Your Digest
New Winter Mindfulness series launches tomorrow
Join us at 11 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Feb. 1 for a calming 20-minute mindful break. Tomorrow’s facilitator-led session will engage employees in creative mindfulness exercises and help participants connect with their senses, attend to their breath and create more calm. The session includes a guided meditation, seasonal mindfulness tips, information on upcoming well-being engagements and recommendations for using the Insight Timer App. Register for the Winter Mindfulness series, which runs on the first Wednesday of each month, here.
Defending the organization against cybercrime
Twenty-two days. That’s how long we could be shut down from accepting and processing blood, plasma and platelet donations if there were a cyberattack on our core systems. The impacts would be felt throughout Canada’s Lifeline: from donors, employees, partners, hospitals and most important, patients. As our organization becomes more digitized, safeguarding the privacy and security of the highly sensitive information we access every day is critical. While we have a comprehensive IT strategy focused on protecting the organization against cybercrime, we are all responsible for safeguarding our environment. Visit Connect to read more about the threat of cybercrime and why your role as an employee is important.
Reminder: Participate in our latest employee experience pulse check survey
Thank you to everyone who has completed our latest employee experience survey to gauge your communications preferences. If you haven’t yet participated, the survey remains open until Feb. 10. The pulse check survey is an opportunity for you to share your feedback so we can better understand your current experience and learn about your communications preferences. To access the survey, all employees have received an email link from Dr. Graham Sher, sent from the address: noreply@qemailserver.com. You can also visit blood.ca/employeesurvey to participate. For more information, visit Connect or speak with your supervisor. or speak with your supervisor.
Black History Month: Thursday event focuses on promoting the well-being of Black employees
As part of Black History Month, the DEI team has invited Dr. Bukola Salami, professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta, to present on the topic Promoting the well-being of Black people in the workplace. During her talk on Thursday, Feb. 2 (12:30–2 p.m. ET), Dr. Salami will discuss topics including the history of anti-Black racism in Canada, the workplace and mental health experiences of Black people and the immigrant health effect. She will also share guidance on how to foster a work environment that supports and promotes the well-being of Black employees. Register before 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday to receive an Outlook invitation for Thursday’s session.
Question of the day
Will Canadian Blood Services be coming out with a formal remote work policy that covers all departments to keep things consistent? Do employees have the option to take their work laptop and work abroad?
As a general rule, Canadian Blood Services does not support employees who wish to work outside of Canada. This can create risks and liabilities for the organization and the employee including, but not limited to, labour and employment legislation and common law, IT security, occupational health and safety and tax implications.
Employees who have concerns with their work/life balance or are faced with an exceptional circumstance are encouraged to speak with their leader to explore options.
