Fengate Asset Management was a winner at Benefits Canada’s 2025 Workplace Benefits Awards for its Future of Work strategy, which combines hybrid flexibility with a people-first culture.
The financial services company earned the top spot for prioritizing balance, inclusion and employee well-being. “It feels great to secure the win this year after being a finalist in 2024,” said Alexandra Maguire (pictured left), manager of payroll and benefits. “It reinforces how much Fengate cares about our people and our commitment to driving change in the industry.”
Fengate’s hybrid model allows employees to work from home up to three days a week, with core hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to balance autonomy and collaboration, as well as accommodating employees’ obligations outside of the workplace.
Read: Employees in hybrid work arrangements reporting better health, taking fewer sick days: survey
To foster social connections and sense of purpose and belonging across its hybrid workforce, Fengate is also investing in several programs, including: monthly town halls, fireside chats and off-site retreats to connect employees with leadership and each other; a social committee and wellness committee that plan inclusive events and wellness initiatives; employee resource groups to build community across roles and locations; as well as a Dine & Discover lunch series, Pride Day brunch and other mixers.
To further support work-life balance, the organization offers reduced summer hours and recharge days and its vacation entitlement starts at three weeks with seven paid personal/sick days. Incorporating holiday office closures, staff receive 20 personal paid days off, plus vacations.
According to Maguire, the strategy “is never about a one-size-fits-all office. It’s about trust, balance and giving people the time and space to thrive.”
Professional growth is supported through Fengate University, which offers training on resilience, communication and mental health. Employees also receive a $1,000 annual training benefit, tuition subsidies of up to $2,000 and mentorship opportunities that connect junior staff with senior leaders.
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Wellness is another cornerstone of the strategy. Fengate provides a $500 work-from-home allowance for new hires, a $250 annual fitness subsidy and access to mental-health coaching. Its wellness newsletter, mental-health awareness campaigns and community partnerships further reinforce its commitment to holistic well-being.
The strategy has delivered measurable results. According to the organization’s engagement survey, 90 per cent of employees said their benefits support mental health. As well, short-term absences have declined by 22 per cent and it has high engagement in its social, wellness and learning programs.
Looking ahead, Fengate is exploring how artificial intelligence can enhance the employee experience by developing a technology strategy roadmap that combines AI and future of work with an authentic human connection to work.
Overall, the organization’s Future of Work strategy is “both people-first and future-focused,” said Maguire. “By combining hybrid flexibility with human connection and embedding wellness and learning into our culture, we’ve built a workplace where employees feel they belong — today and into the future.”
Tune in to Benefits Canada to learn more about the 2025 Workplace Benefits Awards winners in the coming days.