PROVINCE ANNOUNCES 2008 WORKLIFE BC AWARD RECIPIENTS

VICTORIA – Twenty-two companies from across the province have been named as the 2008 WorkLife BC Award recipients for their commitment to flexible workplace practices, Minister of State for Child Care Linda Reid announced today.

The event, held at the Morris J. Wosk Centre in Vancouver, also marked the start of WorkLife BC Month.

“Achieving balance between work and life responsibilities is a challenge for many British Columbians in today’s busy world,” said Reid. “The WorkLife BC Award recipients have demonstrated a real commitment to providing practical workplace solutions that support their staff, their families and their communities.

“It is wonderful to see so many examples of flexible – and successful – workplace practices from across the province.”

Excell Services in Penticton took home the 2008 Employer of Choice Award, while the Innovation Award – which recognizes exceptional creativity in employee support and development – went to Telus Communications Inc. Five Award of Excellence winners, one for each region of the province, were also recognized with an additional 16 businesses receiving an Award of Merit.

Nominations for the 2008 WorkLife BC Awards were received from a variety of organizations in the private, public, non-profit and co-operative sectors, with winners chosen by the WorkLife BC Selection Committee. Chaired by Gord Huston, CEO of Envision Financial and last year’s Employer of Choice Award recipient, the committee comprises some of B.C.’s leading business representatives as well as a number of previous award winners.

“The most important factor in an organization’s success is your relationship with your people – it’s good for people and it’s good for the bottom line,” said Huston. “The WorkLife BC Awards are a great way of showcasing the unique and positive ways B.C. employers support their most valuable resource – their employees.”

In addition to the awards, more than 170 delegates took part in today’s WorkLife BC Forum with presentations made on topics ranging from alternative work arrangements to creating a more positive workplace culture.

“In today’s competitive work environment, where recruitment is becoming an increasingly important issue, offering flexible workplace practices is a huge incentive in attracting and – perhaps more importantly – retaining skilled and knowledgeable employees,” added Reid.

WorkLife BC is sponsored by the Ministry of Children and Family Development to recognize B.C. employers who have developed supportive workplaces for their employees to balance commitments to work and family. This initiative supports government’s goal of making B.C. the best place to raise a family, to live and play, to work, invest and get ahead.

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A backgrounder with a complete list of award winners is attached. Profiles of all award recipients can be found at www.worklifebc.ca

1 backgrounder(s) attached.
Media contact:	Seumas Gordon Public Affairs Officer 250 356-2939

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