As a distributor of speciality chemicals and ingredients, IMCD Canada is an essential operation integral to the country’s supply chain. Employees from the organization – from the technical sales team to operations – participated in an extensive and anonymous survey that analyzed their workplace experience. Based on the survey results evaluating the fundamental aspects of what makes a company have a good workplace, IMCD Canada earned the Great Place to Work certification.
 

“Earning a Great Place to Work certification reenforces valuable sentiments about our company by IMCD Canada employees,” said Mike Staley, Managing Director, IMCD Canada. “The world events that have happened over the past 16 months make this distinction even more meaningful. Our company melded together showcasing commitment, grit and camaraderie to support our partners and customers, and each other. This distinction we earned reflects the values we share as one team, accomplishing our goals together to serve the vast industries we serve across Canada.” 

IMCD Values in action 
The pillars of IMCD Values are freedom to act, integrity and trust, partnership, financial discipline and entrepreneurial spirit – these are incorporated into IMCD Canada’s everyday operation, creating a corporate culture that empowers employees and reflected in the Great Place to Work results. 

 

The certification process assessed the various elements that will allow for an employee to thrive within a company, the level of trust that employees experience in their leaders, the level of pride they have in their jobs, and the extent to which they enjoy their colleagues. Based on the responses of IMCD Canada team members, the results show that the IMCD Canada workplace is inclusive and diverse, with open communication, stability and a welcoming corporate culture. People are IMCD’s greatest asset and thus, they are at the center of this distinction for IMCD Canada.
 

Teamwork leads to success
For Jason Quinlan, Warehouse Manager, IMCD Canada, his 26-year tenure in the company offers a unique perspective, “I love working here at IMCD. That’s why I’ve been here for so long! I truly enjoy what I do. I think it's all because of the values that the company has and the people I work with. My team is my second family.”
 

IMCD Canada offers stability and remarkable teamwork especially evident through the COVID-19 pandemic. Demonstrating a deep sense of partnership from our warehouse team, Jason recalled, “It makes me proud to know that I am working for an essential company that supplies a wide variety of products to different industries. It feels good to know that we’re not slowing down. We support each other and have each other’s backs. Our team dynamics have a big impact on our success.” 

“We couldn’t let our suppliers and customers down. I’m proud of the work that we’ve done. The IMCD culture, is all about supporting each other. And I’m talking about everyone, from our senior leadership team, our health and safety team and each one of us. This makes our job a lot more enjoyable.” Jason continued to talk about the support he received from IMCD, “when I first started, I was an operator on the floor, shipping and receiving. Gradually, I became a supervisor and then a manager.”

 

Opportunities abound 
Earning the Great Place to Work certification was not a surprise for Puneet Rahil, Information Systems and Applications Manager, IMCD Canada. “IMCD is a place where you wake up in the morning and you feel good about going to work. You actually look forward to your workday.” She further reflected on the company’s corporate culture, which fosters a dynamic and friendly environment. 

“I've been with IMCD for almost two and a half years. I work in a male-dominated field but as a female, I’ve never been treated differently – I’m very appreciative of that. I have the same access to opportunities as everyone else on my team. IMCD is a very inclusive workplace,” commented Puneet. Puneet’s experience is an example of IMCD’s entrepreneurial spirit put into action. IMCD Canada provided her with the right environment for success when she sought growth opportunities, “I reached out to my leaders and was provided with a pathway and opportunities to grow within my role.”   

Puneet continued to mention, “IMCD embraces different cultures. We are always celebrating our diverse cultures and supporting the causes that are important to employees. I really love that about IMCD.” IMCD Canada’s Wellness and Social Committee plays a key role within the organization, as Puneet revealed.
 


Diversity fosters a welcoming culture 
Diversity was the highest-ranking score IMCD Canada received in the Great Place to Work evaluation. As Vice President, Human Resources at IMCD Canada, Litsa Chagigiorgis has been with the company for seven years and leads the department’s efforts. Litsa stated, “IMCD promotes fair and consistent practices to produce the best hires and brightest individuals to represent our company. This ultimately generates diversity within the company.” 

 

The Wellness and Social Committee is structured to promote a diverse, inclusive and welcoming environment for employees. Litsa mentioned, “Celebrating different cultures with activities that are focused on sharing creates a learning atmosphere and an opportunity for our employees to be actively involved. We have individuals from all departments participate in the Committee so that we can hear what our people want. I think this is a differentiator within the IMCD Canada culture,” and displays how the company exercises IMCD Values of collaboration and freedom to act. 

Being certified as a Great Place to Work means a lot to Litsa because it is an employee-based accreditation. “It’s such an honor! For me, this is directly related to the trust employees have in IMCD. We have a great group of people that create a collaborative environment that fosters teamwork and allows for development. We ensure employees have the tools they need to succeed in all aspects of job.” 

Communication goes a long way
As part of the company’s values of integrity and trust, IMCD Canada developed a comprehensive communication plan to keep people informed and safe throughout the pandemic. Litsa explained, “Communication was key. We didn't always have all the answers but we wanted to make sure that our employees were confident, safe and comfortable during the pandemic. Whatever information we had at that time, we felt it was important to keep everyone updated.” She explained that they strive to do this in all areas of the organization because people are and will always be our greatest asset. 

 

A very important aspect of feeling safe at work is knowing that a company is financially stable. At IMCD, financial discipline is an important value. Litsa explained, “we were able to retain all of our people in all of our departments. Thankfully, we didn't impact anyone in terms of layoffs or downsizing; we were able to maintain our workforce. We all came together, worked hard and did what had to be done to tackle the pandemic together.” 

 

As a Great Place to Work, IMCD Canada has been able to provide a workplace of growth, stability, diversity and inclusion. Which is why Puneet added, “I can see myself still working here for a long time because I know we have a future together. The most important thing I’ve learned is that when the company works as one team, we’re able to go through anything. We’ve demonstrated that by working together and supporting each other, we can keep our operation stable and running.”  

 

Click to learn more about IMCD Canada.