Benefits of becoming a Living Wage Employer
A Living Wage Employer is a responsible employer who cares about their employees and the community. They recognize that paying a living wage constitutes a critical investment in the long-term prosperity of the economy by fostering a dedicated, skilled and healthy workforce.
- Employees who earn a living wage experience increased mental and physical health, and economic wellbeing
- LW Employers receive public recognition for demonstrating a commitment to socially responsible practices, making them more attractive to potential employees and customers
- Employers paying a living wage experience a decrease in employee turnover and absenteeism, increased retention and productivity, savings on rehiring and retraining
- Enhances employee recruitment strategy for lower paying occupations
- Recognition on Living Wage publications and website
- As Living Wage policies have been in place around the world for over 15 years there is now a large body of research which documents the positive economic and social effects of paying a Living Wage. Click onto the benefits of becoming a Living Wage Employer to find out more.
Living Wage Employers agree to adhere to the following criteria:
- All employees (full-time, part-time and casual) must be paid the current living wage rate for Metro Vancouver. This is currently $18.81 per hour – Click here to find out how this figure is calculated.
- If you pay non-mandatory benefits to your employees, the living wage hourly rate will be reduced to take account of this. See our benefit calculator for details.
- Externally contracted staff, who are not direct employees, who provide services to your organization on a regular ongoing basis must also be paid a living wage.
- Employees paid by incentive-based pay (tips) or commission can be paid less than a living wage provided their total earnings (including incentive-based pay and/or commission) equal or exceed the living wage.