Inside the Circle – October 31, 2023

We are looking into adding UPS store locations for supply pick-ups. Let us know where you’d like to pick up your supplies! Fill out our survey and share your opinions with us: https://circleofcare.formstack.com/forms/new_ppe_locations_survey 

November 8, 2023 at 12:00 PM EST via WebEx  *You can join from your browser*

This event is presented by RBC Group Advantage exclusively for employees part of RBC Group Advantage, with guest speaker George Tsvetanov, CFP  – RBC Financial Planner. Join us for a discussion on what to consider when planning for your retirement, regardless of the life stage you’re in. You’ll gain valuable insights on how to maximize your employee benefits while managing your finances effectively.

Embrace the November journey of self-care with our ‘Daily Well-being Challenge’! We’re inviting all our employees to join in and make well-being a daily habit. It’s all about infusing your life with a dose of Physical, Psychological, and Community well-being.

Ready for the fun part? As you conquer each challenge, you can tick it off your list or log your achievements. Send your completed Challenge calendar to Nasrin at nalam@circleofcare.com by December 8th, and you’ll be entered into a draw with a chance to win a whopping 2500 Applause Points!

So, gear up for a November filled with self-improvement, fun challenges, and exciting rewards. Let’s make this month your best one yet!

Click here to access the Challenge calendar:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10BOvAWm1QB_uXUqPVMBmIaDiIJqFrcHX/view

Introducing the ‘Beyond Silence’ app – your personal sanctuary for mental health support, and guess what? It’s absolutely free and utterly confidential.

With this incredible app, you have access to lots of resources designed to boost your mental well-being. But that’s not all! You can also connect with our team of compassionate Peer Support Providers who are here to listen, guide, and support you on your journey to a healthier mind.

Here’s the best part – you can access this lifeline right on your Circle of Care work phone, or download it to your personal device. It’s time to prioritize your mental health like never before – ‘Beyond Silence’ is here to empower you!

ACCESS CODE: CCYP527J8

For more information about the program, please visit: https://psw.circleofcare.com/index.php/health-safety/wellness-at-work/

As we gear up for the winter and prepare to face the snowy challenges ahead, our JHSC (Joint Health and Safety Committee) wants to share some tips that will keep you on your feet and help you conquer the ice and snow with confidence.

Here’s your winter survival kit:

Step 1: Make sure you’ve got your trusty pair of winter boots ready. Look for ones that are well-insulated, waterproof, and have a thick, non-slip tread to keep you steady on your feet.

Step 2: Add ice grippers. These little wonders provide an extra layer of support when you’re navigating icy terrain. Just stick them on the bottom of your boots, and you’re ready to tackle those treacherous paths!

Step 3: Stand out from the winter crowd by wearing bright, attention-grabbing colours. Or go the extra step and add some reflective materials to your clothing. Not only will you look stylish, but you’ll also ensure other road users can spot you, even in the darkest of winter nights.

Step 4: Last but not least, remember to take it slow and steady. Don’t let the winter rush get the best of you. Pay close attention to your surroundings, and walk with confidence. Your safety is the ultimate priority.

So, let’s make this winter a season of safety and style. With these tips, you’ll be all set to navigate the challenges of snow and ice like a pro. Happy winter adventures!

And if you’re looking for a new pair of boots, make sure you get those savings!! Our Perkopolis Benefits program lets you browse discounts on winter boot brands such as Columbia.

When you’re in the business of caring for clients, communication is key. Your choice of words can be a game-changer. Let’s explore the art of Person-Centered Language (PCL), where every word you say can help you and your client have a positive, respectful, and empowering experience.

Watch this video on person centered language to learn more: 

Feeling under the weather? Let’s dive into the world of flu symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, a runny nose, and those pesky headaches and chills. Some might even experience vomiting and diarrhea.

But here’s the thing: you can catch the flu and not develop a fever. Sneaky, right? So, how do you know what you’re dealing with, especially in the age of COVID-19 variants?

It’s all about the severity and frequency of your symptoms. Unlike a slow and steady cold, the flu hits you fast. If you find yourself with a sudden fever, headache, or chills, you might just have the flu.

Whether it’s the flu, COVID-19, or a simple cold, one golden rule applies: when you feel a bug coming on, be a hero – stay home and take steps to prevent your family and friends from getting sick. And if you think you might have COVID-19, take a rapid antigen (RAT) test and isolate yourself.

Stay informed, stay safe, and let’s conquer these bugs together!

We would like to welcome the following new PSWs and Homemakers to Circle of Care:

• Temitayo Adewole
• Cherry Candelario
• Kaydijdrah Black
• Darshana Thakor
• Ashlai Blackwood
• Charmi Patel
• Remelie Dela Cruz
• Anjali Acharya
• Cherisse Taylor
• Katrina Viernes
• Julita Huerta

I suggest having a supply pick up location at the Adult Day Program site at Lebovic campus, either 49 Lebovic or Loufruitman (Reena) for workers working in the north.

Thank you for your suggestion about setting up a northern supply pick-up. We shared your feedback with our administration team. While our ADP site doesn’t unfortunately work for supply pick up (there’s not enough room to store the supply bags!), we are grateful for your feedback. We’re looking at UPS stores in a variety of locations where we can have supplies picked up, and we encourage you to fill out our survey as we mentioned above. As always, we appreciate hearing ideas from our PSWs and Homemakers!

Is there going to be a mask fit testing soon? I missed the one in July and it’s almost November, but there doesn’t seem to be one available on the registration page.

Thank you for your question. Our HR team has let us know that there will be new dates available in early 2024.

I think giving out gift cards was better for us, considering how much food costs now. Not everyone uses Applause.

We understand that there can be a learning curve with getting onto Applause and using the platform. We have a tutorial and instructions on using the platform. This is the way in which Circle of Care now gives out awards and points, as it allows our staff to have choice on where they would like to spend their points. We strongly encourage all employees to make sure they’re signed up for Applause (It’s free to sign up!).  All staff should have received an email with an activation link and a set of instructions.  If you did not receive this activation link, please visit the following link (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VjJE_csuUI0aHs0VpQmaevugj7KEoO_R/view?usp=sharing) for further instructions. If you are experiencing any technical issues, contact Achievers at 1-888-676-4687.

Why can’t we have our pay on Thursdays instead of Fridays?

For Circle of Care, Friday is the chosen day to pay our employees, and this occurs every other week. We understand that the selected day may be convenient for some of our employees, while it might be less so for others, and we sincerely empathize with any frustrations it may cause. As much as we’d love to accommodate everyone’s preferences, it’s challenging to find a day that suits everyone perfectly. We appreciate your understanding in this matter, and we remain committed to providing a respectful and supportive work environment for all our em