BUILDING A CORPORATE CULTURE THAT DRIVES SUCCESS:
By Vanessa Mian, Chief HR & Strategy Officer, Hazelview
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oday’s evolving geopolitical, economic, and workplace landscape has led many businesses to re-evaluate their workplace policies. But at Hazelview, we remain more steadfast than ever in the belief that a strong, people-first culture sets thriving companies apart. At Hazelview, we understand that a workplace built on trust, collaboration, and employee well-being is essential to long-term success. This strategic approach has shaped our environment, creating a space where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed, and it has earned us five workplace recognitions in the last 18 months alone: Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures, Best Workplaces in Real Estate & Construction, Best Workplaces in Ontario, Great Toronto’s Top 25 Employers, and finally Great Place to Work Certified™. However, these accolades are not the goal; they are simply a testament of the culture we work on and nurture every day. Culture is more than just perks: A great workplace is built on shared values, meaningful interactions, and a commitment to fostering an environment where people feel valued and engaged. We commit to working on this every day. While programs, benefits, and incentives play a role in enhancing the employee experience, at Hazelview, we go beyond perks, focusing on cultivating trust, collaboration, and well-being—ensuring that our culture is not just about what we offer, but how we work together. It’s why 82% of our employees say their work has special meaning and goes beyond “just a job” and 87% find their work here meaningful. Ownership and accountability: At Hazelview, employees aren’t just part of the workforce—they are active contributors to our collective success. Our Co-Investment & Ownership Programs empower team members to share in Hazelview’s growth, fostering a culture of accountability, investment, and shared achievement. Aligning individual contributions with the company’s long-term success creates a workplace where employees feel deeply engaged and motivated to drive meaningful impact. Leadership commitment: Culture is not an afterthought at Hazelview—it is embedded into our corporate strategy and prioritized at every level. Our leadership team is committed to fostering an environment of transparency, trust, and accountability. This commitment goes beyond words, requiring active participation and consistent reinforcement. We invest in leadership development to ensure our values guide decision-making and daily interactions.
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FAIR EXCHANGE | SPRING EDITION 2025