Inside the Circle – January 9, 2024

As of January 1, 2024, there is a new process in place for paying PSWs and Homemakers for mandatory e-learning courses.

What’s changing?

PSW and Homemakers will be paid out for mandatory e-learning courses if completed before the due date of the course. Only those who complete the course prior to the due day will be paid for the training.

It is important you complete training on time by the due date and if you experience any problems with the course or status, let us know: Learning and Development (via email; learning.development@circleofcare.com or by calling IT helpdesk).

Will courses still be available after the due date?

Yes, courses will accessible after their due date, but if you complete the course after the due date you will not be paid for the training time.

How do I know what the due dates are?

Due dates are communicated when training is launched and on reminders, as well you can see what is coming up due on the Learning Calendar in Dayforce.

Let’s keep everyone safe and healthy this winter! Here are some important steps to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses:

• Wash your hands regularly.
• Check that you feel good and have no symptoms before starting work.
• Stay home if you’re not feeling well.
• If you have COVID-19 symptoms, stay home for 1-2 days and take a rapid antigen test.
• Call the office if your COVID test is positive.
• Always wear a mask when working with clients.
• Keep an eye on your clients and tell your supervisor if they show new symptoms. Use extra protective gear (gloves, eye protection, and gown) when needed. Stay safe!

Let’s talk about keeping your body in good shape and avoiding injuries! Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) involve issues with muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. Body mechanics, or how your muscles, bones, and nerves work together, plays a big role. It can either be good or bad, and it’s directly linked to problems like back pain.

Here are some easy and effective techniques for good body mechanics:

• Take care of your lower back: Keep it in its normal position all the time.
• Avoid twisting your body: Instead, use a side step or pivot, moving your torso from your shoulders to your hips as one solid unit.
• Create a stable base: When lifting, set your feet wide apart for better stability.
• Keep your head up and shoulders steady.
• Find your center of gravity: Keep it low, flex your knees, and maintain a straight body instead of bending.
• Hold things close: Carry loads close to your body to reduce their impact.
• Bend at your hips and knees: Avoid bending at your waist to balance and distribute weight evenly between your upper and lower body.
• Know your limits: Don’t push yourself too hard; only do what you can handle.

By following these simple tips, you can steer clear of musculoskeletal strain, prevent injuries, and beat fatigue. Your body will thank you!

For more information, please review

Our Safe Operation Procedure: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_xd1pXXg2yQvdJBZ2AyVMXf77xvtCZnS/view

MSD Prevention Program: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C3TerCaz1Pi_pqt1hGGtAJJM5fbi8DQE/view.

Don’t forget to check-out the ‘Beyond Silence’ app! This is a free and confidential mental health support program to our PSWs and Homemakers. Through the app, you can access resources to support your mental well-being, and you are able to speak with a trained Peer Support Provider. You can access the app on your Circle of Care work phone, and on your personal device.

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

Let’s talk about making everyone feel welcome! Using friendly and inclusive language is a strong way to show that we care about creating spaces where everyone feels included. If you want tips on starting conversations, like in emails or addressing people by their title, check out this handy tip sheet from the 519: https://www.the519.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/CreatingAuthenticSpaces_Pronouns.pdf.

It’s a quick guide to help you keep things welcoming and respectful!

Please check and make sure your personal contact information (phone number, email address, mailing address etc.) is up-to-date in Dayforce. You can check your paystub by logging into Dayforce to confirm if your address is correct. You are able to change your personal information by logging onto the Ceridian Dayforce site. If you have any questions, or need to update your information, please reach out to HRDept@circleofcare.com

We are pleased to welcome the following new staff to Circle of Care:

• Januba Vaghela
• Stephanie Otupri
• Delia Diego
• Francisca Selibio
• Myrtle Downes
• Vernalyn Rogacion
• Isabelle Sama
• Younis Rowe
• Beatrice Osumah
• Olive Nakabuye
• Eudeen Durrant
• Sudiksha Gurung
• Maregin Lacondazo
• Dominga Calance

Why are our Holiday hours cut and yet when we asked to take time off, we’re not allowed to take it?

On statutory holidays, Circle of Care provides services to essential clients. All non-essential clients are contacted and encouraged to reschedule their visits/hours to another day that week. While we move several clients, there are many clients that are still eligible to receive service on the holiday and we do require our workforce to be available on the holidays to provide services to these clients. There are guidelines around booking off stat holidays in the Collective Agreement and staff are encouraged to review that as all staff are required to work a portion of the stat holidays.

I remember 2 years ago that if you worked more than 2,000 hours per year you would get a special bonus gift card worth around $250, but now we don’t get it. We work so hard and we want all our clients to be so happy at the end of our visits.

Thank you for your feedback.  A couple of years ago, we gave a special one-time only gift card to employees who had worked over 2,000 hours. The gift was to thank those employees who took on extra shifts during the pandemic when we were short-staffed.