VIU named a top employer for the fourth year in a row

For the fourth year in a row, Vancouver Island University (VIU) has been named one of BC’s Top 100 Employers.

This designation recognizes VIU as an industry leader in offering an exceptional employment experience.

The competition recognizes the top 100 employers in each province or region. VIU was among eight universities in BC to receive this honour and one of only 12 businesses on Vancouver Island.

“We are proud to be recognized once again as a Top Employer in BC. This recognition reflects VIU’s commitment to our employees, as expressed in our Strategic Plan – People, Place, Potential; and our People Plan – Mattering Here. VIU is made up of incredible employees who demonstrate every day commitment and dedication to our students and to supporting each other. You Matter Here!”

-- AVP Human Resources, Dan VanderSluis

The annual competition reviews applications from employers of all sizes and from both the private and public sector. Employers are evaluated by the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers using the same eight criteria as the national competition:

1. Workplace
2. Work atmosphere and social
3. Health, financial and family benefits
4. Vacation and time off
5. Employee communications
6. Performance management
7. Training and skills development
8. Community involvement

Employers are compared to other organizations in their field to determine which offers the most progressive and forward-thinking programs. VIU was selected for a variety of supports offered to employees, including:

• Vancouver Island University offers full tuition subsidies for courses related and not directly related to an employee's current position, along with the option to apply for an educational leave of absence if desired.
• New parents at Vancouver Island University receive generous maternity and parental leave top-up payments, with top-up percentage varying by employee group (from 75 to 95 per cent) along with the option to extend their leave to an unpaid leave of absence.
• Vancouver Island University helps employees prepare for life after work with retirement planning assistance services along with generous contributions to a defined benefit pension plan. Varying by position, employees may be able to transition out of full-time work with flexible phased-in retirement work options.

The BC Top Employers competition is organized by Mediacorp Canada Inc., the editors of the national Canada's Top 100 Employers project, who annually single out the employers in BC that lead the way in recruitment and retention.

VIU award webpage