Recognition reflects BWZ’s approach to building a high-performance, remote-first company designed for growth and connection
Black & White Zebra (BWZ) has been named one of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers for 2026 by Mediacorp Canada Inc., marking its fourth year receiving the recognition.
Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers recognizes organizations that lead in workplace culture, employee experience, and forward-thinking HR practices. BWZ was recognized for building a company where people can perform at a high level while staying connected to their team and the direction of the business — with particular emphasis on its employee-driven impact initiatives, long-term investment in people, and efforts to build connection across a distributed team.
At BWZ, culture isn’t something separate from the work — it’s built into how the company operates day-to-day.
”We care about doing great work — but just as much about how we do it together. We’re building a company where people take ownership, move quickly, and support each other along the way. That balance is what makes this place special.
Ben AstonCEO, Black & White Zebra
As a remote-first company with team members across 11 time zones, BWZ has been intentional about how it builds connection across a distributed team.
That shows up in simple, consistent ways — from company-wide town halls where strategy is shared openly, to a weekly internal newsletter, The Dazzle Dispatch, that keeps the team aligned. Alongside this, the company creates moments for connection across time zones, building a culture where people feel connected to the work, the direction, and each other. That connection shows up in both everyday rituals and shared moments — from team-wide events and internal competitions to annual gatherings that bring the distributed team together in person.
BWZ operates with a high degree of ownership and autonomy, giving team members the flexibility to do their best work while staying closely aligned on outcomes. Rather than relying on heavy process, the company emphasizes clear goals, transparency, and continuous iteration — enabling teams to move quickly while maintaining a shared sense of direction.
Investment in People
BWZ invests in its people for the long term — supporting how they work, grow, and plan for the future.
That includes:
- flexible working aligned to local time zones
- support for remote work setups
- extended health coverage and RRSP matching to support long-term financial wellbeing
- performance-based bonuses tied to company success
- referral bonuses that encourage the team to help shape who joins the company
The focus is on building a team that can grow with the company over time.
Employee-Driven Impact Beyond the Business
Giving back is a core part of how BWZ operates. In the past year alone, the company pledged $1 million to charitable initiatives and supported over 30 organizations through team-driven efforts.
Employees help shape where that impact goes — providing input on causes to support and taking part directly. All team members are given up to two paid days each year to volunteer with local organizations.
Vancouver-based employees were also invited to a fundraiser hosted by the CEO’s Very Good Very Nice foundation, which included a full-day waterpark event.
Since its founding in 2012, BWZ has grown into a global team supporting millions of professionals each month through its portfolio of digital media brands.
As the company continues to scale, it remains focused on building a high-performance team — and a culture that supports both the work and the people doing it.
The full list of Canada’s Top Small & Medium Employers for 2026 was announced Tuesday, April 7, in a special feature with The Globe and Mail. Learn more at www.canadastop100.com
