Southlake is the only hospital in York Region to be recognized in 2026
Southlake Health is proud to be one of the top employers in the Greater Toronto Area for 2026, a designation that celebrates workplaces that lead the way in supporting employee wellness, development, and engagement. Southlake is the only hospital in York Region to be recognized this year, and one of three community hospitals across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). This recognition highlights Southlake’s commitment to creating a caring, inclusive, and people-first environment where staff, medical staff, volunteers, and learners thrive.
“We have always said that Southlake’s greatest strength is our people, and this award is a powerful reflection of how we care for them, so they can for others,” said Paul Woods, MD, President and CEO, Southlake Health. “Our pride for people is grounded in teamwork, compassion, and a shared commitment to serving our communities. A big congratulations to everyone who made this possible.”
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the GTA’s Top Employers competition, which evaluates organizations on their physical workspace, social atmosphere, benefits, vacation and time off, communications, performance management, training and development.
Southlake’s recognition as a top employer reflects its ongoing investment in the well-being and growth of its people. The hospital offers a wide suite of programs that support staff and medical staff both inside and outside the workplace. These include increased mental health benefits, on-site wellness services, dog therapy sessions, free access to an on-site gym, and a comprehensive package of education and career supports. Together, these initiatives reflect Southlake’s long-standing commitment to cultivating a workplace where people feel valued, connected, and empowered.
“We value every member of our Southlake community and focus on supporting their wellness,” said Cristina Amaral, Vice President, People, and Chief Human Resources Officer. “We see our teams as whole human beings with lives and responsibilities beyond work, requiring an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong. Our wellness programs, benefits, and supports are designed to help them care for themselves so they can continue to care for our patients. There is a deep sense of community and pride in lifting each other up.”
This sense of community has been vital to the hospital’s success. Southlake’s Strategy for the Decade Ahead builds on this foundation, recognizing people as a key enablers that will drive progress and transform Southlake into a Distributed Health Network over the next 10 years. As part of this, Southlake has advanced several initiatives that support engagement. These include enhanced leadership development, improved communication tools, and expanded recognition activities.
For many at Southlake, the supportive environment is what inspires them to grow their careers and stay connected to the organization. Arthika Patmanathan, Manager, Patient Relations & Patient Experience, began as a co-op student and has built her career across multiple departments with the support of colleagues who mentored, coached, and encouraged her along the way.
“I’m grateful for being able to move across departments and for the leaders and colleagues who welcomed me, coached me, and helped me grow,” said Patmanathan. “There is a special sense of community here. I absolutely love the people I work with. It is so much a part of me that I feel like I have grown up at Southlake.”
With more than 6,000 staff, medical staff, volunteers, and learners, Southlake continues to expand programs, strengthen employee experiences, and invest in the people who provide leading edge care, close to home.
