Support at every stage of life: Canada's Top Family-Friendly Employers marks its 25th anniversary

TORONTO, April 1, 2026 /CNW/ - For working Canadians navigating caregiving at every stage of life -- from newborns to aging parents -- a great employer can make all the difference.  Today, the employers leading the way were recognized with the announcement of Canada's Top Family-Friendly Employers (2026), by Mediacorp Canada Inc., organizers of the annual Canada's Top 100 Employers project.

"Balancing a career with caregiving is an ongoing challenge -- and it only grows more complex as employees find themselves supporting both young children and aging parents at the same time," says Kristina Leung, managing editor at Mediacorp. "Employers that invest in family-friendly benefits see real returns: higher engagement, stronger loyalty, and a workforce that feels genuinely supported." Today, more than one-third of Canada's workforce -- over six million people -- are balancing caregiving responsibilities alongside their jobs.

Flexible work arrangements remain central to caregiver support. "When employees have control over their schedules -- whether that means a later start, a hybrid arrangement, or simply the ability to step away for a school pickup or medical appointment -- it removes an enormous source of daily stress," says Leung.

At the same time, employers are broadening support for employees at the earlier stages of family life. Coverage for fertility treatments, including IVF, continues to expand, alongside enhanced parental leave top-up programs for both primary and secondary caregivers.

This year's winners also emphasize the importance of fostering workplace community. Initiatives such as mentorship and 'buddy' programs help support new parents as they transition back to work, while peer support groups create space for employees caring for elderly family members to connect and share experiences.

Now marking its 25th anniversary, Canada's Top Family-Friendly Employers remains one of the longest-running special designations within the Canada's Top 100 Employers project. Winners are selected based on a comprehensive review of programs including maternity and parental leave, childcare support, paid personal days, flexible work, compassionate leave, elder care, adoption support, and fertility benefits. Editors also assess initiatives tailored to the unique work-life balance challenges of each industry.

Founded in 1992, Mediacorp Canada Inc. is the nation's largest publisher of employment periodicals. Since 1999, the Toronto-based publisher has managed the Canada's Top 100 Employers project, which includes 19 regional and special-interest editorial competitions that reach millions of Canadians annually through a variety of magazine and newspaper partners, including The Globe and Mail. Mediacorp also operates Eluta.ca, the largest Canadian job search engine, which lets job-seekers search job postings directly from employer websites. Last year, 2.4 million unique visitors used Mediacorp's online sites to explore new job opportunities and learn about Canada's leading employers.

The full list of Canada's Top Family-Friendly Employers (2026) was announced today on Eluta.ca. Detailed 'reasons for selection', along with dozens of additional stories and photos about their initiatives, were released today and are accessible via the competition homepage.

Join the discussion about today's announcement on social media:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/canada's-top-100-employers/
Instagram & Facebook: @topemployers
Twitter/X: @top_employers
Hashtags: #FamilyFriendlyEmployers #topemployers2026

SOURCE Mediacorp Canada Inc.

Further information: Stephanie Leung, Editor, [email protected]