The 2007 Walk the Talk survey awarded three companies in Eastern and Western Canada who were each voted by their employees for being: honourable, authentic, transparent, supportive and open to new ideas.

These six companies are the 2007 Walk the Talk award winners:

CISCO CANADA, Most Family Friendly Workplace

How does CISCO define walking the talk?

To Terry Walsh, President and CEO of Cisco Canada, the phrase walking the talk is about how everyone in the organization plays a role in the company and its culture. He says, “The phrase Walking the Talk puts too much emphasis on the leader, but i’s not about the leader,it’s a state you want the whole company to be in, not just the company to be in.”

EXPORT DEVELOPMENT CANADA, Most Committed to Employee Development

How does EDC define walking the talk?

According to EDC, walking the talk means being transparent, open and clear on processes and practices. Being fair and accountable and accommodating employees by ensuring they have vehicles to communicate with their employer are among EDC’s top priorities when it comes to people. Christian Dellaire, EDC’s Senior Resources Business partner, said “There is no better compliment than an employee taking the time to fill out the Walk the Talk survey.”

BRAIN INJURY SERVICES OF HAMILTON, HALDIMAND-NORFOLK, NIAGARA, Best Employee Engagement

How does BIS define walking the talk?

According to Jan Narduzzi, the executive Director at BIS, Walking the Talk is about “Living your values as opposed to just speaking them, and putting into practice all of the things that you commit to.”

FLIGHT CENTRE CANADA, Best Recognition Practices

How does Flight Centre define walking the talk?

To Flight Centre, walking the talk means egalitarianism: “No privileges, we all work together towards the common goal,” said Sarah Smart, the People Works Team Leader. “Walking the talk is about keeping up with employees, listening to what they say and responding to them.”

ROCKY MOUNTAINEER VACATIONS, Best Workplace Culture

How does RMV define walking the talk?

"To Rocky Mountain Vacations, walking the talk means treating employees with the level of Respect RMV guests are treated with. It means anticipate their every wish and have a passion to serve them as you would guests," says CEO James Terry. "It's all about mutual respect, realizing we can't get to where we want without it."

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF THE FRASER VALLEY, Most Open and Transparent Workplace

How does UCFV define walking the talk?

According to UCFV employees, Walking the Talk means leading by example, and following through on what you say you are going to do. Diane Griffins, Associate Vice President, Employee Services, explains, "For example, when we recruit people, we make a lot of promises and work really hard to follow through on them." She further shares "Respect is usually offered by people. Keeping it means we have to maintain it."