McMaster University passionate about helping employees grow and thrive
It would seem that McMaster University’s ranking as “one of the top academic institutions in the world” is a designation that expands beyond academics. Boasting 17,000 staff members, McMaster’s passionate commitment to equity and well-being has earned it a reputation as a thriving community wherein lengthy and vibrant careers seem the norm and not the exception.
“We are passionate about helping people grow at every phase of their journey with us,” says Wanda McKenna, AVP and Chief Human Resources Officer. “We have members of staff who have been with us for up to 50 years.”
This could be due to the fact that McMaster’s employees have the opportunity to be involved in cutting-edge research, teaching and learning and many opportunities to thrive in their careers. Employees can explore various career pathways and gain the skills they need to potentially move to a different position within the organization.
“We offer a variety of learning and development options to support employees within their career and their personal life,” says McKenna, adding that tuition bursary and assistance programs are also on hand — all a means to develop and retain an outstanding workforce eager to share their talent and successes.
McKenna also says that McMaster’s renewed focus on fostering a welcoming work environment has also resulted in a supported, diverse, and strong workforce who are empowered to do their best work every day.
“We’ve been very mindful — particularly in the last few years — of building a culture and environment that allows us to attract but also retain a strong calibre of employees,” she says.
While the university has long offered its employees a robust benefits package, retirement savings plans, performance service recognition, and much more, McKenna eagerly highlights some of the institution’s newest staff incentives, including updated health and wellness programming and flexible work options.
“As a direct response to feedback from our professional community, we’ve included such things as
“We offer a variety of learning and development options to support employees within their career and their personal life.” – Wanda McKenna, AVP and Chief Human Resources Officer.
new flexible work guidelines to reinforce hybrid work opportunities.”
The guidelines allow staff to work with their direct supervisor to come up with potential options for flexible work arrangements, whether it’s staggered hours or a hybrid work option, including working from home some days during the week. McKenna adds that, dependent on the role, incoming staff can ask about flexible work during the hiring and onboarding period. They can also look forward to orientation programming, great work colleagues, and a variety of resources to support a successful transition into the McMaster community. “I couldn’t be prouder of our staff members – those who just started and those who have spent their entire career with us,” she adds. “The people truly are the heart of McMaster.”
Visit McMaster’s career page to view current opportunities.