At this year’s Ottawa Best Places to Work Employer Summit, hosted by the Ottawa Board of Trade and Ottawa Business Journal, one idea resonated across every conversation: the future of work is not defined by technology, it’s defined by people.
March Networks was proud to be named one of Ottawa’s Best Places to Work 2025, a recognition that celebrates organizations with strong engagement, meaningful culture, and a deep commitment to their teams. For us, that recognition is not just a milestone—it’s a reflection of what we value most: empowering people to grow, learn, and thrive together. As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, being recognized among Ottawa’s best employers feels especially meaningful. The past two decades have seen incredible change in how we work, how we learn, and how we connect. But one thing has remained constant at March Networks: how our people are the foundation of our success.
Redefining Education in a Changing World
One of the key themes discussed at the summit was how education is being redefined in the face of disruption. In a world where technology evolves faster than curriculums, employers are increasingly responsible for bridging the gap between education and readiness.
Canada leads globally in higher education attainment, yet productivity often lags behind. The issue isn’t intelligence or ambition, but the need for continuous skill upgrading and real-world learning opportunities. At March Networks, we’re tackling that challenge head-on through partnerships and programs that blend academic knowledge with practical experience.
Our long-standing collaboration with Carleton University, recently expanded to include research into generative AI and intelligent video analytics, is helping shape the next generation of business and technology solutions. Students gain hands-on experience and skill development in a rapidly growing field, while our teams benefit from fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.
Beyond research, our co-op and internship programs provide students with the opportunity to work directly alongside our engineers, analysts, and business leaders. These experiences prepare them for careers that demand adaptability, creativity, and confidence.
As one summit speaker highlighted, 91% of employers believe soft skills are both the most important and the most lacking among new graduates. For our team, this insight reinforces a stance we’ve long believed: success in our industry depends not just on technical expertise, but on communication, empathy, and teamwork.
Through mentorship, project-based learning, and open collaboration, we create opportunities for students and employees alike to develop those essential skills to help them succeed in their career journeys.
From New Talent to Seasoned Experts: Investing in Every Stage of Growth
Building the future of work means committing to the growth of every individual who walks through our doors. Whether you’re a co-op student starting your first project, a new graduate joining our engineering team, or a manager stepping into leadership, you’ll find that March Networks is built to help you keep learning.
We’ve created a culture of continuous professional development that encourages curiosity and rewards initiative. Employees have access to a wide range of tools and programs designed to help them expand their skills, including:
- Professional development funding for courses, certifications, and conferences
- On-demand learning platforms offering technical and leadership training
- Leadership and mentorship programs connecting employees across departments
- Career mobility opportunities that support internal promotions and lateral moves
We believe growth shouldn’t be limited by job titles. Our managers are encouraged to help their teams explore new challenges, stretch their skills, and pursue learning opportunities that align with both personal and professional goals.
During the summit, one key insight stood out: Canadian companies, on average, spend only about $250 per employee each year on upskilling compared to $750 in other developed economies. We’re proud to turn that opportunity into action, offering every employee $3,000 each year to invest in their own professional growth after completing their first year with us.
The companies that will lead in the next decade will be those that see learning not as a cost, but as an investment.
Creating a Workplace Where People Feel Proud, Supported, and Inspired
When our President and CEO, Peter Strom, first accepted the Best Places to Work 2025 recognition, he said:
“This recognition couldn’t come at a better time. As we celebrate 25 years, being named a Best Place to Work is proof of what we’ve always believed; when you invest in your people, you win together.”
That philosophy drives every aspect of how we design our workplace, from benefits and flexibility to the sense of connection that binds our teams together.
We’ve built a hybrid work environment that balances collaboration and flexibility. Employees can design work schedules that fit their lives, with a mix of in-office and remote days that reflect team needs and personal preferences. This approach helps maintain connection while also supporting focus and well-being.
Our comprehensive benefits package reflects the same people-first philosophy. It includes:
- Health and dental coverage that supports employees and their families.
- Employee assistance programs offering mental health, counseling, and wellness resources.
- Generous vacation and personal leave policies, because a good work-life balance matters.
- Flexible work hours and hybrid options for improved work-life integration.
- RRSP matching programs to help employees plan for the future.
- Fitness and wellness initiatives, including on-site activities and team challenges.
We also know that recognition and appreciation matter. From milestone celebrations and performance bonuses to peer-nominated awards and social events, we take time to celebrate the people who make our success possible.
Culture as a Competitive Advantage
The Best Places to Work program relies heavily on employee feedback, with over 80% of the evaluation coming from engagement surveys. That means this award isn’t just a reflection of company strategy; it’s a reflection of how our people feel.
In 2025, those surveys told a clear story: employees are seeking meaning, connection, and growth. They want to work for companies that are transparent, inclusive, and aligned with their values.
At March Networks, we’ve made culture an active priority, not a passive byproduct. We hold regular quarterly meetings with all staff, followed by open discussions and action plans. We strive to continuously improve transparency, addressing challenges directly and sharing updates on company progress, goals, and wins.
We also believe that culture is built in the small moments, in the coffee breaks, team lunches, and shared celebrations that create community. Whether it’s a team volunteering day, an internal innovation challenge, or an ice cream social, we’re always finding ways to connect outside the day-to-day work. 
As one summit speaker put it, “Caring is number one. Making sure everyone is okay at the end of the day—that’s what defines leadership.”
It’s a sentiment we take to heart. Our culture is built on three pillars that define how we operate:
- Caring – supporting each other as people first.
- Investing – committing time and resources to individual growth.
- Communicating – keeping conversations open, honest, and continuous.
Together, these principles help us build a workplace that’s more than just a place to work—it’s a community where people can grow, contribute, and belong.
The Future of Work Is Human
The conversations at this year’s summit made one thing clear: the future of employment will be defined by adaptability, empathy, and lifelong learning. Technology, and especially AI, is transforming industries, but the companies that thrive will be those that understand how to combine innovation with humanity.
For March Networks, this means continuing to invest not just in the systems we build, but in the people who make them possible. As we look to the next 25 years, our vision is to remain a company that grows by empowering its people to learn, lead, and boldly imagine what’s next.
Whether it’s through our partnership with Carleton University to advance AI-driven business solutions, our commitment to co-op learning and mentorship, or our investment in professional development and wellness for our team, we’re shaping a future where work feels purposeful, and where every employee feels seen and supported.
Being recognized as one of Ottawa’s Best Places to Work 2025 isn’t the end of that journey, but the beginning of the next chapter.
The world of work is changing, but one thing won’t: our belief that when we invest in our people, we all move forward together.
Join Us
If you’re ready to grow your career in an environment built on innovation, collaboration, and care, explore current opportunities with us at marchnetworks.com/careers.
To learn more about our research partnerships and how we’re helping shape the future of AI in business, discover how Carleton University and March Networks Expand Partnership to Advance Generative AI Business Solutions.
At March Networks, the future of work is already here, and we’re building it together.
Christine L. Maher is the Chief Legal Officer at March Networks, where she leads all aspects of the company’s legal, compliance, and corporate governance functions. With over 18 years at March Networks and prior experience at Nortel Networks and Gowling WLG, Christine brings deep expertise in corporate law, data privacy, M&A, and international compliance.
Connect with Christine Maher on LinkedIn.
