Mobilizing for real: when we Inspire new ways to work

The latest book by Stéphane Simard, international speaker and expert in employee engagement, explores how to build workplaces where people truly thrive.
In Mobiliser pour vrai, he showcases 14 Quebec-based organizations that have redefined their culture, including Osedea.

We spoke with him about what real engagement means in 2025, and what inspired him about our approach.

Performance Meets Humanity

At Osedea, we don’t do things the traditional way.
There’s no rigid hierarchy: our structure is built on trust, autonomy, and collaboration.

There are no top-down initiatives, only programs that put people first.
One of them is Dreams Come True, which allows team members to realize a personal project after two years with us.

That initiative caught Stéphane Simard’s attention.

S.S.: “Osedea’s Dreams Come True program stood out. After two years, every employee receives $5,000 to pursue a personal dream. If you want people to be engaged, you have to care about their becoming: understand what they aspire to, and help them bring it to life.”

Defining Real Mobilization

S.S.: “Real mobilization isn’t about a top-down action plan. It’s about removing the everyday irritants that kill people’s natural motivation.”

The biggest mistake companies still make?

S.S.: “Treating employees like children, deciding what’s best for them and forcing initiatives that don’t fit their reality.”

And what about loyalty in the workplace?

S.S.: “It still exists, but it’s different. People stay as long as their work has a positive impact on them and on others. Loyalty today is measured in mutual impact, not years of service.”

What Stood Out About Osedea

S.S.: “Seeing leaders like Ivana Markovic challenge the status quo. Osedea built a different model and it works. It proves that change is possible, and that performance can go hand in hand with humanity.”

That mindset has shaped us since day one: aim high, learn fast, and create an environment where people can grow and do their best work, together.

Looking Ahead

S.S.: “By 2030, companies that still treat their employees like children will be in survival mode. The new norm will be what Osedea is already doing: flexible benefits, trust-based collaboration, and recognition that highlights real impact. Performance will come from people, not despite them.”

At Osedea, we believe that performance and humanity can coexist.
Our culture is rooted in trust, collaboration, and autonomy. Above all, it's all about  people who care deeply about building something together.

Learn more about our culture here.

Mobiliser pour vrai by Stéphane Simard is available now here.