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 Toronto Lab >
Culture at the Lab
The IBM Toronto Software Lab
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| | Given our size and scope, the IBM Toronto Lab is an exciting place to be. We are committed to creating innovative products using leading technologies, and all while having some fun.
At the IBM Toronto Lab, we respect creativity and allow employees to work flexible hours to suit their own needs.
In addition to working on global teams, skills development is an important component of the culture at the Toronto Lab. We make a large investment in our employees through programs such as training and education and a comprehensive Skills Centre onsite.
And did we mention the oasis rooms and games tables? We give employees time to relax and get their mind off work through ping pong, fooseball and air hockey tables throughout the Lab. If that isn't relaxing enough, employees can escape to our English Library, Country Cottage room, or South Seas Island oasis room complete with waterfall.
Check out a sample of the groups currently active at the Toronto Lab:
 The IBM Toronto Lab has a long tradition of employing students from programs across the country, including Co-op, Industrial Internship Program (IIP), INROADS, and SHAD Valley students. In fact, every year we hire approximately 500 students from across Canada. In recognition of this, Future Blue was formed by students to promote the student community at the Lab. This group organizes social activities, produces an information intranet site, and provides input into recruiting activities for students.
 The council's goal is to inspire, support and encourage women in our community to reach their full potential for leadership in both technical and management fields. Members focus on factors that inhibit the progress of our women - both real and perceived - especially for those women in technical career paths. Key areas of interest include mentoring, work-life balance and outreach programs which encourage young women to enter technical career paths.
During the ECF campaign, IBM employees are encouraged to donate money and time to charitable organizations. Instead of giving to separate campaigns throughout the year, the ECF provides IBM employees the opportunity to make a single donation directed to charities of their choice. Many Lab employees get involved in the campaign through organizing creative fundraising activities, while others choose to make their contribution through participation.
Linux, the open-source operating system, is becoming increasingly popular in the IT world. To desseminate information effectively, we have created a Linux "study group" where employees meet and share their research. The group meets more than once a month and discusses a chosen technical topic, with focus on preparing for a Linux certification exam (RHCE, Linux+, SAIR/GNU, LPI). We develop practical exercises around the concepts presented, and distribute assignments and answers for personal study between sessions. | |
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