James

What does the BCER being chosen as a Top Employer in B.C. mean to you?

The BCER being chosen as one of BC's Top Employer exciting! It demonstrates the commitment of the BCER’s leadership team to creating a work environment that ranks among the best in the province. As employees, it is something to take pride in – knowing that we are contributing to an organization that motivates us to do our best work. It is also a challenge to continue to innovate and adapt so that the BCER can continue to be among BC’s Top Employers and aim to be one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers!

When looking at the eight criteria being evaluated, why do you think the BCER was chosen as a Top Employer?

I think that the BCER was chosen as a Top Employer in part for its progressive training and skills development. The significant flexibility staff have to work with their manager to identify personalized learning and development goals and the training needed to achieve them is a wonderful motivator. I really appreciate being able to reflect on the skills I need to perform the best in my position and the support in identifying and attending the training to develop those skills. Personalized training is adaptive to the many positions at the BCER and avoids the shortcomings of a one-size-fits-all approach across an organization.

Do you have an example of how the BCER has demonstrated itself as a Top Employer?

The Leadership Development Scholarship Program at the BCER is unique and one of the reasons I made the decision to join the BCER team. The opportunity to pursue longer-term studies, such as a graduate level degree, with the financial support of my employer is a competitive and generous benefit that few other employers offer. The Leadership Development Scholarship Program sets the BCER apart as a Top Employer interested in developing the next generation of leaders.

Amy-Jade

What does the BCER being chosen as a Top Employer in B.C. mean to you?

It means that I belong to an employer with the courage to lead change but also to attract and retain talent.

When looking at the eight criteria being evaluated, why do you think the BCER was chosen as a Top Employer?

Our organization isn’t afraid of pushing the envelope in representing high marks in: Workplace, Community Involvement and Training & Skills Development. The BCER invests in their employees' happiness by providing several tools to promote work-life balancing. I see our own leaders use our allotted one day/year paid time off to volunteer. I have witnessed a seamless transition to a hybrid work environment and multiple upgrades to ensure the safety and security of data and systems. I am strongly encouraged to attend in-house training which speaks to investment for staff to stay, grow and flourish in their roles.

Do you have an example of how the BCER has demonstrated itself as a Top Employer?

During the pandemic, my partner and I transitioned to working full time at home. We have three children who were all in elementary school at the time and were also home due to school closures. As a new employee (one month in!), I struggled with the onboarding process and transition of jumping back to being a caretaker. Being interrupted 10+ times a work period caused a lot of friction in the household and collectively our mood and health worsened. Where I found the BCER to excel as a Top Employer was their invitation to join a series of online webinars. They brought in experts to focus on mental health, build resilience, realize our unconscious bias and increase our awareness of different levels of diversity. It was difficult to create space to attend another digital meeting, but they provided a much-needed mental break to connect to peers and care for myself. I was able to find balance until my children went back to school - and my growth mindset continues to today, now in my fourth year with the organization. The Top Employer designation for the BCER is well deserved as they care for both the “lifecycle” regulation of energy resources… and the employees as they grow and adapt.

Liz

What does the BCER being chosen as a Top Employer in B.C. mean to you?

May 1st marked the end of my probation and six-months as a planning implementation specialist with the BCER. I chose the BCER to continue growing my career after connecting with a former colleague and friend. She shared with me how impressed she was with the balance between her professional and personal life, as well as her involvement in innovative initiatives where she was able to apply her previous experience. The BCER has an excellent reputation for being a great place to work, and I am so happy that it is being officially recognized for it as a Top Employer in BC!

When looking at the eight criteria being evaluated, why do you think the BCER was chosen as a Top Employer?

The leadership team at the BCER puts their team first. With regular and informal email updates from the CEO to benefits that emphasize both medical health and wellness, leadership fosters a supportive environment across the organization.

Do you have an example of how the BCER has demonstrated itself as a Top Employer?

The BCER creates space for careers, not just jobs. My role affords me the opportunity to connect with several different groups across the organization, and my colleagues are always happy to share how long they have been with the organization and their journey to their existing role. To date, I have noted a range of years served with the BCER which has been between 6-months and 25 years, with most being somewhere in between. Several team members have shared that they have received paid in-house training, mentorship and career pathways which has allowed them to grow within the BCER, ultimately allowing the organization to retain the top talent it has recruited.

Genevieve

What does the BCER being chosen as a Top Employer in B.C. mean to you?

Knowing that the BCER is named a top employer in B.C. provides me with additional comfort in knowing that I work for a reputable and well-respected organization. The BCER puts a lot of emphasis on providing me with the support and tools to allow myself to be the best employee that I can be through encouraged growth and ongoing development.

Being a part of an environment like this makes me want to be not just a better employee, but better person overall. It makes me very proud to name myself as a staff member.

When looking at the eight criteria being evaluated, why do you think the BCER was chosen as a Top Employer?

Health, financial and family benefits: As a mother with young children, knowing that I have the flexibility and support needed to ensure we are all taken care of when needed gives me comfort and assurance. This makes me feel the organization truly cares about me by taking into consideration the needs of my family, and that I am taken care of as a human, not just as an employee.

