Feeling satisfied at work is crucial for employees to show up each day and make a meaningful impact. This is especially true in the housing and shelter sector, where burnout and high turnover are constant challenges. In fact, it is imperative that employees feel genuinely supported and satisfied in their work. So, when 87% of surveyed employees said they felt satisfied working at Inn from the Cold, we knew there was something extraordinary to celebrate.
This internal validation gained official recognition when HRD named Inn from the Cold one of their Best Places to Work for 2025. After conducting a rigorous two-step evaluation process that examined everything from employee engagement and professional development to diversity initiatives and workplace flexibility, HRD selected our organization due to our purpose-driven workplace, rooted in wellness, learning, and equity. With organizations needing to achieve at least 75% employee satisfaction to qualify, our 87% rating placed us among the standout employers that build cultures prioritizing their people.
The Culture Behind Our Success
We strive to be a workplace where staff feel supported and empowered every day. That means fostering a culture that supports employee wellness, inclusion, and professional development. Through five pillars, we work to create an environment where all employees can thrive.
Well-being is Essential
When employees have access to mental health resources, flexible work options, and tools to support their well-being, they are better equipped to navigate the stress of work healthily. That’s why we provide access to a variety of supports. Employee family assistance plans, wellness days, and flexible work options are provided to support our team. That way, they can focus on supporting the families we serve, providing compassionate and supportive care.
Wellness initiatives are imperative to ensuring staff feel supported, and we provide in-office opportunities for staff to connect.
Equity and Inclusion are a Cornerstone
The work we do in the community is rooted in advocacy work. Understanding the intersections of identity for marginalized communities informs the work we do as a shelter. With this in mind, we strive to ensure that our staff are educated on these intersections through mandatory DEI education. Specifically, the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation training, gender and sexual diversity training, and workplace sensitivity training.
In addition, we have also committed to Indigenous recruitment initiatives and anti-discrimination practices in our hiring processes, ensuring that we can eliminate as many barriers as possible for prospective employees who are applying to work with us.
“Compassion, inclusion, accountability, and trauma-informed care aren’t just ideals; they are daily practices. Employees know their voices, ideas, and lived experiences help drive meaningful change toward equity, reconciliation, and systemic transformation.”
– Senior HR Manager, Ime Omoz
Opportunities for Growth
At The Inn, professional development is woven into the fabric of our daily operations, not just at annual reviews or mandatory trainings. Employees are regularly offered stretch assignments that challenge them beyond their comfort zones, invited to lead special projects that align with their interests and career goals, and connected with coaching opportunities that provide personalized guidance and support.
Committee involvement gives team members a voice in organizational decisions while building leadership skills. We invest in long-term growth by sponsoring employees to attend conferences and pursue speaking opportunities. This multifaceted approach ensures that every team member has multiple pathways to expand their skills, advance their careers, and contribute to the organization’s mission in increasingly meaningful ways.
Transparent and Thoughtful Communication
Knowing what is going on at work is half the battle, especially with staff working at multiple locations. It is imperative for them to stay informed. Over the years, we have developed thoughtful communication that supports staff and makes them feel included in day-to-day operations.
With our internal newsletters, the INNsider (monthly) and INN the Know (weekly), ensure staff receive the latest updates. With these updates, they are aware of what’s happening in various parts of the organization and the broader community.
Additionally, Heather Morley, the CEO of Inn from the Cold, hosts “Heather’s Get Together’s” at various dates, times, and locations. This ensures that all staff have an opportunity to attend and share their voices. This two-way communication is critical for staff to have an impact on the organization’s daily operations and connect with executive leadership.
Recognizing the Impact of Our Staff
At the end of the day, staff want to feel seen, heard and valued – and this looks different for everyone. From smaller-scale initiatives, such as team potlucks, to larger opportunities like our long-service awards and annual Values INN Action awards, there are numerous ways we recognize the incredible contributions of our staff.
Our Values INN Action awards are a unique way we recognize employees, as staff nominate their colleagues in alignment with our organizational values: Compassion, Respect, Accountability, Courage, Innovation, and Inclusivity. We celebrate these awards at the beginning of the year at our quarterly town halls.
“Every morning, I come in and see everyone smiling and saying good morning to one another. Although there are stressors, our team does a great job supporting one another where they can.”
– Inn from the Cold Employee
Proud to be an HRD Best Place to Work in 2025
We are grateful to be recognized with this achievement. Our commitment is to maintaining the highest standards and creating a workplace culture where staff are supported and their values are reflected in our organization.
As employees provide feedback to us, we will continue to adapt to best meet the needs of our staff. Creating a purpose-driven work environment remains at the forefront of what we do, so employees can show up authentically. When employees feel empowered, they make a lasting impact on the lives of the families we serve.
Does this sound like your dream work environment? See our open career positions here!
Click here to read more about HRD Best Places to Work 2025.
