Build an effective workplace
Publication date: March 31, 2026Use the resources on this page to create a work environment for your team that is healthy, respectful and productive.
On this page
- Ethics, standards of conduct, and respectful workplaces
- Workplace health, safety, and well-being
- Performance development
- Engagement and recognition
- Coaching services
- Conflict management services
Ethics, standards of conduct, and respectful workplaces
The Oath of Employment, Standards of Conduct, and BC Public Service corporate values outline expected behaviours for public servants. As a people leader, you are responsible for demonstrating a high standard of integrity. You must also ensure new employees understand their ethical obligations.
- Get support to talk to your employees about ethics and the Standards of Conduct. Understand your role in creating an ethical workplace and addressing conduct-related issues
- Review the Ethics Management Framework to learn how government's central agencies coordinate and supports ethics. Find resources to help set employees up for success
- Know who to talk to if your staff have questions or concerns related to ethics, fiscal responsibility or standards of conduct
- Understand how to address discrimination, bullying and harassment, manage conflict of interest disclosures, and foster a respectful workplace
Additional learning
- Conflict of Interest for Employees (IDIR restricted): explains the types of conflict of interest and how to address them
- Social media guidelines for personal use: helps employees make smart choices about personal social media use. It explains how social media use can affect their employment
- Ethics for Everyone (IDIR restricted): learn about ethical decision making and awareness
Workplace health, safety, and well-being
The BC Public Service promotes a safe and healthy workplace that supports employees’ well-being. As a people leader, you must understand and uphold the Employer’s legislative responsibilities to provide safe workplaces. This includes managing the potential for physical and psychosocial harms.
- Stay up to date on health, safety, and sick leave resources available to equip you and your team
- Build your safety management competence
- Explore workplace health topics for people leaders to find programs, tools, and learning to lead your team through a range of health-related situations in the workplace
- Access the Workplace Health and Safety Learning Resource Page for People Leaders (IDIR restricted)
- Review Employee and Family Assistance Services (EFAS) to learn about supports for physical, mental, social, and financial well-being
- Enrol in the HR Foundations Handbook for People Leaders (IDIR restricted) and review the modules on:
Performance development
Regular performance conversations help build trust, set clear expectations, and support employees as they develop in their careers. Use the resources below to help set your team up for success.
- Visit performance development to understand more about the process and review performance conversation resources for templates and tools to guide your discussions
- Access the Performance Development Platform (IDIR restricted) to plan and track your conversations
- Enrol in HR Foundations (IDIR restricted) and review the Performance and Team Development module to strengthen your skills
Engagement & recognition
There are many ways to help your employees know their work in the BC Public Service is noticed and appreciated. Explore practical ways to do this on the engagement and recognition page.
Coaching services
Coaching gives you personalized support to help build confidence, improve communication, and create a healthier and more supportive workplace for your team. Strengthen your leadership skills through coaching services.
Conflict management services
Conflict can happen in any workplace. As a people leader, use conflict management services to help address issues before they grow, support healthier team dynamics, and maintain positive working relationships.