More Than Just Hot Flashes

Menopause is a natural phase of life, with perimenopausal symptoms beginning in the 40s or even earlier. Despite its prevalence, menopause remains surrounded by silence and misunderstanding.

Did you know? In Canada, approximately 1 in 10 women consider leaving their jobs due to unmanaged menopause symptoms.

This stage of life impacts physical, emotional, and mental well-being, and often occurs when women are at the peak of their careers. The symptoms of menopause can affect not only daily life, sleep, and overall health, but also workplace performance. Addressing menopause openly can reduce stigma and provide necessary support so that people experiencing menopause can perform at their best.

How Menopause Impacts Work and Life

Even if you’re not personally affected by menopause, empathy and understanding can make our workplace more welcoming and inclusive for everyone.

The symptoms of menopause vary for everyone, but common ones include:

• Hot flashes that can be uncomfortable or even embarrassing in public
• Insomnia and fatigue that make it tough to stay focused and energized.
• Mood changes or anxiety that can affect interactions and self-confidence

We have a collective duty to start conversations about the symptoms and impacts of menopause, so we can show up better for our friends and colleagues and create more inclusive workplaces. For example, more flexible work arrangements or rest breaks can help people experiencing menopausal symptoms to remain engaged and effective at work.

By bringing menopause into the open, we acknowledge that every stage of life deserves understanding and respect. Together, we can make Circle of Care a place where no one has to navigate life’s changes alone.

Resources

Check out these resources to learn more about menopause, including symptoms and treatments:

• Menopause Foundation of Canada – https://menopausefoundationcanada.ca/resources/
• Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada – Menopause and U – https://www.menopauseandu.ca/
• Sinai Health Foundation – https://www.sinaiwomenshealth.ca/
• GYN QI Complete Guide to Menopause – https://gynqi.com/understanding-menopause/

There are two options to complete your VSS:

Complete your VSS at Circle of Care Offices

To simplify this process, we are hosting some drop-in sessions at our head office. If you complete your VSS application at one of these sessions, Circle of Care will pay up front, so you won’t need to pay out of pocket and wait to be reimbursed.

Drop-in VSS days:

• December 3, Meeting Room C, 9:00am – 4:00pm
• December 5, Meeting Room C, 9:00am – 4:00pm

You must bring:

• Your SIN card (or number)
  AND
• TWO (2) additional pieces of government-issued ID – examples: Passport, driver’s licence, citizen card, photo card.

Complete your VSS on your own

If you choose to complete the VSS on your own, you will pay up front. Then, Circle of Care will reimburse you for the application fee within 30 days.

1. Apply: Go to your local police station (in person or online) and apply for the VSS.
   • For Toronto residents only: Our organization code is 202310TPSONDFEEA. Write this down as you will need it to complete your application with the Toronto Police Service if you live in Toronto.
2. Pay: You pay for the VSS upfront and send your receipt to klucki@circleofcare.com for reimbursement.
3. Receive Results: You will get your VSS results in about 10 business days. Please send the results to klucki@circleofcare.com within 30 days.
4. Reimbursement: After you send your results, HR will refund you within 30 days. The refund will show up in your next pay.

As a reminder, all PSWs and Homemakers should direct any payment related inquires to our Payroll team (payroll@circleofcare.com).

This includes any questions about pay stubs, pay codes, T4 or other tax documents, RRSP contributions, and CPP.

Some changes have been made to the following policies:

Workplace Violence, Workplace Harassment and Anti-Bullying: More specific language related to virtual harassment (including group chats, cyberbullying).

Sick Leave: Length of absence requiring medical note changed from 3 to 4 or more days  as per Bill 190. Clarified eligibility for sick time for psychological illness.

Health and Safety Policy Statement and Health and Safety Responsibilities: Updated procedures and language around compliance, and responsibilities of all employee levels.

AODA-Emergency Response: Updated process for Identification of Individuals with Disabilities in the event of an emergency, Announcing Emergencies, and Personal Emergency Plans.

Discrimination: Clarified protected grounds of discrimination, Roles and Responsibilities of all employees at Circle of Care, Complaint and Reporting Process for Union/Non-Union Employees and the Investigation Process

Anti-Racism: Updated reporting and complaint procedures, and the roles and responsibilities of all employees.

