NEOC helps nonprofits measure, improve and celebrate their workplace practices
This year marks the 12th anniversary of the Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice (NEOC) Award Program—a program that has become a national benchmark for recognizing excellence in people management, culture, and leadership.
Over the past decade, NEOC has helped nonprofits across Canada measure, improve and celebrate their workplace practices, setting a new standard for what it means to be an employer of choice in a fast-changing industry.
The evolving role of nonprofits as employers
Nonprofits are continually facing new challenges from talent shortages and technology shifts to increasing calls for diversity, inclusion, and sustainability. Yet, one thing remains constant: people continue to drive organizational success.
Becoming an employer of choice isn’t a static achievement. It’s an ongoing journey of adaptation, listening, and leadership and gaining NEOC status is a validation of the effort nonprofits put into building world class organizations.
What makes an Employer of Choice?
NEOC’s research over a decade highlights five key themes shared by top-performing nonprofits:
- Leadership that listens
Great nonprofits build trust from the top down. They create open environments where employees feel heard, supported and empowered to contribute ideas. - Employee engagement and recognition
The best employers don’t just hire talent; they motivate and retain it through meaningful recognition, clear career paths, and ongoing development. - Culture of respect, inclusion and innovation
Modern nonprofits thrive on diversity of thought, background, and experience. Employers of choice make inclusion and innovation part of the DNA of their brands. - A focus on learning and growth
As societal needs evolve, top nonprofits invest in constant training and education, from Executive Directors right through to front-line service delivery personnel. - Community and purpose
Beyond donation drives, nonprofits that engage with their communities—supporting local causes and giving back—build stronger brands and employee pride.
The impact of the NEOC program
NEOC’s rigorous evaluation process provides nonprofits with measurable insights into their employee experience and leadership practices. Participants don’t just receive a score, they receive detailed reporting and a roadmap for continuous improvement.
More than 100 Canadian nonprofits have participated since the program’s launch, demonstrating a national commitment to building and promoting better workplaces in the nonprofit sector.
Osborne Group principal Judy Fantham has experienced the power of participating in the award process firsthand. Judy describes her experience—
“In 2018, I was asked to take on the leadership of a small, nonprofit agency in deep trouble. Where to start? I sensed staff had become afraid to tell truth to power, so I relied on the Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice (NEOC) Award to learn that truth because I trusted the NEOC brand. I anticipated low scores, and that was what we heard. The truth was difficult to hear but the organization needed a baseline because we were determined to turn around the agency for both staff and clients. They deserved it!
The NEOC leadership delivered the truth constructively and provided an objective, third-party foundation for the recommended action plan. A year later, we were recognized with a Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice Award!
What comes next
As NEOC celebrates its 12th year, the program continues to evolve: incorporating new data insights, benchmarking analytics, leadership development resources and public relations to help nonprofits navigate the future of work.
The vision for the next decade? To inspire every nonprofit in Canada to become a great place to work—where people feel valued, donors feel the difference, and the whole industry advances together.
Becoming a Nonprofit Employer of Choice means leading with purpose, listening with empathy, and embracing change with courage.
As NEOC leans into its second decade, one truth shines brighter than ever: nonprofits that invest in people not only attract the best talent, they deliver the best experiences.
To learn more about becoming a Canadian Nonprofit Employer of Choice, contact:
Jeff Doran, President CCEOC Inc.
Phone: 416-886-7007
Email: jdoran@ccemployerofchoice.com
Mary Singleton, NEOC Program Manager
Phone : 416-267-1287
Email : mary@hilborn.com
Website: www.neoc.com
