Your digest
Happy holidays and thank you from our CEO: As we head into the holiday season, we are reminded that typically this is a time when we come together to celebrate with friends, colleagues and loved ones. Even though our celebrations look a little different this year, it is important to take a moment to reflect on all you’ve achieved in 2020 and the very real impact you’ve had on families across the country. Our CEO, Dr. Graham Sher has recorded a video message for all employees with warm wishes for the holiday season and gratitude for the incredible amount of work you’ve done over this past year. Watch the video streaming now on Connect TV and Connect and keep an eye out this month for more words of gratitude from our senior leadership as we celebrate the season.
REMINDER —Save the date for our next open board meeting: Canadian Blood Services’ Board of Directors will be holding its next open meeting on Thurs. Dec. 3 between 12:30 — 4 p.m. ET. These events are a great opportunity for employees and the public to tune in to see our senior leaders in action as they chart the course for our organization. A portion of the agenda will be set aside for a live Q&A session with members of the public and the board will also hear presentations from key stakeholders. For more information about how to participate, visit http://obm.blood.ca/en.
“Drop-in” virtual counselling available to employees: During our caregiver focus groups, we heard that more support was needed for employees to help manage stress and wellbeing. Beginning on Tues. Dec. 1, 2020, we will be starting a six-month pilot program in partnership with ComPsych Guidance Resources to offer virtual “drop-in” counselling every Tuesday from 11 a.m. — 3 p.m. ET and Wednesday from 4:00 — 8:00 p.m. ET. Dedicated, qualified counsellors will be available to provide confidential consultation on concerns such as workplace change or conflict, stress management, family or relationship concerns, worry and anxiety. Visit Connect for more information on the dedicated therapists involved and how to book an appointment and contact thrive@blood.ca if you have any questions on the program.
Planning your 2021 professional development resolutions? Meet Skillsoft: We are launching a pilot for an exciting new digital learning platform called Skillsoft. Employees who enroll in the pilot will be able to access thousands of courses, videos, audiobooks and other resources to further their learning and development goals — for free. With over 25,000 pieces of content about everything from time management to leadership to project management available on desktop, mobile and tablet, there’s something for everyone. Fill out the application to find out if you’re eligible to participate — licences are limited and are available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Learn more about the Skillsoft pilot and how to apply on Connect.
Production team says goodbye to Edmonton facility: As part of phase IIa of the National Facilities Redevelopment Program (NFRP), we are consolidating several functions formerly in Calgary, Edmonton and Regina into one new Calgary operations building. The program reached exciting milestones over the past few months with the moves of the Calgary logistics, production, distribution and testing teams into the new facility. The successful consolidation of Edmonton production into Calgary on Nov. 9 marks the latest major achievement this year. Congratulations to everyone involved! Learn more on Connect.
Question of the day: With the winter months upon us, more and more donors are drinking hot beverages to stay warm before donating. I am concerned that this will result in more individuals being turned away for false temperature readings. What are we telling donors before they visit?
We are doing our best to make sure donors know to limit their hot beverage of choice prior to donating via friendly reminders in appointment emails and on our social media channels.
Through those channels, donors are advised that they will receive an oral temperature check upon arrival at our donor centres and are asked to refrain from drinking hot beverages five to ten minutes before making their way through our doors.
Temperature checks at wellness screening are one of the many ways we are protecting donors, our employees and volunteers. Learn more by visiting blood.ca/wellness.
About your digest
This digest will highlight the latest policy and employee support measures, resources to help you manage our new reality and original content like articles and videos to remind us that what we do matters. No access to email? No problem — all this information and more can be found on blood.ca/employees from any device, no login required.
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Have questions? Check out blood.ca/employees or email us at communications@blood.ca