City of Vancouver, B.C., a top 100 employer and leader in green initiatives.(News & Numbers)

The City of Vancouver was chosen as one of Canada's Top 100 employers by a publisher of employment guides and job-hunting periodicals. The list recognizes employers that offer outstanding work environments, based on eight criteria: physical workplace: work and social atmosphere: health, financial and family benefits; vacation and time off: employee communications: performance management; training and skills development; and community involvement.

The City of Vancouver which employs more than 9,000 staff members, was cited for a number of its employee programs. One example: the city provides mentoring and in-house training, educational and professional development courses, and tuition subsidies for courses related both to an employee's current position and long-term career goals. It also provides comprehensive benefits including an employee savings plan with an employer matching contribution and flexible work arrangements such as a 35-hour work week and telecommuting options. Vancouver also gives employees discount passes for unlimited access to all pools, rinks, and fitness centers managed by the city's Park Board.

Another example of the kind of thinking that led to the city's Top 100 recognition is the sustainable transportation program, which aims to reduce single-occupant vehicle commuting to Vancouver's City Hail precinct from its current share of 37 percent of employees to fewer than 25 percent by 2010. Employees who travel to work using a sustainable means such as ...