Ottawa’s 2025 Best Workplaces Revealed

When it comes to being one of the top workplaces in the city, there are numerous factors to consider, from hiring practices to employee training and development.

“Human resources has rarely been under such a spotlight,” said OBJ editor in chief Anne Howland. “There are so many key issues at play, including diversity and inclusion and shifting trends in the labour market, not to mention generational differences in the workplace and the effect that AI might have on many aspects of our work lives.”

The Best Places to Work program is an annual initiative run by the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Board of Trade. To qualify, companies must have been operating for at least a year, maintain an office location, and employ a minimum of 15 staff members in the National Capital Region.

Participants are evaluated based on comprehensive employer questionnaires and employee engagement surveys conducted by U. S.-based Workforce Research Group.

Employees provide feedback on various aspects of their workplace such as leadership effectiveness, company culture, job satisfaction, training opportunities, as well as pay and benefits. This year saw over 1,300 employee surveys completed. 

Employers complete a detailed questionnaire assessing what benefits they offer employees while addressing topics like work-life balance and diversity initiatives. 

This research led to a ranked list of the top 20 Best Places to Work for 2025:

1. Knak

Knak promotes a culture rich in creativity, collaboration, and balance through a flexible hybrid model paired with strong employee engagement. With exceptional perks like wellness programs, milestone rewards, and employee ownership options, Knak cultivates a values-driven environment where individuals feel appreciated and set up for collective success.

CO-FOUNDER/CEO: Pierce Ujjainwalla
SECTOR: Technology
YEAR STARTED: 2015
EMPLOYEES: 98

2. Stoneworks Technology Inc.

Stoneworks nurtures an inclusive atmosphere grounded in a “pay-it-forward” philosophy while providing solid benefits along with ongoing community support. By emphasizing personal growth alongside team accomplishments while prioritizing family first policies; employees flourish within this learning-centric workplace that celebrates meaningful contributions.

CEO: Jody Burton
SECTOR: Technology
YEAR STARTED: 2020
EMPLOYEES: 25

3. Snowed In Studios

For over 15 years now Snowed In Studios has been at the forefront of Ottawa’s videogame sector with its people-first mentality reinforced by strict no-crunch rules during projects. Focusing heavily on transparency combined with career advancement opportunities plus maintaining work-life balance leads them towards providing supportive yet fun environments enabling employees’ professional & personal growth.

STUDIO HEAD: Nigel Franks
SECTOR: Technology
YEAR STARTED: 2010
EMPLOYEES: 117

4. Relax Massage Group

This therapist-first clinic places utmost importance upon both individual wellbeing & continuous improvement amongst its team members leading towards exceptional client care delivery standards achieved over two decades within this industry space! It emphasizes creating welcoming inclusivity throughout all interactions which positions it among Ottawa’s premier employers catering RMTs (Registered Massage Therapists).

OWNER/FOUNDER: Melissa Gardner
SECTOR: Health care
YEAR STARTED: 2004
EMPLOYEES: 30

5. Ottawa General Contractors

This company prides itself on fostering familial ties through respectfulness while creating engaging experiences via flexibility regarding schedules plus competitive remuneration packages – even offering free lunches every Friday! They actively promote customized workflows alongside performance-based rewards resulting in meaningful connections formed across their workforce!      .