With a tech ecosystem that has produced double-digit unicorns in the last 18 months, things are looking good for British Columbia’s technology sector and for the 120,000 or so technology employees across our province that power the industry.  

Known for attractive employee perks and curated benefits, B.C. tech companies are using the shift from in-the-office to distributed to continue to invest in their employees beyond providing beer on tap and ping-pong tables. 

This is welcome news for tech employees who identify as parents or are relatives who provide emotional, financial and other services on a daily or intermittent basis for an ill or disabled loved one at home. The longstanding childcare crisis, school closures and the deep impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has left those holding both family responsibilities and work duties facing unprecedented levels of burnout.

The great resignation is top-of-mind for tech leaders, and there are some recent examples of B.C. companies demonstrating care for their people. Supporting caregivers at a company is more than an employer brand strategy, it is the right thing to do for our communities and our province. 

Regardless of size or scale, there are ways tech companies can support caregivers, in both traditional ways like upping benefits through paid leave, or in non-traditional ways, such as signalling that you’re a parent-friendly workplace in your job postings.   Or it could be promoting employees when they are away caring for their families; all of these are key ways for organizations to attract and retain team members. 

Here are a few examples of local companies and the ways they are doing it: 

Clio

The legal software firm is known for supporting its employees' careers, even while taking parental leave. It offers parental leave top-ups for birthing and non-birth parents, along with a $500 RESP fund contribution for each new addition to their family.

Dapper Labs

Everyone’s favourite crypto gaming giant offers flexible parental leave policies and understands the importance and demands of a growing family. Parents on the team have the flexibility to work from home or take days off when family needs to come first. This is written directly in the company’s job postings, leaving the guesswork out for prospective candidates who are looking for a company that understands their situation. 

Hootsuite

The social media scheduler offers employees the time off to be present to support their families when they need it; whether that’s the joyous event of welcoming another family member or being able to care for their family during a tough time.   

What local leave programs are you impressed with? Tell us in the comments.