A career at Sony

Sony Culture & Work Environment

Want to join an established and world-renowned company, where people sincerely care about their work? Where passion abounds for the products and services offered? What is strikingly obvious and what sets Sony apart from other employers is the unmistakable Sony spirit that exists. Sony employees feed off of each others' energy and creativity. There is a sense of excitement in all that we do – this phenomenon comes partly as a natural reaction to being associated with the world's greatest brand and is partly a by-product of Sony's commitment to its people. There are a number of employee programs and policies in place designed to make employees feel valued and appreciated which in turn, amount to happy and motivated employees. We offer a stimulating, challenging and highly supportive work environment – exactly the kind of environment you would expect from a company with an outstanding reputation for exceptional quality and services.

Work/Life Balance

At Sony we recognize and respect our employees' commitments outside of work. We know that today's employees look for employers that are compassionate and understanding to their personal quest for work-life balance. Not only do we firmly believe that this is absolutely necessary for health-related reasons, studies further show that a balanced employee means a more productive employee.

Needless to say, helping staff maintain a healthy work-life balance is a top priority. Sony has a number of family-friendly policies and programs in place to help achieve this. Our generous vacation policy plus floater days, compassionate sick leave policy, paid leaves of absences, flexible work arrangements, our Employee Assistance Program (covering a wide spectrum of issues), as well as our health and wellness programs are all reflective of our commitment to achieving employee work-life balance.

State of the art technology and facilities

If being at the forefront of technological advancements and innovation excites you, Sony is the place for you. As the leader in the electronics industry, Sony employees are privy to the latest developments in the technology sector. Employees naturally thrive knowing they are part of a company that is setting industry trends and making technology history.

Our facilities house state-of-the-art technology tools to help employees excel in their jobs. Head office employees enjoy wireless connectivity throughout our buildings, while warehouse staff work in modern facilities with all the latest technology aides designed to increase productivity.

Employee Communications

The immense sense of pride and excitement that is the "Sony Culture" stems from relentless company efforts to keep employees engaged in company developments, informed and "in-the-know" at all times. Pre-product launch demonstrations are regularly hosted to give employees an "insider's" look at upcoming product developments.

In addition to regular educational events to create awareness amongst staff for new products, employees feel a part of important business decisions and company developments as well. As a Japanese company, input and buy-in from all is paramount to the success of the business. We schedule regular company-wide meetings, we host forums to enable interactive discussion about company news, we hold knowledge-sharing sessions, and several other initiatives – all designed to create an inclusive environment for all. Our staff communication vehicles, including our Intranet site, is packed with the latest corporate information giving employees a wealth of knowledge on the company's strategic direction and overall performance.

Employee satisfaction is continuously monitored through employee surveys, one-on-one discussions with the President, and our corporate Suggestions Box program. Based on feedback received, we develop initiatives to address issues and opportunities for improvement.

The sense of inclusion at Sony starts from day one of work. New employees are made to feel welcome, starting with our comprehensive new hire orientation program which includes lunch with our corporate executives.

Dedicated to Diversity

Sony of Canada is an Employment Equity Employer. We encourage applications from qualified women, men, visible minorities, aboriginal peoples, and persons with disabilities. In filling vacancies, we choose the best person for the job by measuring a candidate's ability to perform the essential duties of the position. Work assignments, transfers, promotions and compensation are all determined on the basis of merit without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, age, record of offence, marital or family status, sexual orientation, or disability. All Sony Managers are responsible and held accountable for ensuring that opportunities within their departments are offered equitably.

Global Edge

As a true international organization, there are countless opportunities within the company to grow and learn. Our world presence means opportunities to travel, if that is what you are interested in. As part of a global organization, you will also have access to global strategies and best-business practices from Sony companies around the world.

Recognizing Success

Some companies merely pay lip-service to this. At Sony, we put a lot of emphasis and thought into our recognition awards, which reward employees for loyalty to the company and for performance. Also recognized is community volunteerism, which feeds into our commitment as a responsible corporate citizen. Our most prestigious award, our "Samurai" award, comes with $5,000 in Sony bucks for recipients to spend at the Employee Store towards the purchase of extraordinary Sony products.

