Article
Flexible work
Balancing work and life, together.
Article
Flexible work
Flexibility looks different for everyone, which is why we have many programs to help employees balance their work and personal life. Our programs balance the needs of the employee, the team, and the business while allowing flexibility in how work goals are achieved.
"As part of a dual career household with small children, I often balance competing demands on my time. The flexibility to shift some of my professional workload to different hours or locations opens the door to being present with my family at hockey practice and dance class, while also taking on challenging and motivating projects at work, such as field training courses and research projects at the Kearl mine site. I’m immensely grateful to Imperial for the flexibility to pursue my personal and professional goals simultaneously."
Janice Allen
Hear more from our employees about how workplace flexibility has impacted their lives.
Flexing your day
We get it done. When? Where? It often doesn’t matter. Our people are empowered to adjust their work hours to enjoy life’s moments – everything from running a marathon to school drop offs and recitals.
Through technology, we are able to connect remotely so employees can work from home or another location when needed if appropriate. Our leaders want to support you in finding flexibility that works for both the business and your personal life.
Through technology, we are able to connect remotely so employees can work from home or another location when needed if appropriate. Our leaders want to support you in finding flexibility that works for both the business and your personal life.
"My supervisor and management helped me find a workable arrangement to allow me to pick my daughter up from school two days each week by working a modified schedule (coming into work early/leaving early). This allows me to maintain a healthy work/life balance and relationship with my daughter."
Jason Schauenberg
"My mother had major surgery that came with some unexpected complications. Having a manager that supported, and encouraged me to adjust my hours, use my flex days, and work from home meant that I could rush off to the hospital when issues arose, or come into the office later when I had been at the hospital until 3 a.m. Allowing and encouraging flexibility meant that I could work with more focus and efficiency, but still be there to help my mother through scary and challenging times. Without the support of the company, my team, and manager, the challenges my mother and I faced would have been far more daunting. Thank you!"
Kathleen Jessiman
Part-time and job-sharing arrangements
Sometimes life demands more of our attention. Our part-time and job-sharing arrangements allow for a reduced work schedule to help our employees tend to personal life needs while also being productive in their careers.
"Flexibility at work is critical for me. As a single mom, I have had the opportunity to flex my day when necessary (to get the kids to hockey, ringette, lacrosse…). I’ve also been fortunate to work in a formal job-share in the past. I work part-time (four days a week) which allows me time to do things such as volunteer at the kids’ school. I extend sincere gratitude to Imperial and to my supportive management who understand and accommodate the need for workplace flexibility for me. Thank you!"
Kelly Morrison
"Job sharing for almost 13 years has allowed me to experience a unique work/life balance. I was able to stay current in industry as a power engineer, while getting the opportunity to spend a lot of time at home raising my children. I recently accepted a leadership position with Imperial and returned to work fulltime. I am confident in my skills and my experience because I did not have to give up my career to raise my family. I feel very blessed for the years that I spent job sharing and consider the balance to be the key to my success as a career mom."
Mandy Watters
Childcare programs
For parents, choosing good childcare means everything. We partner with Kids and Company and the YMCA Child Development Centre (located in Calgary) to help support our employees’ childcare needs.
We also provide financial assistance through our back-up child care reimbursement program when routine childcare arrangements fall through or urgent business needs require alternative arrangements.
We also provide financial assistance through our back-up child care reimbursement program when routine childcare arrangements fall through or urgent business needs require alternative arrangements.
Leaves of absence
Life is unpredictable. Sometimes work needs to take a backseat! This is why we offer a variety of short-term and long-term leaves of absence. To support our employees when they need it the most, some of our leaves include maternity and paternal leave, family needs leave, bereavement leave and personal leave.
Application of flexible work programs may vary depending on job assignment and work location.
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