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SEPTEMBER’13
Corporate Sustainability Fund Employee Survey Update Religious and Cultural Observance
ION the way! Two rapid transit events on July 12 and 13 saw a mock-up of the ION Light Rail Transit (LRT) vehicle come to Regional headquarters. These events were a truly collaborative effort across our organization.
Candi Harrington, Public Health, greeted passengers as they toured the light rail vehicle.
Staff from Facilities, Rapid Transit, Corporate Communications, Planning, Transportation, Grand River Transit, Public Health and IT came together to organize one of the biggest and most exciting rapid transit events to date!
Many Regional staff came out for the official unveiling of the Bombardier vehicle and were among the first of more than 1,350 people to step aboard the mock-up vehicle that will be running down Waterloo Region’s streets starting in 2017. Displays were also set up to showcase some of the Region’s transit planning initiatives such as TravelWise, the Transit Hub, Community Building Strategy, Regional Transportation Master Plan, Grand River Transit and the ION stop concepts. Thank you to all of the incredible staff who worked so hard to put together such a successful event!
EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER
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Mark Your Calendars
Input Workshop: What is the role of religious/cultural observance at the Region of Waterloo? October 2 (see page 7 for more information)
Thanksgiving Day Parade Monday, October 14, 2013 Parade begins in uptown Waterloo at 8:30 a.m. Don’t miss the Region of Waterloo’s float in the 2013 KW Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade! Come out to see what this year’s float theme will be.
Free admission and lots of parking available. Sunnyside Seniors’ Services will be hosting an information expo focused on aging well. There will be presentations and 25 information booths on healthy eating, financial planning, homeopathic and naturopathic medicine, heart health, diabetes and Alzheimers disease, medications, free trial massages and more. Discounted annual membership coupons for the Sunnyside Wellness Centre will also be available at the expo.
Data Network Working Group Annual Networking Meeting 2013: Collaborating with Data October 30, 8:30 a.m. to noon 99 Regina St. S., Room 508, Waterloo This annual DNWG meeting brings all Regional departments and divisions together to discuss issues and opportunities that surround shared data while building data networking connections. Snacks will be provided. For more information, please contact Sandy Wang at ext. 5698. Registration information will be posted on the portal.
Sunnyside Foundation Bazaar
The Region’s 2012 Oktoberfest float featured staff members and highlighted some of the many services the Region of Waterloo provides to residents everyday.
Aging Well in Waterloo Region Wednesday, October 16, 5 to 8 p.m. Sunnyside Campus, Heritage Hall and Sunnyside Wellness Centre 247 Franklin Street North, Kitchener
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Saturday, November 2, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sunnyside Campus, 247 Franklin Street North Over 35 vendors, bake sale and the Sunnyside Fabulous Finds Gift Shop will be turned into a Christmas wonderland for your shopping pleasure. Lots of parking and admission is free.
Dialogue on Diversity: The role of religious/cultural observance November 21, 1 - 4 p.m. (see page 7 for more information)
Come visit!
Family members of all ages can discover the wonders of trees at the Waterloo Region Museum in Exploring Trees Inside and Out that is on exhibit from October 1 to January 5. This exhibit contains pieces and parts of a tree – in larger-than-life scale – which enables visitors to take a walk through the inside of a tree trunk and through the veins of the leaves. Visitors will also experience the sights, sounds and scents of trees, and will leave the exhibit with a greater understanding and appreciation of trees and the key role they play in our daily lives. Exploring Trees Inside and Out is an interactive experience where fun and learning about trees and the natural environment connect. This 2,500-square-foot travelling exhibit is designed to help children, educators, and families discover nature through multiple perspectives and inspire them to get outdoors and develop personal connections with the natural world.
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Staff Spotlight
Helen Eby
Helen is the Administrator, Resident Care at Sunnyside Seniors’ Services and has been a registered nurse for many years. While at the Region, Helen has been seconded twice to fill in for the Director, Seniors’ Services position.
Do you know someone who would like to be spotlighted? Do you have suggestions for new Spotlight questions? Email your ideas to connections@regionofwaterloo.ca
50/50 Draw Lucky Winner! Congratulations Ildiko Tiszovszky of Finance – the winner of $1,613. This year, the Region of Waterloo and the City of Kitchener raised $2,613 for the Cambridge Self Help Food Bank and the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
What do you consider the biggest challenge in your job? What is the most rewarding? I enjoy the challenge that this job offers me. My responsibilities include oversight of Sunnyside long- term care home to ensure an interdisciplinary approach is taken in order to meet the needs of residents, allowing them to age with dignity. In recent years the ever increasing legislation governing long-term care has added expectations from the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to the provision of safe care for residents in long-term care. While this is a challenge, it is also rewarding, as the residents benefit when the benchmark for care is raised. The rewarding part of my work is hearing from residents and families when families, volunteers and staff are working together collaboratively to exceed expectations in caring for our residents. When everyone works together toward the same goal even the most extreme challenges can have positive results.
