British Columbia Safety Authority

BCSA's physical workplace is rated as above-average. When selecting its new suburban head office location, the Authority took the time to map where all of its employees lived, to ensure convenient access to the SkyTrain and other forms of public transit. Inside, the head office interior was professionally-designed to represent the construction industry they serve, with natural wood finishes and safety flooring throughout. The building features original artwork throughout as well as onsite fitness facility (with subsidized and free memberships at head office location, treadmills, stationary bikes, weights, shower facilties); employee lounge (with comfortable seating); secure bicycle parking; transit subsidies; free coffee or tea; outdoor patio; views of the Fraser River and Mount Baker; convenient access to the SkyTrain public transit system; located within a neighbourhood setting featuring a variety of restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and boutiques.

BCSA's work atmosphere is rated as very good. On the job, employees at BCSA enjoy business casual dress; casual dress Fridays; can listen to music while working; organized social events. BCSA holds regional festive events every December, such as pub nights and semi-formal dinners for employees. The organization also hosts an employee book club, and hosts family ski/snowboard weekends during the winter, and company barbecues during the summer. In 2008, the Safety Authority asked employees to submit ideas on how best to improve the organization's intranet site. BCSA encourages employee feedback and shares company news through a company newsletter; corporate intranet site.

BCSA's financial benefits are rated as above-average. To keep salaries competitive the company participates in outside salary surveys every 24 months. Individual salaries are reviewed every 12 months. BCSA provides signing bonuses for some employees; new employee referral bonuses (to $1,000 for some positions); year-end bonuses for all employees; defined benefit pension plan; life & disability insurance; retirement planning assistance.

BCSA's health and family benefits are rated as exceptional. BCSA's health benefits plan is managed by Pacific Blue Cross. As part of the health plan, the employer pays 100% of the premiums. Employees who work 35 hours per week receive coverage. The waiting period for new employees is 30 days. Employees receive full family coverage on the health benefits plan. The basic plan includes routine dental; restorative dental; orthodontics; eyecare ($75 every 2 years); traditional medicine coverage; alternative medicine coverage; massage therapy; medical equipment and supplies; travel insurance; healthclub subsidy ($75 each year). Employees also have their own walking club. The company's family-friendly benefits include: maternity top-up payments (to 85% of salary for 52 weeks); parental leave top-up for new fathers (to 85% of salary for 35 weeks); parental leave top-up for adoptive parents (to 85% of salary for 35 weeks); pre-arranged emergency short-term daycare. Additional family-friendly benefits include: subsidized childcare for employees on business trips or attending company events; compassionate top-up payment (to 100% of salary for 1 week) while caring for a family member; flexible working hours; telecommuting; 35-hour work week (with full pay); shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay); earned days off (EDO) program; phased-in retirement.

BCSA's vacation and personal time-off are rated as very good. New employees receive 3 weeks of vacation allowance after their first year. Vacation increases after 5 years on the job. Long-serving employees receive a maximum of 7 weeks of vacation each year. Employees receive 120 paid sick days every year. Employees can also apply for an unpaid leave of absence. The Authority recently granted one employee an extended leave of absence to serve as Chief of Race for all women's alpine ski events at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games. (Depending on their position, some employees start with 4 weeks of paid vacation).

BCSA's employee engagement program is rated as very good. Employees receive individual performance reviews every 12 months. Managers receive training in how to conduct effective performance reviews. Performance feedback is also solicited from co-workers and other managers familiar with each employee's work. As part of the review process employees can provide confidential feedback on their manager's performance. Performance excellence is recognized through a variety of awards, including an innovation award, customer service award, team award (to $2,500) and safety improvement award (from $1000). Management personnel can also receive bonuses through the Authority's Variable Incentive Program, which is based on achieving corporate and departmental objectives. BCSA hires an outside consultant to conduct confidential employee satisfaction and engagement surveys. (These surveys are held every 12 months).

BCSA's training and skills development program is rated as very good. Employees receive tuition subsidies for courses related to their position. (The employer subsidizes up to 100% of tuition). Employees may also receive tuition subsidies for courses unrelated to their current position. (The employer subsidizes up to 50% of non-related tuition). (The employer provides up to $1,500 in tuition subsidies for non-related courses). Employees also receive career development support through subsidies for professional accreditations; in-house apprenticeship and skilled trades internships; in-house training programs; career planning services.

BCSA's community involvement program is rated as average. The Authority and its employees support local United Way fundraising campaigns across the province every year, raising over $20,000 last year with a corporate matching donation of $10,000. In keeping with its mandate, the Authority also supported the War Amps Play Safe initiative. Employees take part in the selection of charitable groups assisted each year. Employees receive paid time off to volunteer with their favourite charitable organizations. Approximately 1 charitable and community organization were supported last year.