Putting people first is in Carebook’s DNA, an approach that continues to drive its employee initiatives during these difficult times.
MONTREAL, June 5, 2020 /CNW Telbec/ – Carebook has once again set itself apart by being named one of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers by Mediacorp Canada Inc, mere months after being recognized as one of Montreal’s Top Employers earlier this year. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see that our people-first approach is once again being praised by an independent organization. Helping our employees thrive is just as important to us as helping our clients succeed. It’s in our DNA”, says Carebook CEO Pascale Audette of the fast-growing tech company, which focuses on creating digital pharmacy and clinic solutions to engage people on their health and wellness journey and offers pharmacies turn-key systems that bring key revenue drivers under a single application.
“Our employees know that they matter to us as much as our clients do”, says Audette. Given the current national health crisis, the company recently pulled out all the stops to make sure that its employees could work safely and comfortably from home. “Office chairs and computer screens were delivered to their homes and they were each given a special $150 allowance to spend on anything that would help keep them physically and mentally healthy, such as an online gym class, a subscription to a meditation app or even a plant to brighten their work space. Daily video meet-ups are held, and I make a point of offering words of encouragement and support as often as possible. In addition, those with children at home can work flexible hours. A virtual cocktail hour and a breakfast once a week have also been implemented to help alleviate feelings of isolation and keep our spirits up,” adds Audette.
Carebook is committed to creating a great work environment, one that’s based on trust and communication. Bi-monthly surveys and regular verbal sessions are held so that everyone can freely express themselves, which in turn fosters creativity and innovation. The two go hand in hand, says Pascale Audette: “Carebook is all about celebrating innovation, so it’s important to build a culture of curiosity where people are safe to express themselves. That’s when brilliant ideas can come to life”.
Carebook may be an SME, but it’s not afraid to offer big business benefits. Its comprehensive plan includes a complete annual health assessment at a top healthcare clinic, a telemedicine app that provides 24/7 access to a health professional to the whole family and extra perks such as free flu shots and massage therapy. In addition, the company’s Montreal headquarters are housed in a bright, modern space with lots of light, high ceilings and a big kitchen where employees can refuel throughout the day with healthy snacks provided by Carebook.
Having grown from a passionate group of five employees to a team of over 40 people as of early 2020, the company employs a diverse team of specialists in the areas of health, research, programming and development, game design, marketing and human engagement. They are always on the lookout for people who want to be part of a dynamic team that’s building solutions and empowering people to take control of their health and wellness. That also means occasionally consulting experts in the field to help steer growth in the right direction, which is why the company recently established an advisory board.
New Advisory Board
Providing a great place to work also means ensuring that a business stays strong and healthy. Carebook’s new advisory board will provide expert council and help keep its growth initiatives in line with the company’s vision to stay at the forefront of the industry. The four members of the board, Julie Doucet, Chris Gardner, Marie-France Nicole, and Roger Simard are either pharmacists themselves or have worked in the pharmacy industry for decades. These brilliant business owners and top-level executives bring with them a wealth of expertise and experience that will be invaluable in helping Carebook validate its assumptions, understand the needs of pharmacies and pinpoint promising areas for product development.
About Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers
Now in its 7th year, Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers is a competition that recognizes the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that offer the nation’s best workplaces and forward-thinking human resources policies. It uses several selection criteria, including physical workplace, work atmosphere and employee communications. Read more here.