Your Digest
Employee Rhea Young on Black excellence
As a trainer in donor relations and collections, Rhea says it’s fulfilling knowing that her work helps to save lives. She also says representation matters and that being able to relate to people with similar experiences makes a difference in the workplace. As a member of the employee resource group for employees who are Black, Indigenous, and members of other racialized communities, Rhea says Canadian Blood Services’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion has changed her daily experiences as a Black employee. In reflecting on Black History Month, Rhea says, “My wish for the future is that Black history is someday viewed and accepted simply as history. It’s history that affected us all, and in many ways still impacts how we interact today.” Read Rhea’s full story on Connect.
Recognize a colleague or team with a special ‘shout-out’
Do you have a colleague or work with a team that you would like to celebrate? Whether it’s a recent team accomplishment, recognition for someone’s hard work and dedication throughout the pandemic or a special thank you to a colleague who simply made your day, we’d love to hear from you! Shout-outs are a meaningful way to recognize and thank colleagues for the unique and valuable skills, contributions, perspectives and lived experiences that they bring to Canada’s Lifeline. Take a few moments to submit a ‘shout-out’. Complete this brief form or send an email to communications@blood.ca with the subject line “SHOUT OUT”, telling us who you want to recognize and why. We’ll be sharing some of your shout-outs during Employee Appreciation Week (Feb. 28 – Mar. 4).
Blood donors helped his tiny heart and saved his life
Liam Bumanlag was born with a heart defect that required lifesaving surgery just days after birth. Because of blood donors and the transfusions Liam received, he survived that surgery and today he is a four-year-old Spiderman-loving, thriving little boy. His parents have organized a third blood drive in his honour on Feb. 16 in Amherstburg, Ont. This Valentine’s Day, we hope people across Canada will open their own hearts to patients like Liam by booking appointments for the weeks ahead. The need for new donors is higher than ever. You can help by encouraging your own friends and family to join Canada’s Lifeline, and by sharing stories like Liam’s to inspire others. Read more about Liam at blood.ca/stories.
Question of the day: When will we get to see the results from the employee experience and brand health surveys? When and how will the feedback received be actioned?
Our joint employee experience and brand health surveys closed on Friday, Feb. 4. This was the first time in two years that we formally surveyed staff across the organization to better understand what supports, resources, opportunities and initiatives are needed to foster a positive employee experience. Survey responses are currently being reviewed and evaluated. During our upcoming Employee Appreciation Week (Feb. 28 – Mar. 4), people, culture and performance (PCP) will be sharing high-level results with all employees and a timeline for full results distribution. PCP is still accepting paper copies of the surveys for employees who requested them. Please send your completed paper survey to head office this week, if you have not already done so.
About Your Digest
This digest highlights the latest policy and employee support measures, resources to help you manage our new reality and original content to remind us that what we do matters. This information 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.