As an employer, Central promotes a healthy workplace and well-rounded lifestyles for employees. Our Lifestyle Incentive program encourages staff at all levels to earn points for community and volunteer work and for physical fitness activities. Employees convert their points into cash as they reach specified increments. Their achievements, particularly in community service, are further recognized at staff meetings and in corporate publications.
Central sponsors a volunteer Staff Association that invites staff from all levels to participate. The association reports directly to management about employee concerns, organizes social functions and proposes fundraising and other initiatives.
In addition to extended medical, dental and other insurance coverages, Central offers an Employee Assistance Program that delivers professional counseling on personal issues.
Other employee programs provide free computer and technical training, funding for higher education and professional development, and a subsidized fitness facility at the BC Credit Union Centre. Central offers an extensive benefits program, including interest-free computer loans, low-interest employee mortgages and matched group RRSPs.
In conjunction with the British Columbia Co-operative Association Central sponsors employees' children to attend Camp Rainbow, a summer camp operated by the system-affiliated Rainbow Youth Excellence Society. Nine or 10 children annually are sent to the camp, where they learn self-confidence and leadership techniques.