A supportive workplace helps people succeed at BCIT

Chris Hudson’s studies at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) had such a transformational impact on his life that 19 years later, the human resources graduate found himself back at the school – only this time as its director of employee relations.

“I came into my role knowing what BCIT can do to change people’s lives and help students,” Hudson says. A career working in various HR leadership positions led him back to the Burnaby-based polytechnic institute, which offers applied education programs at campuses throughout Greater Vancouver. Nearly six years into his role, he was appointed vice president, people, culture, and inclusion. “I really achieved my return on investment from coming here,” he says with a laugh.

As a student, Hudson recalls being surrounded by an “incredible” group of faculty and students, and two decades later, he says the people remain one of BCIT’s greatest strengths.

“I had an exceptional experience here,” he says. “I met some faculty that really inspired me and helped shape my direction.”

Kristina Urban, an agile and work-integrated learning supervisor, echoes those sentiments. She describes her colleagues as the most rewarding aspect of her job.

“It’s 100 per cent the people,” says Urban, who has worked at BCIT for 13 years. “I work with some outstanding people and that’s huge because when you feel supported in your work, you’re more motivated.”

BCIT supports employees in many ways, including a major focus on providing staff with mental health resources and supports. The Institute provides training and tools to enable leaders to identify and support employees facing concerns related to mental health.

There’s also a workplace mental health leadership certificate program offered to senior staff, and semi-annual mental health first aid training for employees, offered by the Canadian Mental Health Association.

A “wellness works” program is another way BCIT bolsters employee well-being. Offerings include lunch and learn sessions, podcasts, and other programs that Hudson describes as “promoting our six dimensions of wellness: mental, physical, emotional, social, financial and spiritual.”

To support physical wellness, BCIT offers staff one free weekly group fitness class at the school’s on-site gym during the fall and winter terms. Staff also have access to other on-site recreational facilities, including squash courts, a climbing wall and ping pong tables.

“For staff who want to maintain their health and their wellness, there’s a place to go and do that,” says Urban. BCIT also offers employees a range of learning and development opportunities.

Urban recently completed an associate certificate in polytechnic teaching. Developed by BCIT, this program provides training to those interested in building the skills to become an instructor. It’s offered to BCIT staff free of charge if certain requirements are met.

Urban also completed a workshop series called “Crucial Conversations” offered by BCIT’s School of Health. The workshop, offered to Urban free of charge, was designed to equip participants with tools for engaging in difficult conversations. Urban credits HR for facilitating staff involvement in the workshop series.

“Leadership encourages staff to pursue learning opportunities, whether it’s professional development, taking courses or upgrading our skills,” says Urban.

BCIT also cultivates a fun and positive workplace culture with annual events like a United Way pancake fundraiser that takes place every Halloween – staff dress up in costumes that Hudson describes as “extremely elaborate.” There’s also a yearly ice cream social event in the fall.

“It’s an opportunity to get people interacting in a different way,” says Hudson, adding that senior leaders – including the BCIT president – actively participate in these events, flipping pancakes and scooping ice cream while mingling with staff. “It’s a simple thing, but people love it.”

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's BC’s Top Employers winners, published February 11, 2025 in the Vancouver Sun. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.

BCIT brings to life big ideas on sustainability

At the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), sustainability goes beyond environmental stewardship, according to Jennie Moore, director of institute sustainability at the Burnaby-based polytechnic.

“Sustainability and environmentalism are similar but different, and what makes the difference is the social equity piece,” says Moore, whose team is responsible for leading a coordinated approach to sustainability across BCIT, which offers applied education programs at campuses throughout Greater Vancouver.

“It’s not just about having a nice environment here,” she says. “Being a green employer isn’t just about the ecological piece — it’s also about embracing social equity.” She explains that sustainability involves working towards an ecologically healthy planet while striving to reduce the gap between “benefit-takers” and “cost-bearers.”

“We have a lot of work to do around rethinking our economy and how the benefits and costs are shared more equitably so that we can do a better job of stewarding not just our environment, but our social programs and benefits for everyone,” she adds.

This perspective informs a new strategic initiative called IDEAS that is intended to bring to life concepts relating to sustainability, environmental wellness, social equity, and more. An acronym for Indigenization/inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and sustainability/student well-being, IDEAS is a paradigm shift that goes beyond being green, Moore says. It will serve as a platform for BCIT’s educational vision going forward.

“What kind of contribution are our graduates going to be making to lead purpose-driven careers that build a better world?” Moore asks rhetorically. IDEAS represents an integrated approach that formally connects BCIT’s work in several different areas, explains sustainability manager Christina Olsen.

“IDEAS is a lens through which people can view their work and change perspectives, which will change their work,” she explains. “If you do proper reconciliation, you’re going to get to sustainability.”

As Moore and Olsen work on implementing a big-picture sustainability vision for BCIT, on the ground level there are several employee- and student-led groups that promote environmental wellness.

A green team organizes “GoByBike Weeks,” two-week long campaigns that take place three times a year (winter, spring, and fall). The goal is to encourage people to cycle more by getting them to log their bike trips online in exchange for a chance to win prizes. The green team also organizes an annual Sweater Day in support of climate action. Members of the campus community are encouraged to do their part in saving energy by wearing a sweater and turning down the heat.

BCIT also recently launched a “sustainability community of practice” for instructors who have an interest in environmental wellness and social responsibility. “They think about how to infuse sustainability in the curriculum,” says Olsen.

There are also several energy and greenhouse gas initiatives, including a decarbonization roadmap, solar panels on the main building at the Burnaby campus, and geothermal heat pumps at the Aerospace Technology Campus in Richmond, B.C. The facilities and planning teams have also made a commitment to become greenhouse gas neutral.

Overall, Moore says, there’s been a move toward greater collaboration among different departments when it comes to sustainability efforts. While BCIT is naturally in the business of educating students, there’s a growing recognition that how students are educated matters just as much. It’s important that BCIT faculty and staff impart a sense of social responsibility and respect for the environment.

“Increasingly, the culture sees that no matter what job you’re in at BCIT, being a good steward of the Earth and contributing to a better future goes collaboratively with being in this sector,” says Moore.

This article appeared in the magazine announcing this year's Canada's Greenest Employers winners, published April 22, 2025 in The Globe and Mail. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, which reviewed but did not write its contents.