Greater Toronto’s Top Employers list celebrates 20th anniversary

Mediacorp Canada has released its 2026 edition of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers, marking two decades of recognizing exceptional workplace practices in Canada’s largest urban region.

The annual competition evaluates employers on eight criteria: workplace quality, work atmosphere and social programs, health and financial benefits, vacation and time off, employee communications, performance management, training and skills development, and community involvement.

Return-to-office strategies take focus

This year’s winners have expanded initiatives to support employees returning to in-office work, according to Mediacorp. Employers have introduced social events, in-person professional development sessions, and workplace redesigns to make office attendance more appealing.

“While there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to return in-office work, employers in the GTA are finding the policy that works best for their industry, making sure employees have the tools and support needed to make the transition,” said Kristina Leung, managing editor of the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project.

The changes have led to increased foot traffic in business districts across the Greater Toronto Area, particularly downtown, according to the company.

Diversity reflects regional demographics

Winners demonstrate strong workplace diversity and inclusion practices that align with the multicultural composition of the Greater Toronto Area, according to Stephanie Leung, editor at Mediacorp.

“There’s a unique vibrancy here that shows up not just in the employers chosen as Greater Toronto’s Top Employers, but in the composition of their workforces,” said Leung. “None of these employers needs to be persuaded of the merits of workplace diversity or inclusion – it’s in their DNA because their organizations need to attract the best and brightest of those who live and work here.”

Competition details

The competition is open to any employer with its head office or principal place of business in the Greater Toronto Area. Mediacorp publishes detailed reasons for selection to provide transparency and highlight best practices.

The Toronto-based publisher has managed the Canada’s Top 100 Employers project since 1999. The project includes 19 regional and special-interest editorial competitions.

Who made the list for 2026?