As more firms push for a return to the office, workplace flexibility is becoming a rare and valued employee benefit—one that can also serve customers.
According to WTW’s 2024 Global Benefit Attitudes Survey, 53% of employees that can work remotely indicated they would look to change jobs within 12 months if their employer mandated a full-time return-to-office policy. Almost half (48%) of hybrid and remote workers reported they would be willing to take a pay cut of 8% on average to have work flexibility.
According to another WTW survey, 61% of companies are requiring employees to work in the office either full-time or hybrid. However, Syntax has taken a different approach, with flexible work arrangements, inclusive global leadership, and robust talent development programs. The global environment enables employees to thrive both professionally and personally—strengthening employee retention and loyalty, as evidenced in its recent Great Place To Work® certification across all 10 countries of operation.
Instrumental in creating this environment is Dessalen Wood, Global Chief People Officer, Syntax. “The journey to becoming a truly great workplace began during one of the most challenging times for businesses—the post-pandemic ‘Great Resignation.’ During this time, workers resigned or retired in record numbers, creating a massive talent crunch. Companies scrambled to attract talent by offering inflated salaries, only to face high turnover rates as employees continued to leave,” Dessalen explained.
“Rather than chasing trends, Syntax Global CEO Christian Primeau committed to building a culture that prioritized employee well-being and flexibility. The result is a workplace where people feel empowered to make decisions about how, when, and where they work.”
Tune into the latest HRchat Podcast episode by HR Gazette: The Flexibility Revolution, with Dessalen Wood, Syntax
Flex Workplace and Flex Schedule
Syntax offers options to work remotely to employees whose positions don’t require office presence. For roles that do, hybrid arrangements are available. Both can have flexible schedules. “As a result, employees no longer feel tethered to an office or stuck in a rigid schedule. Instead, they can enjoy a better quality of life while maintaining productivity and delivering exceptional results for customers,” Dessalen said.
The Global Flex Program
At the heart of Syntax’s workplace transformation is its Global Flex Program. This groundbreaking initiative allows employees to work remotely from anywhere in the world for up to four months at a time or up to 30 days as part of the Global Tourist program. Whether it’s spending time in their hometowns, caring for aging parents, or simply avoiding the daily grind of traffic, employees benefit from the freedom to balance their personal lives with their careers.
“The idea and the perception of it took off like crazy. And then the people who had moved away from home could go home and spend time with their families. And that’s what most people did, rather than go to the beach or a vacation spot,” Dessalen said.
The Power of Flexibility
The benefits of workplace flexibility extend far beyond logistics. Employees report improved mental health, stronger relationships, and greater autonomy. Internal surveys show high trust scores and positive feedback on leadership capabilities in a remote environment. Employees feel equipped with the tools they need to succeed.
It has also opened doors for talent development. Syntax promotes leaders from across its global offices and remote locations, allowing employees from all countries to grow in their careers. Cultural nuances are embraced, and leadership is inclusive.
Dessalen explained, “The Syntax model is quite different from other companies. We want to have a global mindset, meaning leaders will be able to lead differently for each of the countries they’re overseeing. And so, even though our home office is in Canada, our leadership isn’t necessarily based in Canada but in many countries.”
Read the latest article from HR Gazette: Why Workplace Flexibility Matters More Than Ever, interviewing Dessalen Wood, Chief People Officer at Syntax.
Differentiation in a Competitive Market
One of the most notable outcomes of these initiatives is the impact on employee retention and recruitment. While larger competitors struggled with turnover, Syntax experienced a dip in attrition rates. This trust-first approach stood out in an industry where many organizations adopted increasingly rigid policies.
A Commitment to Growth
Syntax’s dedication to its employees doesn’t stop at location and schedule. The company invests heavily in talent development, offering complimentary access to LinkedIn Learning, robust DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) programs, and a nonhierarchical management style that amplifies employee voices. In addition to this, Syntax has also created an internal leadership development curriculum partnering with McGill to provide their global talent pool with the opportunity to receive a customized Micro MBA.
The combination of flexibility and growth opportunities allows employees to build their careers around their lives—not the other way around. This philosophy has been a driving force behind Syntax’s success and its recognition as a Great Place to Work®.
Celebrating the Great Place to Work® Award
Syntax’s certification by Great Place To Work® is no small feat. Great Place To Work®, the global authority on workplace culture, evaluates companies based on employee experience and leadership behaviors that drive retention, innovation, and market-leading success. In 2024, an impressive 80% of Syntax employees worldwide reported that Syntax is a great place to work, with 91% agreeing that Syntax is indeed a Great Place to Work. The certification spans Canada, United States, Mexico, France, Spain, Germany, Slovakia, Morocco, South Africa, and India.
“The recognition is especially meaningful because it comes directly from employees themselves. It’s a testament to our efforts to foster trust, inclusivity, and collaboration across our global workforce,” Dessalen said.
Building the Future of Work
In today’s competitive landscape, flexibility, development and empowerment are key to employee retention and commitment. By enabling employees to choose where they work and fostering an inclusive, global environment, Syntax has created a workplace where people can thrive, focus on innovation, and drive customer satisfaction.
Find your next work opportunity at Syntax.