United Way BC calls Burnaby home — and appears to also be home to some of the most fulfilled employees in all of Canada.
That's according to the 2024 list of Canada's Top 100 Employers recently distributed by The Globe and Mail of the provincial non-profit.
It's also the first time United Way BC has received the national recognition.
"With people-centric policies and growth opportunities for employees during this transformational change, United Way BC has shown that change does not have to be an impediment, and can even lead to increased opportunities for employees," said president and CEO Michael McKnight, referring to the amalgamation of the United Ways across the province in 2021.
"A strong workplace culture requires hardworking and dedicated employees, from across all departments and levels, who feel valued by the organization and make it a great workplace," added Robin Dhir, board chair for the organization.
According to the list, United Way scored an "A" grade or higher in four of eight distinct categories:
- Vacation and personal time-off = A+
- 4.4 weeks paid vacation to start
- Paid time off between Christmas and New Year's
- Community involvement = A
- iVolunteer program = coordinates volunteer support for other non-profits
- Financial benefits and compensation = A
- Employee engagement and performance = A
- Training and skills development = B+
- Tuition subsidies, subsidies for professional accreditations, formal mentoring and in-house leadership programs
- Work environment = B+
- Health and family-friendly benefits = B
- Work atmosphere and communications = B
The above scores appear to be fitting for United Way BC as this year's Top 100 list focused on employers "that go above and beyond regulatory requirements," such as mental health.
"This can be seen reflected in our post-pandemic policies and programs such as our Family Friendly Workplace policy and our flexible work-from-home policy," said Shaffina Hirji, United Way BC's provincial director for people and culture.
"As we continue to grow and evolve as an organization, our goal is to ensure employees not only stay but also grow and thrive at United Way BC."
United Way BC was formed two years ago from six branched chapters, including the former United Way of the Lower Mainland that served Burnaby and other Metro Vancouver communities.
Notable employers also recognized on the 2024 list include Simon Fraser University (SFU), British Columbia Investment Management Corp. (BCI) and Vancouver Coastal Health.
For the full list, you can visit the Canada's Top 100 website.
