take pride in giving back to our staff and volunteers and providing healthy work environments.
