BC's Top Employers (2025) Magazine - Flipbook - Page 32
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BC’S TOP EMPLOYERS (2025)
A supportive workplace helps people succeed at BCIT
C
hris 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 Burnabybased 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
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Faculty at BCIT continue to work in their field, ensuring their skills are up-to-date and always aligned with
industry trends.
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.”
I came into my role knowing
what BCIT can do to change
people’s lives and help
students.
— Chris Hudson
Vice President, People,
Culture, and Inclusion
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