What is your favourite meal? I enjoy many types of foods. My favourite meal is the one that somebody else cooks for me! If you could travel to one place, where would you go? I don’t think I can limit my travelling to just one place. The most interesting trips my husband and I have taken have been to Iceland and Australia. Next on my list are a river cruise in Europe and a cruise to Antarctica. What is one thing you’d like to do when you retire? My mother has made many quilts and in her very senior years she is still working on them. I would like to try my hand at the things I’ve learned from my mother about making quilts and make some of my own.
What personal skills are essential to the work you do? Some of the skills that I practice every day include good interpersonal skills, problem solving, listening, organizing, planning, maintaining a positive attitude and doing my work whatever it is, with integrity. This year I was honoured to have been recognized with a RAVE Award for practicing the Region’s value of integrity.
What do you do to relax after a long day? In the hot summer, I enjoy jumping into our backyard pool to cool off and relax. Frequently, my husband and I go for country drives or walks around Wilmot Township where we live, with Tim Horton’s coffees in hand, talking over our days or making future plans.
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Did you know there are misconceptions about poverty that exist in our community?
In speaking with Regional staff and the community including people with lived experience, we heard that these myths can sometimes get in the way of poverty reduction. We have created the Myth Busters to help change attitudes about poverty and encourage action because we all have a role to play in solving poverty. Here are a couple of myths to consider: Myth: Poverty is not an issue in Waterloo Region
Reality: Although Waterloo Region is a great place to work, live and play, poverty is an issue in our community. In 2006, approximately 10.2 per cent of residents (48,000 people) in Waterloo Region were living with low income. Imagine – you could fill the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium seven times with this many people!
More than 1 in 10 people living in Waterloo Region live in poverty.
Myth: Being employed is the key to not living in poverty. Reality: 1 in 3 people who are living with low income in Waterloo Region are working. Working full-time at minimum wage does not provide enough income to raise a family above the poverty line.
1 in 3 people living with low income in Waterloo Region are working. Next time you hear any of these myths, help change attitudes about poverty by sharing the realities and busting the myths! The Region of Waterloo’s Comprehensive Approach to Poverty Reduction has been developed to address poverty comprehensively across Regional departments and program areas to find sensible, innovative and lasting solutions for poverty reduction. For more information contact Tamara Kerr at tkerr@regionofwaterloo.ca.
Corporate Sustainability Fund
To read more about Myth Busters, visit www.regionofwaterloo.ca/socialservices and search “poverty”.
Helping you make a difference
Staff plays a crucial role in achieving the goals of the Region’s sustainability strategy because they are directly involved in Regional operations, programs and services. How we find solutions to everyday challenges and choose to act have great influence on the Region’s overall environmental, financial and service performance. To assist with this strategic challenge, the Sustainability Office administers the Corporate Sustainability Fund (CSF). CSF supports internal projects that help the Region reduce its impact on the environment. Here are the impacts of some of our projects:
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Fleet telematics and idle control devices to optimize fleet management, reduce fuel consumption and associated emissions. Videoconferencing system to reduce staff mileage and GHG emissions. Motion sensor lighting to reduce energy use. Tree planting around Regional housing to enhance green space and shading. Smart About Salt certification to reduce salt application and protect groundwater. Multi-sort waste bins to improve waste diversion.
To seek funding, simply submit your proposal for review throughout the year. For more information, visit the “Environment” link on the portal or contact David Roewade at 519-575-4757 ext. 3308.
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Region of Waterloo Public Health to be Baby-Friendly in 2014 The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care requires that all Public Health Units be designated as BabyFriendly. The Baby-Friendly Initiative is a global campaign developed by the WHO and UNICEF to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. Being “baby friendly” means that Region of Waterloo Public Health is committed to raising awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and helping mothers make informed choices around infant feeding to improve the health of mothers and babies, and that we support all families regardless of feeding choice. Baby-Friendly Initiative: What is your role? As Regional employees you can also be baby-friendly: • Support employees who have returned to work to maintain breastfeeding using HR Policy I-37, Breastfeeding Accommodation • Provide a welcoming and supportive culture for mothers to feed their children; breastfeeding anytime, anywhere is a right protected by the Ontario Human Rights Commission • Provide a private, clean, and comfortable space for mothers upon request (not a washroom); there are infant feeding rooms at our two Region of Waterloo Public Health locations (99 Regina Street South, Waterloo and 150 Main Street, Cambridge) • Seek further information as needed; contact Sharmin Jaffer, Manager of Breastfeeding and Positive Parenting, Child and Family Health at ext. 7019 Through the Baby-Friendly Initiative, we are empowering women and families, and contributing to the wellbeing of mothers and babies in Waterloo Region.
