Concert finds creative solutions to support employees

For Vancouver-based Concert Properties Ltd., being a real estate developer is about more than creating homes – it’s about putting people first, says Joyce Chen, vice president, people experience. This philosophy drives every aspect of the company’s operations, she says, and is reflected in a workplace culture defined by openness, inclusion and innovation.

“Before I joined five years ago, I heard Concert Properties was deeply people-centred, and I was thrilled to find that reputation is truly well-earned,” Chen says. “From the start, I’ve consistently felt heard by management. There’s always room at the table to explore opportunities and find creative solutions to enhance the employee experience.”

This culture of listening drives meaningful changes, she adds. “Almost everything Concert Properties does is based on employee feedback, and we have a fantastic participation rate in our surveys. We love to ask, and we embrace what we get.”

In response to employee feedback, the company implemented enhancements to its benefits programs, adding flexibility while maintaining its core plan. “We recently introduced a lifestyle spending account that lets employees direct funds where they need it most – whether for daycare expenses, gym memberships, elder-care costs or other priorities,” says Chen. “For us, it’s about meeting employees where they are and supporting their unique needs.”

This holistic focus on employee well-being extends further, with benefits like a $1,500 annual mental health practitioner allowance, a work-from-home allowance and an additional health care spending account. “These aren’t just perks; they’re meaningful ways to invest in our people’s well-being,” says Chen.

IT operations lead Allan Ransom Soto appreciates how these initiatives reflect the company’s willingness to go above and beyond. “If I need a special light to work at home, it’s covered. The company is not required to do this, but it’s a clear symbol of how much they value us.”

Beyond the benefits, Ransom Soto highlights the positive work environment as a key factor in his experience at Concert Properties. “The company values character as much as expertise – I work hard, but it doesn’t feel heavy because I know I’m supported and part of a community,” he says.

For Ransom Soto, this sense of community is evident beyond the workplace. Throughout his nine-year career, he has remained deeply impressed by the company’s dedication to various philanthropic initiatives. Employees regularly volunteer and give back, whether through company-led pro bono work or participating in volunteer opportunities such as annual food drives, the Union Gospel Mission Summer BBQ or Concert Properties’ annual golf tournament, which raises funds for trades training.

“I’ve seen a remarkable commitment to giving back to the community, not for recognition or gain, but simply for the satisfaction of doing that work,” Ransom Soto says. “While giving back is one of the company’s founding principles, my experience has shown that it is truly part of its DNA.”

At its core, he feels Concert Properties’ strength lies in its commitment to fostering a workplace where employees feel engaged, valued and connected. “Everything here aligns with my values, from the community engagement to the opportunities I’ve had to grow,” says Ransom Soto. “But most important is how it reminds us that we’re all part of something bigger.”

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.