Scotiabank has been recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for 2026, earning the designation for its workplace programs and employee benefits.
Mediacorp Canada Inc. announced the award on Nov. 18. The competition evaluates employers on eight criteria including workplace environment, employee benefits, skills development and community engagement.
Cultural transformation underway
The bank launched ScotiaBond in 2024, a cultural framework designed to support its business strategy and build what the bank calls resilient teams. The initiative focuses on core values and behaviours aimed at performance improvement.
“Our people are the key to our success, and this recognition is a reflection of our people-first philosophy as we continue to build on our strong, inclusive culture where our employees can be their best selves and thrive,” said Jenny Poulos, chief human resources officer.
Family and parental benefits
Scotiabank provides eligible new parents with maternity and parental leave top-up payments to 100 per cent of salary for 16 weeks. The bank has also removed the lifetime maximum for fertility drugs and operates a dedicated Family and Parents Network for employees.
Community involvement programs
Employees receive paid volunteer time to support charities and causes. The bank matches charitable donations and provides financial contributions of up to $15 per volunteer hour, with an annual maximum of $1,000.
Workplace facilities
The bank’s head office includes collaboration spaces such as The Commons, an on-site market-style area with multiple food options, and The Bean, a cafe featuring coffees and teas from countries where Scotiabank operates, including products from Indigenous vendors. Four additional common spaces are available for employee use.
About the competition
Canada’s Top 100 Employers is now in its 26th year. The editorial competition is open to any employer with its head office or principal place of business in Canada. Mediacorp editors evaluate submissions using criteria covering workplace environment, benefits, time off, employee communications, performance management, training and community involvement.
Founded in 1832, Scotiabank holds approximately $1.4 trillion in assets as of July 31, 2025. The bank operates in personal and commercial banking, wealth management, private banking, corporate and investment banking, and capital markets.