Employee survey update
The employee survey results indicated two Corporate Priorities: Dialogue with Employees and Encouraging Employee Contributions. A subsequent poll of employees indicated there are four objectives and related actions the Region should work towards in order to improve employee engagement. Corporate Priority - Dialogue with Employees
Objective 1.1: Improve communication by finding different ways to disseminate information to employees and offer forums for employees to share information Action I: Improve methods to communicate with all employees (with and without access to computers) • Conduct a needs assessment to determine the diverse needs of departments across the Region • Update the internal communication matrix highlighting what works best for each Regional location • Rebuild the Corporate Portal Action II: Create forums for employee involvement • Leverage technology and innovation to reach the widest possible audience (i.e. Ambassador Program) Action III: Enhance interaction with the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) • Utilize a variety of mediums such as existing forums, electronic town hall meetings, webinars etc. to create opportunities for employees to interact with the CLT and better understand who they are and how they make a difference every day Objective 1.2: Improve communication between employees and their supervisors about opportunities for development Action I: Support two-way developmental conversations • Develop tools and resources to support two-way developmental conversations between employees and supervisors in the work place Corporate Priority - Encouraging Employee Contributions Objective 2.1: Support mentoring and developmental work assignments to assist employees with career development and job satisfaction. Action I: Enhance employee development opportunities and work assignments • Implement developmental work assignments to assist with career development and job satisfactio. Action II: Develop an informal mentorship program • Develop a program to provide opportunities for employees and management to enhance and/or develop their skills; share and transfer knowledge Objective 2.2: Provide opportunities for employees to provide input into service improvement • As the next stages of the Service Strategy are being developed, engage staff and find opportunities for input into service improvement activities. This fall, watch for opportunities to get involved in helping to put these priorities into action.
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Service First Call Centre is just a phone call away!
Look out for the ‘Volunteer Today’ campaign!
When young people have just one positive adult role model present in their life, it opens the door to opportunity. They are more engaged in school, have better relationships and are more connected to their community. Currently there are over 127,500 children under the age of 19 living in Waterloo Region. That’s a lot of potential. Since the Service First Call Centre (SFCC) launched in February, things have been quickly moving along. The SFCC now handles more than 1,000 calls on a regular weekday and at times as many as 1,300 calls compared to 440 when the first phase was launched. While calls about Public Health and Waste Management top the list, Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) are now trained to handle calls about Transportation (including the Airport), Housing, Children’s Services, Employment and Income Support, Provincial Offences Administration and some Facilities calls. CSRs are also learning new software and getting to know a new work environment and new colleagues. They have been on a tremendous learning curve and have risen to the challenge! Due to this intense pace, GRT calls, originally scheduled to be transferred in October, have been moved to January 2014. This will allow some to time to regroup and fine tune the calls we currently answer and make sure we are ready for the next step. So what’s next? In December of this year and March of 2014, we will begin taking calls for all the other public facing lines at the Region. The SFCC team has begun working with each area on documenting call information. In June, 2014 we officially launch to the public! It’s been a busy time for everyone involved with launching the SFCC and your participation and support is appreciated! If you have any questions about the SFCC, please don’t hesitate to call Sheri Markle, Administrator, SFCC. We are ready to take your call!
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The Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council has launched a campaign, called Volunteer Today, to encourage adults to volunteer in the lives of children and youth in our community. Studies show children and youth who have a positive adult role model are less likely than other young people to become involved in crime. The Volunteer Today campaign focuses on the areas of literacy, nutrition, recreation, arts, housing and mentoring – which, when lacking, are also known risk factors for crime and victimization. The Volunteer Action Centre (serving Kitchener, Waterloo and townships) and the United Way Volunteer Centre (serving Cambridge and North Dumfries) have partnered to promote the volunteer opportunities and facilitate the matching of the volunteers with children and youth/programs. Stories about people’s volunteer experiences will also be collected and shared on the campaign website www.volunteertoday.ca. A Research and Planning (RAP) Sheet has been developed that examines Volunteering with children and youth (http://bit.ly/14ZRCWI). The campaign can be seen across Waterloo Region through television, radio and newspaper ads, digital billboards, transit shelters, posters and social media.
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What is the role of religious and cultural observance at the Region?
