In the know @ PHO - June 2015
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
ISABELLE LANGMAN, IPAC SPECIALIST,<br />
(LEFT) RECEIVES A 15 YEAR SERVICE<br />
AWARD FROM PETER DONNELLY (RIGHT)<br />
CREATING A WORK<br />
ENVIRONMENT<br />
THAT PROMOTES<br />
GOOD MENTAL HEALTH<br />
Public Health Ontario is dedicated to protecting<br />
and promoting <strong>the</strong> health of Ontarians; and we are<br />
also committed to providing a safe and healthy work<br />
environment and protecting <strong>the</strong> health and wellbeing of<br />
employees.<br />
<strong>PHO</strong>TO CREDIT: ANDREW RIMKUS<br />
ENHANCING OUR<br />
APPROACHES TO<br />
RECOGNITION<br />
We <strong>know</strong> how important it is for people to be recognized<br />
for <strong>the</strong> contributions <strong>the</strong>y make to <strong>PHO</strong>, whe<strong>the</strong>r it’s for years<br />
of service to <strong>the</strong> organization, for going above and beyond to<br />
deliver on a project, for reaching out to support colleagues who<br />
can use an extra hand to help meet a deadline, for generating<br />
new and innovative solutions, for making a significant<br />
contribution to <strong>the</strong> public health field, or for simply taking<br />
proactive steps to improve a process. Employee recognition is<br />
integral to building and maintaining an engaged workforce.<br />
<strong>PHO</strong> recently had <strong>the</strong> opportunity to celebrate <strong>the</strong> service<br />
of employees from across <strong>the</strong> organization through our<br />
annual Long Service awards. This formal recognition program<br />
recognizes permanent employees who have achieved 5, 10, 15,<br />
20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 year service milestones.<br />
Long service awards were celebrated recently in Corporate<br />
Services, Science and Public Health and at <strong>the</strong> Toronto<br />
laboratory. As this newsletter is going into production, service<br />
award presentations are also underway at regional laboratories<br />
▶<br />
across <strong>the</strong> province. The awards provide leaders across <strong>PHO</strong><br />
<strong>PHO</strong> leaders have demonstrated <strong>the</strong>ir commitment<br />
to creating a mentally healthy workplace through<br />
participation in <strong>the</strong> Mental Health at Work Leadership<br />
Certificate Program earlier this year. The program was<br />
facilitated by our EAP provider, Morneau Shepell, in<br />
collaboration with <strong>the</strong> Faculty of Health Sciences at<br />
Queen’s University.<br />
Nearly all working Canadians<br />
experience mental health<br />
issues that can affect job<br />
performance. When it comes<br />
to mental health in <strong>the</strong><br />
workplace, leaders play a<br />
pivotal role by helping to<br />
create a work environment that<br />
promotes good mental health.<br />
“We all have busy lives and<br />
often deal with varying<br />
amounts of stress. The Mental<br />
Health at Work Leadership<br />
program equips <strong>PHO</strong> management with <strong>the</strong> tools to<br />
recognize and support staff who may be experiencing<br />
mental health challenges,” says Peter Donnelly, president<br />
and CEO. “I want staff to <strong>know</strong> that <strong>the</strong>re are supports<br />
available to <strong>the</strong>m should <strong>the</strong>y need <strong>the</strong>m. Workplace<br />
wellness is a priority and we will continue to explore<br />
programs and initiatives that help build and promote a<br />
healthy work environment.”<br />
BY MELISSA CHEUNG,<br />
ORGANIZATIONAL IMPROVEMENT COORDINATOR<br />
14 | Return to table of contents