West Haldimand General Hospital named one of Southwestern Ontario’s Top Employers

Hagersville, ON – What makes a workplace truly exceptional? At West Haldimand General Hospital (WHGH), we believe it starts with a culture that values its people. That’s why we are proud to announce that WHGH has been named one of Southwestern Ontario’s Top Employers (2025) by the editors of Mediacorp Canada Inc.’s Canada’s Top 100 Employers.

This prestigious honour recognizes WHGH’s commitment to fostering a supportive, innovative, and people-centred workplace, where more than 300 staff, physicians, volunteers, and patient partners are empowered to thrive.

“This recognition highlights our dedication to building a workplace where employees feel empowered, appreciated, and motivated to make a difference,” said Todd Stepanuik, President and Chief Executive Officer at WHGH. “Providing exceptional healthcare starts with a strong, engaged team, and we take pride in creating an environment where staff can excel both personally and professionally.”

What Makes WHGH a Top Employer?

Each year, Canada’s Top 100 Employers evaluates organizations based on eight key criteria:

Workplace environment
Work atmosphere and social engagement
Health, financial, and family benefits
Vacation and time off
Employee communications
Performance management
Training and development opportunities
Community involvement

Over the past year, WHGH has prioritized employee wellness, talent attraction, and retention, ensuring that our team has the resources and opportunities needed to grow and thrive.

“At WHGH, our people are the heart of everything we do,” said Sarah-Jane Irvine, VP of People Strategy and Chief Human Resources Officer at WHGH. “This recognition reflects the incredible efforts of our staff, who bring their passion and commitment to patient care every day. Their teamwork and support for one another make WHGH an exceptional place to work.”

Here’s what sets WHGH apart as one of Southwestern Ontario’s Top Employers (2025):

Commitment to Employee Wellness – WHGH established a Wellness & Wellbeing Committee in response to employee feedback, dedicated to promoting physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Recent initiatives include a dedicated Wellness Week featuring mini ergonomic assessments, massages, and info sessions hosted by Homewood Health, as well as monthly Wellness Wednesday activities.
Supporting Financial Security – WHGH helps employees plan for the future by providing retirement planning assistance and contributions to a defined benefit pension plan.
Recognizing Employee Excellence – WHGH hosts an annual staff recognition dinner and dance to celebrate professional milestones and years of service. Individual and team awards are presented to recognize contributions to improving quality of care, leading by example, and inspiring others.

The 2025 list of Southwestern Ontario’s Top Employers was announced on February 5, 2025. Detailed ‘reasons for selection’ for each winner, as well as stories and photos of their workplace initiatives, are accessible via the competition homepage.

“This achievement is a testament to the strength of our team,” said Irvine. “By fostering a workplace built on respect, innovation, and well-being, we ensure that every team member has the opportunity to develop, contribute, and succeed.”