A recognition that says a lot about us
Some news is truly heartening.
News that reminds us why we choose, every day, to build a culture that is humane, sustainable, and deeply rooted in well-being.
On Wednesday, April 29, during the SMET in Action event: Share, Inspire, Move Forward Together, Nexus Innovations was named the winner of the 2025–2026 SP Cohesion Award, services sector, organizations with 0 to 99 employees. 🏅
This award recognizes organizations whose approach to workplace health and wellness (SMET) stands out for its consistency, impact, and sustainability.
Receiving it is a tremendous honor.
And here’s a little anecdote that makes this moment even more special:
the application had been submitted in secret by Claudia and Marianne. Their wish? That this recognition come as a true collective gift. 💛
Mission more than accomplished.
A recognition system similar to Nexus
Since 2017, we have made a clear choice:
to put people at the center of our decisions. Not just in words, but above all in our day-to-day actions.
For us, health and well-being at work have never been an obligation or a passing trend.
- It is a deep-seated conviction.
- A way of doing things.
- And a shared responsibility.
This is exactly what the submitted application reflected:
- a proactive and sincere approach to mental health in the workplace;
- a committed, consistent, and hands-on leadership;
- structured practices that are monitored and measured over time;
- an environment where flexibility, recognition, trust, and balance are the foundations, not privileges.
Winning this award confirms that this approach is not only in line with… but also stands out on a Quebec-wide scale.
You weren’t at the event?
Here is an excerpt from the speech by Claudia Lépine, Director of Talent and Culture at Nexus Innovations.
Here are some best practices… the Nexus way
At SMET in Action, several organizations shared inspiring initiatives related to workplace health and well-being.
Here are a few concrete examples, drawn from our own practices at Nexus Innovations, as well as others that have inspired us to go even further.
2 paid hours per week for exercise or volunteering
At Nexus, every employee is entitled to two paid hours per week, which they can use to:
- play sports,
- get active for fun,
- push yourself,
- or volunteer.
No set rules. No rigid structure.
Everyone chooses what they want to do, when, and how.
In a work environment that’s remote, hybrid, or flexible, we’ve deliberately prioritized this flexibility over providing an on-site gym. Because well-being isn’t experienced the same way by everyone, nor in the same place.
The Recognition Profile: Hitting the Mark Every Time
As soon as they join Nexus, our employees fill out a recognition profile.
The goal? To understand how each person likes to be thanked and recognized.
It could be:
- from small culinary treats,
- to a favorite shop,
- to more symbolic or subtle gestures.
When you want to highlight a great achievement, you know you’ve hit the mark: just take a look at the recognition profile.
Recognition as a living practice
At Nexus, recognition is truly part of our culture.
We value both those who give recognition and those who receive it.
Every month, we hold a drawing, and the person selected receives a gift card from their favorite store.
It’s a small gesture, but it has a real impact on the workplace atmosphere, motivation, and the feeling of being seen.
An inspiration we brought back with us: Hot Sauce
We also took advantage of the event to draw inspiration from our peers’ best practices. Among the practices presented at the event, some particularly caught our attention.
One of them? An award that gets passed around among coworkers.
At Nexus, it’s all about the Spicy Sauce 🌶️: a nod to the Nex’sauce that defines our projects.
In practical terms:
- a cheerful and unapologetic Teams background,
- accompanied by a message like this:
I’m the winner of the Hot Sauce Award because I pulled off a great feat!
Ask me what I did to deserve it.
Now it’s my turn to find the next person who’s really spiced up their project!
A simple, fun, and collaborative way to foster appreciation… without ever letting it become routine.
A culture built together
The reason cœsion SP recognizes Nexus Innovations today is because our culture is deeply collaborative.
It is:
- two paid hours for exercise or volunteering;
- recognition that is shared, documented, and lived out every day;
- true flexibility: self-managed schedules, remote work here or abroad, and the option of a four-day workweek when life calls for it;
- management practices based on listening, prevention, dialogue, and concrete follow-ups;
- committees, surveys, impromptu coffee breaks, and open discussions, which allow everyone to actively contribute to a psychologically healthy and safe environment.
And above all, there are managers who are close to their teams, compassionate, proactive, and committed.
None of this would be possible without them.
A serious, measured, and sustainable approach
Receiving this award is no accident.
Our SMET approach is rigorous, adaptable, and firmly rooted in our reality.
Over the past year and a half:
- the well-being score rose from 7.5 to 8.3;
- the recognition score rose from 8 to 8.3;
- and the turnover rate remains 7% below the IT industry average.
But beyond the numbers, there are, above all, human stories:
- caregivers who can be there for their parents;
- expectant parents supported in a truly caring environment;
- enthusiasts who balance work with high-level sports;
- people who finally feel free to talk about their limitations, challenges, and realities, without judgment.
That is exactly the kind of environment we want to create.
And we continue to improve it, together.
💛 Thank you to the entire Nexus Innovations team
This award recognizes the collective commitment, trust, openness, and humanity that define us.
Thank you to each and every one of you for making Nexus Innovations a place where we can be ourselves, thrive, learn, and work on what truly matters.
And a very special thank you to Claudia and Marianne for this incredible surprise, delivered in secret… but received with immense pride and emotion.
