UCalgary named 1 of Alberta’s Top Employers and Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for 2024

The University of Calgary has once again secured its position as a leading employer in Alberta, earning a coveted spot among Alberta’s Top Employers for the year 2024. Additionally, the university has been honoured as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers for its ongoing commitment to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace.

The University of Calgary stands out as the only university to make the 2024 Alberta’s Top Employers list. Several reasons contributed to UCalgary’s selection. Among these were a supportive, flexible work culture through various life stages, a focus on employee well-being and mental health, as well as discounted fitness memberships and programs. 

"We are very happy to be chosen as one of Alberta's top employers, but our work is not done,” says Sumana Dasgupta, associate vice-president (human resources). “We are committed to enhancing our retention and engagement strategies, ensuring we can continue to build a work culture we are all proud of."

This recognition comes on the heels of the university's completion of its employee engagement survey. As the university awaits to review the survey data, it remains focused on actively listening to its employees to ensure a supportive and thriving work environment for all.

It is also the seventh consecutive year UCalgary has been designated as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. One of the reasons for selection is the creation of a Presidential Task Force on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (PTF-EDIA) to advance the university’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusivity, and accessibility.

“The presidential task force Is shaped by two foundational principles: ‘nothing about us, without us’ and ’one-size-does-not-fit-all’ and it prioritizes meaningful engagement with the university community to help create an inspiring and evidence-based EDIA strategy, action and implementation plan,” says Dr. Malinda Smith, vice-provost and associate vice-president research (EDI), and co-chair of the PTF-EDIA. 

“This engagement, as well as internal and external research, will help advance UCalgary in its efforts to achieve systemic changes.”

Other reasons for being selected as top diversity employer include UCalgary's efforts to create more equitable career opportunities for under-represented groups and its work toward reconciliation through the Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p.

The university is dedicated to continuing to support its employees and improve its work culture, focusing on engagement and collaboration, and advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.