Environmental Commitment

At Sony, our commitment to the environment is evident in our products, services and business practices. We take innovation, sustainability and dedication, and integrate them into every aspect of Sony.

Our promise to the environment is honoured through continued efforts to reduce harmful chemicals in products, to decrease resource consumption, and to provide products and services with greater added value. In keeping with our corporate philosophy of entertaining the world, Sony is not only the industry leader in consumer electronics but is the industry leader in providing entertainment the more eco-efficient way.

Community Involvement

Through personal financial contributions and dedicating their time to volunteer activities, employees are making a difference in the communities they work and live.

Many employees take advantage of volunteer opportunities available through our relationship with Make a Wish Foundation Canada. As well, the Sony Social Committee puts on numerous charitable events throughout the year for employees, such as the United Way Games and the Annual Golf Tournament, which employees look forward to and wholeheartedly support.

At a corporate level, the Sony Canada Charitable Foundation (SCCF) believes deeply in the power of philanthropy and the power to touch the lives of Canadians in extraordinary and meaningful ways. In addition to the SCCFs commitment to the betterment of children and the community, SCCF is also devoted to creating an environmentally healthy and sustainable society for all.

Total Rewards at Sony of Canada

When considering a new career opportunity, you need to assess the full job offer package for a true indication of the real value of the position being offered. These days, an attractive base salary is simply not enough. Sony is well aware of today's increasingly competitive work environment, and has created a highly lucrative Total Rewards program to attract and retain employees.

Sony's approach to Total Rewards focuses on a variety of means to reward employees for their contribution to the organization. We offer performance-driven pay, a results driven bonus program, a comprehensive benefits program, professional development opportunities, and a work environment conducive to both professional and personal fulfillment. When you think Total Rewards, think big picture! Sony expects a lot from the people who work here, but in return provides a supportive and challenging work environment for everyone. Simply speaking, we hire outstanding people and reward them well for outstanding performance.

Competitive Base Salary

Sony conducts annual salary reviews to ensure employees are paid in line (or in most cases, above) industry average rates. Along with keeping abreast industry salary averages, individual performance is assessed annually in order to fairly distribute raises and bonuses – particularly, to high achievers. We live by a pay for performance philosophy and as such, pay increases are tied into a merit-based pay system.

Lucrative incentive plan

All employees are part of a corporate Incentive Plan which is in place to reinforce the company's key business goals of profitable sales growth. Performance is linked to business results, and incentives exist to reward the contributions towards key corporate objectives like revenue and market share growth, profitability and customer satisfaction.

Flexible Health & Dental Benefits

Recognizing the diversity of our employees, flexible benefits are offered to provide full-time and part-time staff with the opportunity to tailor a benefits package best suited to individual needs. Employees choose from a variety of options that range from extensive coverage, to basic, or no coverage. Our benefits program covers Vision Care, Dental, Medical, Travel Insurance, Disability, Life Insurance, Alternative therapies and Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage.

Pension Benefits

Sony's retirement plan is a valuable part of planning for a secure financial future. We offer a defined contribution pension plan, whereby Sony provides a dollar for-dollar match for employee contributions to the plan (up to 5%). This plan has achieved good returns over its investment lifetime. To further help plan for retirement, employees can choose to have RRSP contributions automatically arranged through payroll deduction.

Professional Advancement/Development Opportunities

Sony is a great place to grow and succeed. Our size, growth, and global presence means our people can take advantage of infinite career opportunities and new challenges. To help you grow, we provide cutting-edge technology, world-class knowledge tools, extensive learning programs, and continuous counselling. Sony supports employee development and actively encourages opportunities for career advancement. We offer tuition reimbursement, coverage for professional association membership fees, ongoing training opportunities to address work-specific and professional development needs, and a mentorship program.

More Money in Your Pocket

We want employees to make the most of the money they work hard to earn. As part of efforts to put more money back into our employees' pockets, we offer a slew of discount programs – including hefty discounts on Sony products, home and auto insurance discounts, group fitness membership rates, as well as discounted concert and entertainment tickets. Free parking and subsidized cafeteria meals are just one more way Sony employees save money. And if employees want to add even more dollars to their pocketbook, they could always participate in the Employee Referral Program.