Canada’s Top 100 Employers list for 2025 includes 83 University of Waterloo co-op employers
By: Jed Bick (he/him)
As organizations continue to focus on a shift toward a culture centred on employee experience, employers who hire Waterloo co-op students continue to thrive.
Eighty-three of Waterloo's standout employers are in Canada's Top 100 Employers for 2025.
Mediacorp Canada Inc. and the Globe and Mail featured each of the winners of the 25th annual competition in a special magazine.
We are thrilled that many of our employers who hire our co-op student talent have once again earned this recognition. This year's winners have fostered a culture where co-op students can thrive and take on meaningful work that aligns with their skillsets and benefits the organizations they work for. We deeply appreciate that our association with such recognized organizations continues to grow.
Each of the winning organizations have focused on the fundamental shift to more collaborative and caring workplace cultures. Employers can foster growth by taking an interest in employees’ personal and professional development. Positive communication between employees and management can shape organizational values and create a positive workplace atmosphere and environment.
One of the winners, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), gives Waterloo co-op students the freedom to take on other projects beyond their roles. This facilitates students experiencing autonomy in their work, which creates opportunities for growth.
“When co-op students join our research program, I take time to learn of their personal goals and create opportunities for them,” says Dr. Maryse Bouchard (she/her), paediatric orthopaedic surgeon at SickKids. “It’s a real privilege to work with them and potentially become their mentor, lifelong colleague or friend.”
The fact that so many Waterloo co-op employers earn this recognition each year highlights their calibre and ability to adapt to the future of work.
The selection process for Canada’s Top 100 Employers uses eight criteria including: workplace, work atmosphere and social, health, financial and family benefits, vacation and time off, employee communications, performance management, training and skills development and community involvement. Employers of any size with a head office or principal place of business in Canada, whether private or public, are eligible to apply for the competition.