WorkSafeBC invests in its employees’ long-term success

When newly hired case manager Gurj Sarohia first entered the Richmond headquarters of WorkSafeBC, he was immediately struck by the atmosphere of professionalism.

“I had been in good work environments before but this felt like a step up for sure,” he recalls. “I was quite impressed.”

Even more impressive was the comprehensive months-long training Sarohia received, followed by several months of mentorship.

That training has been integral to Sarohia’s ability to manage the claims of injured workers for B.C.’s occupational health and safety agency – injuries that can sometimes alter the course of a life.

“I’ve never worked for an organization where the training was as extensive and thorough as it needed to be for such a challenging role,” he says. “It was a pretty amazing experience.”

Case managers have an important role. They ensure workers and employers stay connected in a worker's recovery and return to work, understand and help navigate the intricacies of legislation, work with medical advisors, and manage entitlements to wage loss and health care.

Having a mentor as a sounding board was key to Sarohia feeling equipped to navigate challenging conversations or circumstances once it came time to put his training into practice.

“You’re helping injured workers through what can be a very difficult time in their lives – quite often these are life-changing events,” he explains. “Health and finances are always top of mind, so when you’re dealing with these circumstances, a lot of challenges can come to the surface.”

Being properly equipped for the job is one piece of the bigger picture for success at WorkSafeBC, which also strives to proactively support employees’ health and wellness.

“We are highly attuned to the fact that we are both a regulator of workplace health and safety for the province, as well as an employer,” says Shelby Larson, director of case management services.

“Our team members are doing complex work, and our job as leaders is to prepare them for that, with the right tools, education and training to support their resiliency and success.”

Resources include peer support, education on psychological health and safety, and fitness classes, wellness and mindfulness workshops. Health and well-being isn’t one-size-fits-all, says Larson. “People can put up their hand and say they need something different for support, and we can pivot.”

Larson, whose 30-year career at WorkSafeBC started with a summer job, has seen the same flexibility when it comes to career opportunities.

“I always threw my name into the hat for different roles and would receive support from my supervisors,” she says. “There’s so much potential for career growth and development.”

Whether it’s that long-term trajectory or the day-to-day employee benefits and support that appeal, WorkSafeBC offers a huge variety of roles that make a contribution, Larson explains.

“It’s a privilege to come and do work every day that makes a meaningful difference to the people we serve,” she says. “We can go to work every day and feel fulfilled and aligned philosophically.”

For Sarohia, being given the tools to perform his best set him on the right path. Knowing that his employer has made a wealth of resources available to him makes a world of difference.

“It’s been quite amazing for me to see what WorkSafeBC does and the support that they’ve provided,” he says. “It’s been so good for me personally, and I feel the organization lives up to its reputation.”

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.