Two workers in safety gear and helmets walk and talk inside an industrial facility with large machinery and yellow railings.

Vibrant Workforce

Achieving Together

We create workplaces where people thrive. That means investing in safety, wellbeing, inclusion and opportunity—so everyone can do their best work, contribute and grow.

Our Culture of Belonging

We want West Fraser to be the place and the team people choose to join—and where they build long, meaningful careers.

Everyone should feel safe, included and valued, with a real sense of belonging. And everyone who comes to work for us should have the opportunity to grow, develop and excel. It’s about attracting good people and supporting them to succeed.

Missing Alt
Sean McLaren
President and CEO

Workplace culture

Inclusive, High-Performing Teams

We foster a culture where people feel safe, included and supported to succeed. By focusing on fairness, opportunity and accountability, we strengthen our teams and create a more resilient business.

Two construction workers wearing safety helmets and high-visibility vests review plans on the hood of a green vehicle in an outdoor setting.

Fair Pay & Opportunity

We support fair compensation and meaningful career development for all employees. We have achieved pay equity and maintain it through regular audits, consistent hiring practices and transparent reporting.

Our approach supports employees being recognized and rewarded fairly, with clear pathways for growth over time.

Two mill workers in safety gear stand by a yellow railing; one points ahead while the other listens attentively.

Growth & Development

We invest in our people through training, mentorship and leadership development opportunities. Employee-led networks and industry partnerships help build skills, expand connections and support career growth.

From early career to leadership roles, we provide opportunities for employees to continue learning and advancing throughout their careers, informed by ongoing feedback and evolving workforce needs.

Two construction workers in safety vests and hard hats stand together and smile in a break room with picnic tables, vending machines, and a kitchenette in the background.

Stronger Teams

Diverse, high-performing teams make us stronger. By expanding access, removing barriers and building partnerships in the communities where we operate, we are creating pathways for more people to succeed in our industry.

These efforts help us better reflect the communities we serve and strengthen the long-term sustainability of our workforce.

Growth & Development

Building Skills & Careers

We invest in our people by creating opportunities to learn, grow and advance. Through training, hands-on experience and leadership development, we support employees at every stage of their careers.

From foundational skills to leadership pathways, our approach helps build a strong, capable workforce for the future.

Two workers in safety vests and helmets stand outdoors, one holding a clipboard and pen, the other holding a tool, with trees and water in the background.

Foundational Training

We start with a strong foundation, including safety-focused onboarding and role-specific training. Employees gain hands-on experience, coaching and support to build essential skills and maintain consistent, high standards across our operations.

This approach is designed to equip every employee to work safely, confidently and effectively from the start.

A person wearing a hard hat, safety glasses, and reflective vest stands beside industrial equipment, looking at the camera.

Building Skills & Capacity

We invest in technical, trades and operational training to strengthen capabilities across our workforce. From apprenticeships and internships to hands-on learning in our mills and operations, we are continuously building the skills needed to support high-performing teams.

By developing talent at every level, we enhance performance and support long-term operational success.

Four people wearing safety vests, helmets, and work gloves stand together in a forested area with green undergrowth and trees in the background.

Leadership Development

We are committed to growing future leaders through structured development programs and individualized learning plans. Employees have access to leadership training, mentorship and external learning, including partnerships with post-secondary institutions and industry organizations.

These opportunities help employees grow their careers while strengthening leadership across the organization.

Employee Wellbeing

Supporting a Healthy Workforce

We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our employees and building healthy, connected teams. Through accessible resources, leadership support and a culture of care, we help employees feel supported at work and beyond.

Our approach is designed to create an environment where people can thrive personally and professionally.

A group of people pose outdoors on grass, many wearing matching "Finish It." t-shirts, with trees and a lake in the background under a clear sky.

Our Approach

Our approach to wellbeing focuses on four core areas: physical, mental, social and financial. We prioritize both physical safety and overall wellbeing, recognizing that the two are closely connected.

By taking a holistic approach, we help employees stay healthy, engaged and supported over the long term.

Two women stand smiling at a Mikeysline mental health support booth, featuring informational leaflets, brochures, and display banners.

Support & Resources

We continue to strengthen employee wellbeing through accessible support services, training and partnerships. These resources help employees access the tools and guidance they need, when they need them.

This support is part of our broader commitment to creating a workplace where people can perform at their best.

A group of people, many wearing green, stand and sit on a staircase, posing for a group photo in an indoor setting.

Culture of Wellbeing

We are working to embed wellbeing into our leadership practices and workplace culture. Through leadership engagement and local champions across our mills and offices, we are strengthening how wellbeing is supported day to day.

Our efforts have been recognized through certifications such as Mental Health America's Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health.

Recruitment & Retention

Attracting & Retaining Talent

We focus on attracting, supporting and retaining people who want to build their careers with West Fraser. By strengthening how we hire, onboard and support employees, we are creating a more engaged, resilient workforce.

Our approach is designed to strengthen the employee experience while supporting long-term workforce sustainability—recognizing that our ability to adapt and grow depends on ideas and input from across the organization.

Two people sit at a recruitment table for West Fraser, displaying informational materials and promotional items in front of a "Build Your Career" banner.

Attracting Talent

We attract talent through a range of entry points, including student programs, internships, apprenticeships and community partnerships. By connecting education to careers in forestry and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), we help more people see a future in our industry.

These efforts support the next generation of talent while strengthening our workforce for the long term.

Four people wearing green West Fraser hard hats, safety glasses, and reflective vests pose for a selfie inside an industrial facility.

Onboarding Experience

We strive to strengthen our onboarding and orientation processes to support long-term employee success and retention. This helps employees feel welcomed, informed and connected as they begin their roles.

We continue to invest in learning, mentorship and career development to ensure employees can grow their skills and build meaningful careers within our organization.

Person wearing a hard hat, safety glasses, and reflective jacket operates machinery inside an industrial warehouse.

Retention & Improvement

Through initiatives such as new hire and exit surveys, supported by globally implemented technology, we gather insights that help identify opportunities to enhance the employee experience. 

These insights support our efforts to improve engagement, promote workplace stability and foster an environment where employees feel valued and have opportunities to grow their careers. Our goal is to reduce turnover while building a strong, resilient workforce.