Family status is a protected ground under human rights legislation so it is important for employers to consider what accommodations might be required.  The Canadian Human Rights Commission has produced “A Guide to Balancing Work and Caregiving Obligations.”  Be sure to check it out. Source:  Peterborough County-City Health Unit

Our workforce is changing and for some of us, we’re in workplaces that have four generations.  From Baby Boomers, Generation Xers to Gen Y and the Millenials, we may share some common values but we also have differences.  Here are a couple of thought-provoking items on the subject: Managing a Multigenerational Workforce = this is [...]

There are many benefits to opening your door to new or young workers.  Whether you’ve  just hired new and/or young workers starting out in their first jobs or you’re taking on summer students, think about what you can do to create a healthy work environment for them. To get started, consider visiting the Ministry of [...]

On November 6, about 100 workplace representatives attended a session hosted by the Peterborough Health at Work Committee and the Peterborough Chapter of HRPA.  Dr. Martin Shain provided a good background on the legal issues around mental health in the workplace.  With seven areas of law influencing a workplace’s duty to provide a psychologically safe [...]

Over two years ago, the Workforce Development Board, Trent University and the Trent Centre for Community-Based Education partnered up to take a local look at the aging workforce.  The research involved talking with older workers as well as employers.  The following reports have been generated: Older Worker Stories Project – Final Report Summary of Older [...]

EmployerRegistry.ca is an online community connecting businesses across Ontario with students through a range of exciting learning opportunities.  Using Web 2.0 technology, EmployerRegistry.ca makes it easy for employers and educators to work together to help define tomorrow’s workforce. Employers can: Express your interest in helping by registering for programs like Career Talks, Co-op or the [...]

The Family Child Care Fair is designed to introduce employees to the various organizations in your community that provide quality childcare and related services.  Attendees have the opportunity to introduce themselves to providers, discuss their childcare needs, and explore available options. Coordinators should host this event in a large, open area, where each childcare agency [...]

Invite students into the workplace to complete their community service hours, do their co-op placement, work for the summer,  shadow an employee for the day or do their student workday. Employees can teach the students about what they do in the workplace and what they do for the community. Students will bring a new, fresh [...]

Encourage physical activity and athletics among employees by helping to establish workplace sports leagues or walking clubs.  As the employer, you are in a position to take the lead.  Reserve outdoor recreational areas, create rosters, and provide sports equipment.  Just make sure to offer a variety of options for employees of different ages and abilities. [...]

Initiate a mentoring program where experienced workers are partnered with inexperienced ones. Experienced workers can share their knowledge and act as trainers or consultants to new employees. New employees can assist experienced employees with learning new technological skills, and assist with physical aspects of the job. Locally, the Workplace Integration Centre has a mentoring program as well.  Visit Workplace Integration Program for more information.   In [...]

Provide employees with informational materials on healthy caregiving and the signs of caregiver burnout.  As a supplement to these materials, encourage employees to form a caregiving group where issues related to caregiving can be shared and discussed.   Source:  Brant County Health Unit

When it comes to training sessions and seminars, pay special attention to the learning preferences of different employee age groups.  While younger employees may favour technology-based resources, older workers may prefer face to face communication.  Make sure that printed materials are easy to read for those who are vision impaired.  Engage employees in a discussion [...]

Create workplace policies that prohibit age-biased speech and behaviour in the workplace.  These policies will reduce tensions and enhance respect between employees of different ages.   Source: Brant County Health Unit

Employees who work during the evening and nighttime hours find it difficult to care for children or loved ones during the day, the time at which they’re usually asleep.  If possible, consider including quality daycare services as a benefit for shiftworking employees who double as parents. Source:  County of Lambton Community Health Services Department

LOCAL RESOURCES Central East Community Care Access Centre – (705) 310-2222 Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers  (OHCOW) -  1-888-596-3800 WEB-BASED RESOURCES Health Canada: Seniors’ Health Veterans’ Affairs Canada Seniors Canada Canada Safety Council: Seniors Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety: Aging Workers Sloan Center for Aging & Work at Boston College (American organization specializing in [...]

Create an awareness program or seminar on ageism and its different manifestations in the workplace, emphasizing strategies to reduce age-biased attitudes and behaviours.  Source: Brant County Health Unit

When it comes to training sessions and seminars, pay special attention to the learning preferences of different employee age groups.  While younger employees may favour technology-based resources, older workers may prefer face to face communication.  Make sure that printed materials are easy to read for those who are vision impaired.  Engage employees in a discussion [...]

Equally important is succession planning, which devises methods to replace older workers once they retire. Source: Brant County Health Unit

Create workplace policies that prohibit age-biased speech and behaviour in the workplace.  These policies will reduce tensions and enhance respect between employees of different ages. Source: Brant County Health Unit

Employee assistance programs are here to help.  Make sure that your staff has access to an Employee Assistance Program that can provide employees with counselling and additional tips for dealing with interpersonal conflicts.   Source:  Brant County Health Unit