Canada's Top 100 Employers (2026) Magazine - Flipbook - Page 4
4
( 2026 )
J.ROBERT/AUDIOKINETIC
SPONSOR CONTENT
Montréal-based Audiokinetic Inc. builds social connections and a sense of belonging among employees by organizing recreational activities around shared interests,
such as live music jams or gaming.
Building workplace through community
Unique social experiences go beyond traditional office gatherings to create connection
M
usical jam sessions?
Barista bars? Karaoke
with the team? For many
of Canada’s Top 100
Employers (2026), social
activities are not just returning but becoming more intentional and innovative. After
the isolation of the pandemic years, it’s a
deliberate approach to building a more vibrant, collaborative workplace.
For instance, Digital Extremes Ltd.,
a video game developer in London, Ont.
recently launched a new team connection fund allowing managers to organize
team-building events and other fun activities, such as bowling nights, kayaking
trips and restaurant meals. Some organizations even fly their entire staff to a
resort destination for a mix of business
and socializing. The win: it not only fosters more authentic connections but helps
younger employees develop soft skills —
particularly those in a hybrid or remote
work environment.
At Audiokinetic Inc., music and play
are proving to be powerful tools for social
connection. The Montréal-based software
company holds monthly evening music jams — guitars, drums and keyboard
provided — as well as lunchtime piano sessions for employees to enjoy music
together.
“We have a lot of musicians, as well as
music lovers, who love to attend,” says
Shirley Chan, human resources advisor.
“We also have a group who delight in playing video games. It gets loud and competitive, so we have a special games room
equipped with consoles where they can
enjoy themselves.
“In creating these platforms for people
who share a common interest — something they’re passionate about beyond
work — you’re creating a sense of belonging,” Chan continues. “These activities
aren’t just recreational; they’re tools for
building workplace relationships.”
Audiokinetic’s bright and open office
space encourages interaction, designed
around a central cafeteria — stocked with
free snacks, fruit and gourmet coffee —
that brings employees from different departments together.
“Food is always a great way for people
to connect,” says Chan. “We offer lots of
options, such as almond milk or kombucha, to show we respect everyone’s dietary
restrictions. Our leadership team often
joins in for lunch, sitting with the group
and just chatting away. So, we break that
glass ceiling that says management is not
approachable.”
While Audiokinetic uses a hybrid work
model, office attendance isn’t strictly
mandated.
“We invite people to come in, not to
check on them, but to make sure they’re
not isolated,” says Chan. “And to ensure
we keep that collaboration and connection that Audiokinetic has always strived
to achieve.”
By prioritizing social connection,
Canada’s Top 100 Employers (2026) aren’t
just building a workplace — they’re
creating a community.
– Diane Jermyn
