J.L Richards & Associates.

• Author: Haddow, Scott
• Position: TOP 5 BEST PLACES TO WORK

At J.L. Richards & Associates Ltd., employees are given the power to help shape the future of the company. It has made the difference when it comes to employee satisfaction and given a workforce of 200-strong people an engaging and purposeful experience every day they take on the challenges in their industry.

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"JLR is a 100-per cent employee-owned company," vice-president Bryan Parkinson said. "Once an employee is through their probation period, they are given the opportunity to purchase shares. The shares have both profitable returns and give the employee the feeling they have ownership in the company. We find that employees, instead of just complaining about an issue, will actually offer solutions on how to make something better because they are owners in the company."

JLR is a multidisciplinary consultant business, offering integrated services in architecture, engineering and planning. JLR has offices in Greater Sudbury, Ottawa, Kingston, Timmins and North Bay and is involved in projects in Ontario, Canada and internationally.

Physical workplace

There is big change on the horizon for JLR employees in terms of where they work. Currently, the company rents 8,000 square feet of office space in the south end of Sudbury. JLR has outgrown this space and it has put a damper on hiring. In 2014, in conjunction with the Sudbury branch's 40th anniversary, JLR will move into a brand new custom-built 15,000-square-feet office on Countryside Drive.

"The new office will give our staff a new modern place to work and an opportunity for JLR to grow and expand," Parkinson said.

Work atmosphere and communications

All employees are encouraged to become a member of their respective professional organization, which includes technical personnel and professionally-designated personnel. JLR pays for membership fees for involvement in these organizations. Each employee has the opportunity to further develop their knowledge base in their field. Approved continuing education courses and any related expenses are covered by the company Health and safety is the priority at JLR. The company has an outstanding health and safety record. The company pays for all personal protective equipment and training required for site visits as well as health and safety training. More than two-thirds of the staff are shareholders, which ensures only the best client service across the entire firm.

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