Why We Chose to Become a Living Wage Employer
This past year, Adster became recognized as a certified Living Wage Employer. It is something I am proud of both personally and professionally because it reflects how we want to show up as a company.
Why it matters for business
When you pay a living wage, you are not just meeting payroll, you are building stability and trust. Employees who know they can cover their basic needs are more engaged, more loyal, and more likely to stay long term. For an employer, that means less time spent on recruitment and training and more energy focused on growth.
In our case, investing in our people has always paid dividends. Our culture is stronger, our retention is higher, and our clients ultimately feel the benefit when they work with a motivated and committed team. It’s especially useful for attracting the right type of talent when we’re hiring.
Why it matters for community
The impact does not stop at the office door. Paying a living wage strengthens families and communities. It helps ensure that people have the security to contribute in positive ways, whether that is through local businesses, schools, or community programs. For us, being part of Edmonton’s business community means more than serving clients, it means supporting the ecosystem that supports us.
How it works
To be recognized as a Living Wage Employer, organizations commit to paying both direct staff and contract staff at least the current living wage rate. That rate is not arbitrary, it is calculated based on what two adults supporting two children need to earn to cover their basic expenses after government transfers and deductions.
Certification is straightforward, and employers can offset some of the rate by offering benefits that impact basic needs, like health care plans. Certified employers also join a network of like-minded organizations and can use the Living Wage logo across websites, social media, and job postings.
A signal of values
For job seekers, seeing the Living Wage badge is a signal of how a company treats its people. For entrepreneurs, it is a chance to build a stronger, more sustainable business while contributing to the bigger picture of a healthy local economy.
At Adster, we see this as a win-win. Doing right by our team is good for business, good for families, and good for the community we all live in.