For the third year in a row, Interior Health has been named one of B.C.’s Top Employers, a designation recognizing employers in B.C. that provide exceptional workplaces.

“Our congratulations to Interior Health as it takes this award for the third year running,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “This is an employer that has committed itself to developing a healthy, engaged workforce and it shows. Interior Health has a low turn-over rate and a large number of long-term employees.”

The competition considers various criteria, such as recruitment and retention, high employment standards, physical workplace, work and social atmosphere, benefits, time off, employee communications, performance management, training and skills development, and community involvement.

“As an organization whose business is all about care, we recognize that every person matters,” said Interior Health Board Chair Erwin Malzer. “Interior Health has a culture of achievement, collaboration and innovation, in a region that offers beautiful landscapes and a great lifestyle. It also offers benefits that are among the best in the country.”

The organization has placed a strong emphasis on employee engagement at every level. Since 2011, Interior Health has conducted a survey of its employees every two years to gauge their thoughts and feelings about their workplace. This feedback is built into team action plans to further increase employee engagement.

“Reflecting on the past 27 years, I’m proud to have been able to work with such caring individuals. It is the quality of people working within Interior Health that is at the root of my level of engagement,” said Karla Warkotsch, a Community Integrated Health Services Integration Lead who works in Penticton. “I believe we have a common vision of patient-centred care, and that continues to drive Interior Health towards excellence.”

Not only is Interior Health one of the best employers in B.C., it is also one of the largest employers, with approximately 19,000 employees and 1,500 physicians throughout the region.

Other quick facts:

– Size of Interior Health region: about 215,000 km;

– Number of job applications received last year: 41,776;

– Average age of employees: 44.9 years;

– Longest serving employee: 42.5 years;

– Voluntary turn-over rate (employees choosing to leave) last year: 1.7%

For more information about why Interior Health was chosen over hundreds of other organizations, and to view the full list of BC’s Top Employers, visit the Top Employers website at www.canadastop100.com/bc.

Interior Health

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