Recognized as one of Manitoba's Top Employers (2024):
Mediacorp Canada Inc. staff editors (Mar 18, 2024)
Here are some of the reasons why Emergent BioSolutions Canada Inc. was selected as one of Manitoba's Top Employers (2024):
- Emergent BioSolutions Canada helps employees save for the longer term through a defined contribution pension plan -- and lets employees share in the the company's successes through year-end bonus and share option programs
- Emergent BioSolutions Canada encourages employees to get involved in the community with one paid volunteer day, along with matching charitable donations (up to $200 annually)
- Emergent BioSolutions Canada starts new employees with three weeks of paid vacation and quickly jumps to four weeks after only three years on the job -- and senior level personnel start with four weeks of paid vacation
Emergent’s benefit to society drives its employees
Emergent BioSolutions does a lot of good in the world. “Our company’s mission is to protect and enhance life,” says Melanie Hiebert, vice-president and general manager of Emergent’s Canadian headquarters, “and here in Winnipeg we do that by manufacturing life-saving products and services that may make a meaningful difference.”
The company’s offerings are used to support global preparedness and treat public-health crises such as smallpox outbreaks and Anthrax poisoning. Emergent is also the Canadian distributor of NARCAN Nasal Spray, the widely used opioid overdose-reversal treatment.
“Knowing we’re contributing to helping save lives every day is what gets me excited about work,” says project manager David Beauchamp. “Being able to respond to health threats keeps us sharp and motivated.”
All that, adds Hiebert, galvanizes employees and “contributes to our culture. It’s something that makes it easy to get people on board.”
She also cites the “family feeling” at Emergent, whose Canadian staff work mostly out of Winnipeg. “Our people tend to stay. We have numerous individuals who have been with us for more than 20 years. You’ve worked with these people for so long that you know them and their families.
“And then that makes the work a lot easier,” she continues, “because when you partner with someone from another department on a project or an initiative, it's not simply a co-coworker you have a professional relationship with. That makes the work easier to achieve.”
Beauchamp notes that when his wife was ill a few years ago, his colleagues immediately rallied to help him in whatever way they could and took on extra work so he could focus on his family.
Emergent is also committed to developing and offering opportunities for employee growth. In her nine-plus years with the organization, Hiebert held two positions before moving into her current one in 2020.
As for Beauchamp, who holds a master’s degree in chemistry, he started off in an entry-level job at the firm’s quality-control lab a decade ago but hoped to move into research and development. “The company was happy to support that progression,” he says.
“My manager at the time helped me make it happen. And that’s something that repeated itself when I expressed an interest in moving to project management. Whenever I wanted to experience new positions and departments, my managers worked to help me accomplish my goals, even if it meant extra work for them. I’ve seen this with other people in my position.
“Emergent,” he continues, “does a great job of actively encouraging and supporting employees in their professional development, as well as financial support for continuing education at post-secondary institutions.”
Emergent subsidized Beauchamp’s master’s certificate in project management, which he completed a few years ago. “It was instrumental in my development in this position,” Beauchamp says. “Emergent also supports colleagues who want to join professional associations and pursue industry certifications.”
Emergent is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), which are integral to its operations. Examples include truth and reconciliation events and, because the company has a large contingent of employees with roots in the Philippines, an annual Filipino heritage celebration. The company believes its diverse workforce and inclusive environment create an organization rich with ideas, perspectives and experiences.
Overall, says Hiebert, Emergent is fully committed to staff appreciation. “We try to ensure that’s part of our day-to-day and not just a once-a-year event. We always say that our success goes back to our people. We really feel we have the best team who bring their expertise and dedication to work every day, wanting to make a difference.”
