Several Vancouver-based firms among best workplaces, says Glassdoor

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Despite those findings, which were B.C.-wide and limited to nurses, employees of VCH applauded their workplace last year, giving it 4.3 out of five stars during Glassdoor’s one-year award eligibility period, between Oct. 22, 2019, and Oct. 19, 2020.

Among the reviews during that time period included one from a registered nurse working for VCH in Vancouver, who gave the authority four stars. They called it a great place to work, praising their colleagues, opportunities to learn and staff morale. But they said no workplace was perfect, and listed as cons the long hours and night shifts.

Average reviews for VCH trended upward through 2020. Areas where it received the strongest praise were for its diversity and inclusion, and compensation and benefits. Opinions of its senior management lagged other categories.

Not all reviews were positive. Some employees, such as a registered part-time nurse, complained of burnout and insufficient staffing.

The best places to work commonly share several traits, according to Glassdoor. They include mission-driven cultures, transparent senior leadership and career growth opportunities.

Glassdoor CEO Christian Sutherland-Wong said this year’s list also featured employers that prioritized the health, safety and well-being of their employees.

“COVID-19 is in the driver’s seat and every employer in Canada has been impacted. This year’s winning employers have proven, according to employees, that even during extraordinary times, they’ll rise to the challenge to support their people,” he said in a news release.

None of the other health authorities rank nearly as high as VCH, which has 4.4 stars overall on Glassdoor. Fraser Health has 3.7 stars overall, the Vancouver Island Health Authority has four, Interior Health has 3.6 and Northern Health has 3.4. Most health authorities trended largely upward in ratings last year.

First overall in the annual rankings was Google. Microsoft, TC Energy, Apple and belairdirect rounded out the top five best places to work. The employees’ choice awards look only at workplaces with 1,000 or more employees.

mrobinson@postmedia.com