Inside the Circle – August 26, 2025

Thank you to everyone who joined us last week for the launch of our new 5 Year Strategic Plan (2025–2030)! Our CEO, Carey, explained that the plan was created by working together and listening to ideas from everyone at Circle of Care.

During the Town Hall, there were many great questions and discussions, and people were excited about the plan. Everyone also had the opportunity to connect with leaders and learn about how their role will be a part of the next five years.

There will be special 5 Year Strategic Plan pens and stickers put into your supply bags in October. To read the full 5 Year Strategic Plan, please see below. 

Canadian National Exhibition 

• When: August 15 – September 1, 2025
• Where: Significant transit and road closures around Exhibition Place.
• TTC Route Changes: Buses: 29 & 929, 63 Ossington, 329 Dufferin Night Bus  Streetcars: 503 Kingston Rd, 510 Spadina

Taste of Bangladesh

• When: August 30 – 31, 2025 (1 PM – 11 PM)
• Where: Not yet announced, but likely to be on Danforth Ave., between Birchmount Rd. & Kingston Rd.
• TTC Route Changes: Buses: 12A & 69

If you have questions about your pay, please read Questions About Payroll or contact the Payroll Team at payroll@circleofcare.com.

This includes questions about:

• Pay stubs
• Pay codes
• T4 or other tax documents
• RRSP contributions (Registered Retirement Savings Plan)
• CPP (Canadian Pension Plan)

To stay safe when visiting clients’ homes, do a pre-visit check. Here are some signs that a client might become violent or aggressive:

• Acting out when rules are set or during specific activities.
• Not wanting the visit, or others in the home not wanting the visit.
• Health problems that may cause aggression, like head injury, substance use, or memory problems.

Write down any of these signs on the ALC checklist. (This lets your CSS know and follow up.)

• When: Tuesday, October 7, 2025 (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM)
• Where: Head Office (#401, 4211 Yonge St, North York)

Go to the Wellness at Work page on the PSW Website to access everything below in one place:

• Ticket discounts
• Perkopolis savings
• GoodLife Fitness corporate membership discount
• Physical and mental fitness resources
• Nutrition tips
• Financial advice
• Updates from wellness surveys

If you have questions about how to sign up or use any of the resources, please email HRDept@circleofcare.com.

Some stress is normal and can even be helpful, but too much stress can affect your mind and body. Things at work can cause or increase stress, which may harm your mental or physical health.

You can download a free “Measure Workplace Stress” app to track your stress. It asks questions about your work tasks, relationships, workplace values, and stress symptoms.

As a healthcare worker, you spend a lot of time caring for others, but it is just as important to care for yourself. Burnout is a common challenge in healthcare. Take a few minutes to watch this video and learn simple ways to protect your well-being while continuing to make a difference.

Do you want to try meditation to feel less stressed? This free YouTube video series gives simple answers to common beginner questions, such as how to sit, what to do if your mind is busy, and how to deal with strong emotions.

Listening is more than just hearing words. It means being present and showing empathy. When you listen well, people feel understood and supported.

Tips for Better Listening:

• Show you’re listening – say “I’m here for you” or “I’m listening.”
• Avoid distractions – silence your phone and focus on the person.
• Pretend you are the person you are listening to – and think, what would I want to hear if I were in this situation?
• Don’t worry about saying the perfect thing – just listen and give your full attention.
• Remember, listening itself helps – sometimes that’s all someone needs.
• Choose your words carefully – avoid “Don’t worry” or “It’s not that bad.” Rephrase what they said to show you understand.

If you would like to practice your listening skills, try this short online listening course. 

Has someone gone above and beyond at work? Give them a High Five!

The High Five program lets you publicly recognize staff members for their outstanding work. High Fives will be posted in your weekly Inside the Circle newsletter.

To give a high five, just click on the button below or use the link in the rotating banner on the Portal home page.

Please note: We do not accept anonymous submissions for this program. High Fives must be submitted by an individual person, whether they are a staff member or member of the community.

Have a question? Submit your questions or feedback anonymously below!

Please note that it may take us longer to provide some answers. If your question hasn’t been answered yet, we will get back to you as soon as we can.