BC's Top Employers (2026) Magazine - Magazine - Page 16
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S.MCALPINE/BCIT
BC’S TOP EMPLOYERS (2026)
The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) has been recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers for 10 years.
Top Employers honours relished by winning companies
Being named one of the province’s leading lights can help with recruitment
W
inners of the BC’s Top
Employers (2026)
competition say
earning the
designation is more
important than ever in these uncertain
economic times.
Charisse Chand, executive director,
people & organizational potential, at BC
Cancer Foundation, says the honour is a
testament to the efforts of their staff.
“As a first-time winner, it is especially
important for our workforce to be
recognized, because they are the ones who
make us recognized in the community.
“We employ just under 100 people, but
they do big things: for example, they
recently raised $500 million under our
Beyond Belief campaign to advance cancer
research and care in B.C.”
Shaffina Hirji, chief people and culture
officer at United Way British Columbia/
Lower Mainland, says the organization is
determined to support its employees.
“Because so many people in the
province are struggling to make ends meet,
donations to our organization are down
this year. But we refuse to claw back
salaries or benefits of our 200 employees,”
Hirji says. “So, winning the Top Employer
for a third consecutive year is a huge boost
to our morale. The designation might even
boost fundraising, too.”
The BC’s Top Employers (2026) competition is managed by the editors of Canada’s
Top 100 Employers. Winners for both
competitions are judged on criteria
including: (1) Workplace; (2) Work
Atmosphere & Social; (3) Health, Financial
& Family Benefits; (4) Vacation & Time
Off; (5) Employee Communications; (6)
Performance Management; (7) Training &
Skills Development; and (8) Community
Involvement.
The Top Employer designation is vital
to even long-time winners such as the
British Columbia Institute of
Technology (BCIT), a 16-year recipient.
“We use it to enhance our branding and
attract new talent,” says Chris Hudson, the
institute’s vice-president, people, culture
and inclusion. “The designation is even in
our email signatures.”
Kristina Leung, managing editor of
Canada’s Top 100 Employers, says that this
year’s winners are unified by their shared
values.
“First and foremost, there’s a deep
commitment to their people. Winners
actively seek feedback and input in order
to make changes that reflect what their
people want and need.”
And in these tougher times, seeking
feedback pays huge dividends.
“It has informed our wellness programs
and many other initiatives, and as a result
we enjoy long-term retention,” Chand
says.
“We constantly tweak our offerings, and
our benefits and pension plans are
fantastic,” Hirji adds. “We don’t know what
turns the economy will take in the new
year, but as long as we can support our
staff and be recognized as a Top Employer,
we’ll keep going.”
This story was created by Content Works,
Postmedia’s commercial content division, on
behalf of BC’s Top Employers.
