For a third straight year, the City of Maple Ridge been recognized as one of B.C.’s Top Employers.
The annual BC’s Top Employers competition by Mediacorp recognizes organizations that demonstrate leadership in areas such as workplace culture, benefits, skills development, communications, performance management, and community involvement.
Mediacorp noted the city helps employees balance their work and personal lives with a variety of flexible work options, including hybrid options, compressed work weeks, and an earned days off program that allows employees to extend their work days and earn up to two additional days off per month.
Employees are encouraged to keep fit with subsidized memberships to the city fitness facilities and programs. The city offers tuition subsidies up to $5,000 per year for professional development. There’s a mental health practitioner benefit of $1,000 per year, and the city tops up maternity leave with 95 per cent of salary for an additional 17 weeks.
“Being recognized once again as one of BC’s Top 100 Employers speaks to the culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation our employees have helped build,” said Scott Hartman, CAO. “This recognition belongs to our staff, whose dedication to public service and pride in their work continues to strengthen our organization and our community.”
The city began a long-term cultural transformation in 2021, led with a focus on re-imagining the employee experience and positioning Maple Ridge as an employer of choice, said a city press release. Since then, the city has reported improvements in engagement, collaboration, and trust across the organization. Bi-annual surveys which provide staff perspective on key areas of growth.
“This award reflects the hard work our members put in every day – a workplace shaped by committed, skilled employees,” said Neerje Harvey, president of CUPE Local 622. “We’re proud of this achievement and look forward to continuing to work with the city to make Maple Ridge an even better workplace together.”
“This recognition reflects the strength of collaboration between labour and management,” said Chris McKee, president of Maple Ridge Firefighters Local 4449, IAFF. “By working together, we continue to build a workplace that values fairness, well being, and professional excellence. Our members are proud to be part of this achievement.”
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) is embedded across the city’s human resource strategy, and Maple Ridge is also expanding its culture of recognition, highlighting employee achievements and sharing behind-the-scenes stories that showcase the skill, care, and dedication involved in delivering services.
“Our employees are the foundation of everything we do,” said Michelle Lewis, executive director of human resources. “Across every department, their commitment, resilience, and professionalism keep the city moving forward.
“We are deeply thankful for the contributions they make each day in service of our community.”