Employee Communication: Though my day-to-day tasks are mostly done within my own branch, there are various ways that we all connect. There is a truly embedded team camaraderie that lifts us within this organization. A lot of effort is put in to increase connections between branches and as a whole in both formal and informal ways. Collaborative projects amongst different branches provides different ways and opportunities to grow and develop as an individual and an organization.

Work atmosphere and social: The hybrid model of working is an example of how forward thinking and adaptable to change the BCER is as an organization. This provides flexibility and better work life balance, and most importantly this implementation was built on a foundation of trust. With that, the BCER also recognizes the importance of connection and supports social events at the office. This makes going into the office fun and connecting with other employees who I don’t usually work with easier.

Do you have an example of how the BCER has demonstrated itself as a Top Employer?

The BCER provides employees with opportunities in various ways to lift and guide one another, and one example is the in-house Mentorship Program. This is my first year being involved and it has provided me a chance to learn from someone in the leadership role that is outside of my department. This is an example of one of the initiatives that the BCER has taken to help pave the way for employees that are interested in expanding their horizons within the organization by forming important connections and increasing one’s potential.

Melanie

What does the BCER being chosen as a Top Employer in B.C. mean to you?

It confirms all the reasons why the BCER has been my longest standing place of employment in a career spanning almost 30 years!

When looking at the eight criteria being evaluated, why do you think the BCER was chosen as a Top Employer?

This organization helps people follow a career path that they envision for themselves while respecting the fact that everyone also has lives and interests outside of work.

Do you have an example of how the BCER has demonstrated itself as a Top Employer?

I obtained my project management training through the BCER’s employee scholarship program qualifying me to attain my Project Management Professional designation and gave me the skills to design and lead some innovative and exciting initiatives.

Shan

What does the BCER being chosen as a Top Employer in B.C. mean to you?

Being selected as a Top employer in B.C. reflects the valuable work done by the BCER. I believe this fosters a sense of fulfillment through the supportive work culture. The Information Technology (IT) team has the rare opportunity to interact with all divisions on most days. Experiences relayed from these are relevant to reinforcing the corporate culture through teamwork. People make the place at BCER!

When looking at the eight criteria being evaluated, why do you think the BCER was chosen as a Top Employer?

For me, the BCER values transparent and effective communication channels to keep employees informed and engaged. This could involve regular updates on company news, open-door policies for feedback, and platforms for employee input and suggestions.

The BCER offers comprehensive benefits packages that address employees' health, financial, and family needs. Among these, health insurance, retirement plans, flexible spending accounts, and support for work-life balance initiatives strengthen organizational retention. The BCER prioritizes employee well-being through vacation allowances and flexible time-off policies. With the Modified Work Week program, 3-day weekends are no longer a rarity.

The BCER provides a positive and inclusive workplace environment where employees feel valued and supported. This includes initiatives such as diversity and inclusion programs, employee resource groups, and opportunities for collaboration and teamwork.

Do you have an example of how the BCER has demonstrated itself as a Top Employer?

There is a saying in IT: "When things are quiet, no one notices. When things are loud, everyone does." Demonstrable examples of this principle in action occur when we encounter scenarios where large systems are affected. Our team, comprising members with varying levels of expertise, unite to troubleshoot effectively until resolution. This expertise benefits the BCER’s business mandates when collaborating with other provincial entities.

Furthermore, outside of the technical arena, our company cultivates a lively social vibe with relaxed gatherings such as potlucks, trivia, or community engagement events. These occasions not only strengthen bonds among colleagues but also construct a positive work environment.

Rob

What does the BCER being chosen as a Top Employer in B.C. mean to you?

It reaffirms something I have always thought and said: that you couldn’t ask for a better employer or colleagues.

When looking at the eight criteria being evaluated, why do you think the BCER was chosen as a Top Employer?

How could they not be chosen when they meet (if not exceed) all the criteria with amazing workplace camaraderie, health, financial & family benefits. It says something about both the employer and those who work here that we have programs like “We Care,” where we can donate money to help our colleagues and their family during difficult times such as health concerns, etc.

Do you have an example of how the BCER has demonstrated itself as a Top Employer?

I think a great example was how leadership and our colleagues were during Covid - they reassured us that we would get through this together, regularly touched base to see how we were doing, and calmed any worries about how we, as individuals and the organization, would get through it. It showed me the calibre of the organization and the leadership within.

Trudy

What does the BCER being chosen as a Top Employer in B.C. mean to you?

It means that I’m working at the right place. I come to work with a smile on my face and try to learn something new everyday. I know that we are a great place to work at, with a lot of diverse people. Friendships start here and they’re deeply rooted.

When looking at the eight criteria being evaluated, why do you think the BCER was chosen as a Top Employer?

The BC Energy Regulator promotes work life balance, social activities, etc. Lots of friendships are formed here and this helps with department communications. We are one big team at the BC Energy Regulator and can face changes head on.

Do you have an example of how the BCER has demonstrated itself as a Top Employer?

It was our 20th year anniversary [in 2018]. To have all our office staff together in one place. To see everyone in person, was a wow moment. There was so much interaction and talking. Oh, the talking. To show my coworkers where my cubicle was in the building. They now know that I have the best window view. The dinner was wonderful and again, there was so much talking. The next day, it was good to sit and work with different people, and to get to know their thinking and funny personalities.