Your digest
Results of two external reviews find our organization remains safe, reliable and in state of control: During the past year, two independent reviews were conducted of our operations: a collaborative performance review followed closely by an audit by the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario (OAGO). The reviews were both difficult undertakings for many employees and revealed widely consistent and positive results. We’re proud to have the results of both available for public knowledge at this time. Read more about the context and results of each review on Connect.
Breakfast Television — stem cell transplants can help save hundreds of lives in Canada: Our director of stem cells, Dr. Heidi Elmoazzen, and stem cell recipient, Mackenzie Curran, were on Breakfast Television Toronto last week to talk about the need for more people from diverse backgrounds to join the stem cell registry. A more diverse registry can increase the chance of finding a match for the hundreds of patients waiting to get a lifesaving stem cell transplant. Click here to watch the full interview.
‘Superpower’ boost from donors helps brothers thrive with illness: An Ottawa-area mother is so moved by the blood donations that help her sons; she’s published a superhero comic about their journey. In The Battle of Ottogatz, “hemoglow” infuses the Super Felix Brothers with the power they need to vanquish the villain, Bacteriolos. It’s author Nahomie Acelin’s whimsical nod to hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen throughout the body. Two of Nahomie’s sons ― Micah Felix, 10, and Joiakim Felix, 5, developed abnormal hemoglobin as a result of sickle cell disease, a disorder caused by a genetic mutation most often found in people of African descent. Healthy, red blood cells from donors have seen them through a number of health crises. Read more about these tiny (but mighty) superheroes on blood.ca/stories.
Question of the day: My team is being flooded with work. We are all drained and I think I am burning out. What are some ways I can address this?
Stress can be brought on by pressures that demand too much of you physically and mentally. Too much stress can trigger what is called “burn out,” which may cause feelings of emptiness, being mentally exhausted, and devoid of motivation and caring.
Wondering if you are experiencing burn out? Here are three recognizable signs to look out for:
- Experiencing feelings of emotional exhaustion.
- A decline in productivity and effectives (perceived or real).
- Acute negative responses to normal workplace stress, such as anger or frustration, lack of empathy and concern for others, or less concerned about your quality of work.
Whether you are just recognizing the warning signs of impending burnout, or perhaps you’re already past the breaking point — trying to push through the exhaustion will only cause further emotional and physical damage.
Our licensed therapists with our employee assistance program (EAP) and virtual drop-in-therapy program recommend employees deal with burn out using the “Three R” approach:
Recognize. Watch for the warning signs of burnout.
Reverse. Undo the damage by seeking support and managing stress.
Resilience. Build your resilience to stress by taking care of your physical and emotional health.
We know this isn’t easy. For more information and tools to support you such as access to tangible tips and licensed counselling support see ‘Asking for help is actually one of the most responsible things we can do’ on Connect.
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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.
Click here to read past editions of your digest.
Have questions? Check out blood.ca/employees or email us at communications@blood.ca