What the BC Public Service offers

Work culture is defined by our people and the work we do

People define our culture. We're always thinking about how we can support employees in their important role of working for the public and for government.

Our culture and employee experience are based on:

• Corporate values guide how we work
• Standards of Conduct define appropriate behaviour
• Human resource policies keep workplaces safe, environmentally-conscious, service-focused, engaging and socially responsible
• Where Ideas Work: 2023 Corporate Plan for the BC Public Service (PDF, 1.3MB) outlines our commitments to improve the employee experience to help better serve the people of B.C.

Everyone is encouraged to share their thoughts, opinions and ideas:

• Surveys provide intel for making decisions about how to improve the employee experience. For example, the workplace environment survey (WES), the Diversity & Inclusion survey, or surveys for new, transferring and exiting employees
• Staff can make a public interest disclosure about serious wrongdoing in the BC Public Service or talk to their ethics advisor if they have concerns or questions about workplace ethics

Jobs with a purpose. Employees with a public servant's mindset find that serving the public brings satisfaction knowing they're supporting an organization that's trying to make things better for others. This helps employees feel engaged in their work, which results in more trust and confidence in government.

For example:

• Public servants are encouraged to contribute with more than just their work. They can support emergency response efforts, fundraise for local charities, or use their skills overseas
• The BC Public Service is one of Canada's greenest employers because of its work in helping to reduce emissions and increase sustainability. For example, the Sector Climate Leadership Symposium, having employee-led Green Teams and using LEED Gold certification standards for new construction
• The BC Public Service supports corporate social responsibility through its purchasing power. For example, Green Procurement, Indigenous Procurement and Contract Management Guidelines, Social Impact Procurement Guidelines

A sense of belonging. Diversity, inclusion and respect is at the heart of our work, including diversity of people, identities, ideas, perspectives and experiences.

We have special tools to help guide this work:

• Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) helps assess how diverse groups may experience policies, programs and initiatives
• The Accessibility & Inclusion Toolkit helps ensure digital services are open and accessible for everyone

Inclusion helps everyone feel welcome to share their time, energy and ideas to support the work we do. New employee welcome sessions, training opportunities, communities of practice, social activities, work celebrations and other support systems are some of the ways employees connect and support each other.

We offer work-life balance, great wages and full benefits

More than a pay cheque. In addition to competitive wages, we also offer employee benefits, including:

• Pension
• Employee and family assistance services from counselling to financial and legal support
• Extended health, dental and vision care
• Coverage for other types of medical services like chiropractic, massage therapy, naturopathy, physiotherapy and podiatry
• Coverage for out-of-province or out-of-country medical emergencies
• Basic life insurance
• Forgiveness of B.C. student loans
• Paid leave, including vacation leave, sick leave, or a leave to care for personal matters
• Support for parents, including paid parental leave and a scholarship program for children

Decide where you want to work. There are jobs for public servants in many locations across the province. Choose the city vibe or a small town.

Work onsite or remotely. We've been leaving conventional office cubicles behind as we find new ways to support mobile and flexible work options.

Modify your work schedule. Strike the work-life balance that you want by taking advantage of flexible work schedules. Employees can also apply for a paid leave through a salary deferral program.

We invest in unlocking employee potential

Professional development is a big deal. Employees can choose from a ton of career development or education opportunities. They're empowered to identify skills, experiences or learning that is important to them:

• Sign up for in-house or online learning and education programs
• Get financial support to take a college or university program
• Apply for a tuition subsidy to take job-related courses or get a professional accreditation
• Train on the job, learning from experts
• Take on a temporary assignment to try out a new position and see if you like it
• Get hands-on learning and develop leadership skills by participating in corporate volunteer programs designed to give back to communities and support other jurisdictions
• Ask for feedback on job competitions
• Network with communities of practice

Space for leaders to grow. Leadership competencies help ensure employees have a positive supervisory experience. They also prepare leaders for the challenges of advising and managing in a political context by helping them develop skills like political acumen or executive presence.

Employees are taking on leadership roles earlier in their public service careers. They can take advantage of leadership training and coaching programs or develop experience through project work and temporary or stretch assignments.

Formal and informal employee recognition. The public service values employee recognition that's based on genuine human interest, not a corporate agenda.

Here are some of our recognition programs:

• Public Service Week (IDIR restricted) is an opportunity for the entire BC Public Service to celebrate service excellence
• Long Service Awards honour employees who have worked for the organization for 25 years or more
• Premier’s Awards are given to employees or teams who exemplify innovation and excellence, often by making a difference in many lives or communities
• Top Work Unit Awards (IDIR restricted) are given to highly-engaged teams

Employee recognition comes in other ways, too. Staff prefer being appreciated for their work through:

• Regular conversations with their manager
• Goal-setting based on their individual needs and aims
• Opportunities to learn and experiment with new ideas
• Celebrating accomplishments and successes

Work for an award-winning employer

For the last several years, Mediacorp Canada Inc. has selected the BC Public Service as a top employer.

Here are some awards that we're proud of. They recognize our exceptional workplace that's inclusive, innovative and environmentally conscious.