Jane Standing’s innovation and commitment to employee well-being earned her recognition as the Human Resources/Benefits Professional of the Year at Benefits Canada’s 2025 Workplace Benefits Awards.
The senior Canadian benefits manager at Amazon was recognized for the creativity and care she has brought to workplace programs and her dedication to ensuring employees feel supported and included. She helped guide Amazon’s Canadian workforce as it grew from a few thousand to tens of thousands in just five years, designing benefits that could adapt to rapid change while remaining people-focused.
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“Jane is continuously inventing on behalf of our employees and never allows a temporary situation to limit her long-term vision,” noted the Workplace Benefits Awards nomination. “She is creative and bold in her decisions, but never without careful consideration of potential consequences. Jane is an exceptional expert to learn from and an incredible leader to work with.”
The nomination also credited her as the architect of a well-being program that expanded traditional offerings with caregiver assistance, financial wellness tools, legal will preparation and virtual pet care. The goal was to save employees time and money while making everyday supports easier to access. Thousands of employees have already used these offerings, from virtual workouts and physiotherapy to primary care visits and wellness accounts.
In the entry, Standing’s peers described her as a once-in-a-lifetime leader and a mentor who balances vision with empathy and empowers others to grow. She has simplified complex systems, championed inclusive practices such as interpreters for deaf employees and accessible communications and built a reputation as both a trusted advisor and a compassionate colleague.
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Her impact extends beyond the workplace, according to the nomination, which noted she has volunteered with organizations addressing food insecurity, youth mentorship and community wellness, while also supporting fitness and accessibility initiatives. These contributions reflect the same values she has brought to her career: inclusivity, creativity and a deep belief in the power of well-being.
The entry also highlighted her legacy as one of innovation, mentorship and encouragement — a reminder that in the benefits space, nothing is static and for those willing to keep learning, like Standing, it can be one of the most rewarding careers.
Tune in to Benefits Canada to learn more about the 2025 Workplace Benefits Awards winners in the coming days.