For the eighth year in a row, Niagara Health has been recognized as one of Hamilton–Niagara’s Top 100 Employers.
The repeat designation is rooted in the day-to-day work of the more than 7,500 staff, physicians, volunteers and patient partners who make up the organization, says Fiona Peacefull, Executive Vice-President of Human Resources at Niagara Health.
“Earning this recognition again speaks to the strength of our workplace culture and the collective progress we’re making as an organization,” Peacefull says. “It’s a testament to our people and to the environment we are building together — one that supports wellness, inclusion and excellence in care.”
The Top Employer program acknowledges those who demonstrate sustained leadership in employee support, wellness and workplace culture. At Niagara Health, those efforts span both immediate staff and physician supports and long-term investments that are reshaping how care is delivered across the region.
Here are just a few of the People-First initiatives that keep Niagara Health on the annual list:
1. Comprehensive employee benefits
Niagara Health offers competitive salaries, a defined-benefit pension plan, paid vacation and a comprehensive benefits package that supports health, financial security and work-life balance. These perks help attract and retain talent across clinical and non-clinical roles.
“Our benefits are designed to support people at every stage of life because caring for our people helps us all care for others,” says Tracey Giovannone, Director of Culture and Human Resources Advisory Services.
2. Wellness initiatives that matter
Staff wellness isn’t an afterthought at Niagara Health. A wide range of programs support holistic well-being at work and beyond, including stress management supports such as massage sessions, smoking cessation resources, healthy-eating and fitness programs, live music in cafeterias, therapy animal visits and creative workshops that foster connection and community among colleagues.
3. Diversity, equity and inclusion drive a culturally safe environment
Niagara Health’s ongoing DEI efforts, including training, mentorship programs and initiatives prioritizing cultural humility. They also help create a workplace where all staff, regardless of background, feel valued and supported. Recognition as a national top diversity employer reflects this commitment.
“Our goal in Workplace Relations is always to improve workplace relationships, and part of that is by providing our team members with the tools, resources, and education to be able to better understand experiences, customs, and cultures that are different than their own,” says Lydia Collins, DEI Specialist, Workplace Relations. “Our organizational commitment to health equity really builds off of the foundational DEI work done by our DEI committee over the years. Creating a culture of mutual respect, diversity and inclusion among team members trickles down to safer and more equitable patient care, and that is everyone's goal.”
A six-person Indigenous Health Services and Reconciliation team also supports culturally respectful care, which improves experiences and outcomes for Indigenous patients and families. At the same time, the team champions inclusion, equity and compassion across the organization with a focus on turning commitment into action.
4. South Niagara Hospital: A people-centric design for staff and patients
The future South Niagara Hospital will be a 12-storey, 1.3-million-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility with features that support high-quality care but also foster staff well-being and daily work life. With up to 475 single-occupancy patient rooms, expanded emergency, ICU and operating capacity, cutting-edge diagnostic and surgical technology, therapeutic gardens, staff terraces and healing spaces, the new hospital will support well-being and create an inspiring workplace for current and future team members.
5. WELL Certification focus
Pursuing WELL Certification for the South Niagara Hospital – the first of its kind for a hospital in Canada – underscores Niagara Health’s commitment to environments that promote the physical and mental well-being of all building occupants.
The certification also reflects an investment in both workplace culture and how care will be delivered for generations to come, says Izabela Cawricz, Director of Interiors and Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment on the South Niagara Hospital Redevelopment Team.
“We are designing a building that is truly putting the health of our people first, not just patients and visitors but also our staff, physicians and volunteers,” Cawricz says. “We know that when our teams are healthy, supported and thriving, they can deliver the very best care to patients.”
6. Three-site model of care provides stability
Niagara Health’s transition to a co-ordinated three-site hospital system, including the South Niagara and Welland hospitals, supports integrated, high-quality care and creates clear strategic direction. All of it adds up to an attractive proposition for professionals looking for stable, future-forward workplaces.