At Circle of Care, we prioritize the safety and well-being of all our employees. Preventing slip, trip, and fall (STF) incidents is a crucial part of maintaining a safe work environment.

Our STF Policy outlines the shared responsibility we have to keep each other safe, including:

• Our commitment to providing a safe workplace and resources to prevent STF incidents.
• Your responsibility to follow safe work practices and report any potential hazards you encounter.

Staying informed is key! Review the STF Policy on PSW portal at any time and reach out to your Supervisor/Manager or Human Resources with any questions. Let’s work together to prevent STFs and keep Circle of Care a safe space for everyone!

Most Canadians over the age of 40 should have been vaccinated against most of these diseases in childhood or early adolescence. However, here has been a resurgence in many preventable diseases in recent years, so it is important to know the signs and take action if you suspect you or someone you know is infected.

• Mumps is a virus spread primarily through coughing and sneezing, as well as direct saliva contact with the infected case. Symptoms can include: fever, headache, earache, fatigue, muscle ache, unilateral or bilateral parotosis, trouble talking, chewing or swallowing, loss of appetite.
• Tetanus is an infection spread by a bacterium.  If you have a tiny cut on your finger, tetanus can get in and cause an infection, which can affect your nerves and muscles.  All adults should get a tetanus booster every 10 years.
• Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection that usually affects the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. Signs and symptoms may include a sore throat, hoarseness of the voice, swollen glands in the neck, a thick, grey membrane covering the throat and tonsils, difficulty breathing, nasal discharge, fever and chills.
• Measles is a serious respiratory infection that is highly contagious. Anyone who is not vaccinated or has not had a measles infection is at risk for getting sick with measles. The measles virus is present in the nose and throat of an infected person and spreads easily through contact with droplets from coughing, sneezing, or breathing. The virus can enter the body through the eyes, nose, or mouth. If you touch an infected surface, and then touch your eyes, nose or mouth, you can transmit the virus to yourself.
• Hepatitis A is an acute liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain. Hepatitis B is an infection of the liver caused by the Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and can be more chronic.  Symptoms include flu like symptoms (fever, muscle aches, fatigue), abdominal pain, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes), dark coloured urine.

If you, or a family member, are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms – you should remain off work and consult your family doctor.

Ambient music and nature sounds are known to support relaxation and mental well-being. This curated playlist by CMHA and Little Symphony is perfect for any moment you need to unwind!

Scan the QR code above or Listen on Spotify:

Life can feel like a whirlwind, and finding ways to relax shouldn’t feel like just another task. Here are simple, enjoyable ways to slow down and find a bit of peace. Try one or a few the next time you need to take the edge off!

• Dance – Let loose with your favorite music.
• Progressive Muscle Relaxation – Tense each muscle for 5 seconds, then release.
• Stretch – Gently stretch your body for relaxation.
• Go for a Walk – Step outside and enjoy the fresh air.
• Light a Candle – Watch the flickering flame as a relaxation aid.
• Eye Pillow Rest – Cover your eyes and let them relax.
• Unplug – Turn off electronics to enjoy some quiet time.
• Read – Dive into a good book for an escape.
• Declutter a Drawer – Organizing can feel like a mental reset.
• Play with Your Pet– Pets are natural mood boosters!
• Turn Off Your Phone – Give yourself a break from notifications.
• Write in a Journal – Jot down thoughts and feelings to clear your mind.
• Soak Your Feet – Epsom salts in warm water can work wonders.
• Walk Mindfully – Slow down, feel each step, and ground yourself.
• Focus on One Thing – Let go of multitasking, even just briefly.

Circle of Care remains committed to the health, safety and well-being of our employees. This includes striving to achieve a Healthy Workplace where our employees feel valued, are engaged in their work, and thrive in their roles.

A key part of our vision is creating a strong sense of community and promoting an environment where our employees feel psychologically, physically, and socially healthy and safe at work. When employees are able to contribute to their community and their environment, this benefits their health and well-being.

Our Workplace Well-being and Employee Engagement Committee has developed Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Strategy and Action Plan to further demonstrate our ongoing commitment to our community, society, employees and sustainable practices.