Your digest

Submit your questions for our live, DEI-themed townhall

Following our last live townhall, we heard from many of you that you loved the new format with pre-submitted video and audio questions. As we prepare for our diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI)-themed townhall on Wed. June 2, we encourage you to once again send in your questions for Graham and this month’s panel of experts: Heidi Elmoazzen, director, stem cells; Chantale Pambrun, director, Centre for Innovation; Andrew Pateman, VP, people, culture and performance and Rick Prinzen, chief supply chain officer and VP, donor relations.

Our panel will be taking questions about the work that has been done this past year as part of our organization’s commitment to DEI, how we’re taking steps to address inequity and systemic racism within our organization and where we’re headed next. As always, we also encourage you to submit your written or recorded questions about any other topics that are important to you.

To submit a video recording of your question: 

• Using a smart phone or computer, record your question in 30 seconds or less and send to communications@blood.ca by Friday, May 28.  
• Only questions that include your first name, role and location will be submitted. 

To submit an audio recording of your question via voicemail: 

• Call 1-800-509-3329 and record your question in 30 seconds or less by Friday, May 28.  
• Only questions that include your first name, role and location will be submitted. 

As always, you can also email your written questions to communications@blood.ca

Participate in the June 2 live townhall by clicking on the meeting link in your Outlook invite. Can’t make it live? A recording of the event will be available on your COVID-19 employee portal within 24 hours. 
 
2021 leadership awards celebrate those who lead with the head and the heart

This past year, leaders across our organization watched many of their best laid plans get thrown out the window, as COVID-19 forced everyone to reassess their actions and priorities. By leading with the head and the heart and demonstrating our ICARE values, however, many managers and directors exhibited outstanding leadership in times of crisis; adapting to and overcoming new challenges while supporting and empowering their teams. Some of these exceptional leaders were recently celebrated for their efforts at the 2021 CEO Leadership Summit, where a record number of recognition awards were handed out. Read more on Connect and meet this year’s leadership award winners.

‘Working on the frontline daily, I see how important DEI is’

May is Asian Heritage Month and to recognize it, we are continuing to explore the unique connections and contributions to Canada’s Lifeline of employees, donors and patients of Asian descent. In our latest profile, Susan John, a donor care associate in Vancouver, B.C., shares how donors have continued to inspire her and others on the frontline during the pandemic, how she celebrates her South Asian heritage and how she is feeling optimistic about the steps our organization is taking towards greater diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). “Working on the frontline daily, I see how important [DEI] is for our organization,” says Susan. “We can’t afford to rest.” Read more on Connect.

Question of the day: Will there be any new wellness activities or initiatives offered for employees this summer?

After a very long winter, you may be looking for some extra motivation to shake off the cobwebs and get moving as we head into summer. If you can relate, look no further than the Spring into Summer 30-day wellness challenge, launching June 1.

When you sign up for the challenge, you’ll be encouraged to do something small in support of your well-being each day throughout June. The challenge is a great opportunity to focus on your overall health and add some self-care to your day — plus, everyone who completes the challenge will be entered into a draw to win prizes. Learn more and sign up today on Connect.

We also encourage employees to take advantage of the wellness resources available to them on the employee wellness portal on Connect, including our employee assistance program (EAP) which includes free therapy sessions with a licensed professional.

We are continuing to offer virtual fitness classes with Goodlife, as well and are adding additional classes to ensure that employees can access this important resource.

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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.    

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Have questions? Check out blood.ca/employees or email us at communications@blood.ca