The Region of Waterloo values diversity and is committed to inclusion. Our Dialogues on Diversity are just one example of how we work together to enhance knowledge and seek solutions around issues of inclusiveness. Why does the Region care about this subject and why should you care? How does valuing diversity benefit the organization and the people we serve? As a public service organization, we provide programs and services to a diverse population and our commitment to inclusion ensures we are reflective of the people, understand and appreciate their cultures and social conventions. The Region will turn the spotlight on
religion and culture this fall with a staff input workshop to be held on the role of religious observance at the Region of Waterloo. •
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How do we talk about religion/cultural observance in a respectful and inclusive way? What are the benefits of having a greater awareness and sensitivity on the needs and practices of others? What do we want to celebrate at the Region and when?
These are some of the questions staff will be exploring on October 2 as we seek input on the role of culture and religion at the Region. We will also host a Dialogue on Diversity where staff and community members will be encouraged to engage on the role religious observance and cultural practice has on the delivery of programs and services. This event will take place on November 21 and staff will
have an opportunity to register in early November. Focus on young adults The youth demographic is another area we will be exploring in focus groups and an upcoming Dialogue on Diversity. Youth will be participating as we search for solutions to barriers for youth participation in government. Together, these activities will help staff build an inclusive organization and more complete picture of all of the various aspects of diversity at the Region and in our communities. If you have any questions or comments, please contact: Lorie Fioze - 519-575-4758 lfioze@regionofwaterloo.ca Bev Aikenhead - 519-575-4437 baikenhead@regionofwaterloo.ca Deb Bergey - 519-575-4097 dbergey@regionofwaterloo.ca
Walk Cycle Waterloo Region:
The Region of Waterloo’s Active Transportation Master Plan Walk Cycle Waterloo Region is our new Active Transportation Master Plan (ATMP) that will guide future action to help make active modes of transportation in our communities safer, more comfortable and convenient for commuting and living in Waterloo Region.
infrastructure and creating a better experience for those walking or cycling by ensuring more accessible paths, roads and trails.
Many employees are interested in taking an active method of travel if the route is comfortable and convenient.
This plan will update the Region’s Cycling Master Plan (2004), while also bringing together a new transportation network for pedestrians. It will combine and expand on Regional and Area Municipal active transportation routes that already exist or are planned, which will improve health, recreation, tourism and commuting.
The Walk Cycle Waterloo Region ATMP will provide guidelines for improving route
The Region’s aim is to meet the targets outlined in the Regional Transportation
In creating a better network for walking, cycling and rolling on sidewalks, roads and pathways, we can help ensure these active modes are a viable option for more people’s commute to work.
Master Plan (RTMP), including 12 per cent of peak travel being done through cycling and walking by 2031. To reach this goal, a 50 per cent increase is needed in active travel modes (from 2006 levels). To achieve it, residents of Waterloo Region would need to commit to an active commute about once every two weeks. Feedback gained from a series of public consultations has been incorporated into a final ATMP Draft Report that will be brought before stakeholders for consideration this fall. Regional staff are encouraged to stay updated and provide feedback on the ATMP at www.regionofwaterloo.ca/ en/gettingAround/ATMP.asp
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Do you have a question for Mike? Send it to connections@regionofwaterloo.ca
Keeping you informed Improving dialogue with employees is one of the corporate priorities that was identified in our employee survey. This priority is about improving communication throughout the organization – including corporate communication about important issues, as well as improving one-onone communication between employees and their supervisor. Planning has begun on actions to achieve this corporate priority, but there are a variety of initiatives already underway that are helping to keep employees better informed. Here’s a brief look at some actions that will help improve corporate communication.
Budget updates – The annual budget process impacts all departments across the Region and is important to all employees. Along with regular budget updates from Finance, I have been sharing important information with you about the budget process through portal postings, emails and a video. This communication will continue through January until budget approval. In the news – “In the news” is a new corporate initiative that allows us to highlight issues being covered by local media and share information with employees before it is released to the media. For example, we recently shared a sneak preview of the recommended ION logo with staff before it was released to the media. We will continue to share high profile and breaking news with you on the portal and through email. Portal rebuild – Corporate Communications and IT are leading a team of staff from across the organization on the portal rebuild project. This project will completely reinvent our employee intranet into a communications hub that is accessible to everyone, more
interactive and customizable. It will improve employee dialogue by fostering more and better communication from all levels and divisions across the Region. Town hall – In an effort to provide more interactive, two-way communication, we will be having periodic town hall meetings that will bring staff together with commissioners and me. These meetings will allow senior management to share information about important Regional issues and staff to ask questions and provide feedback. The first town hall will be held in Council Chambers this October and will be webcast for employees who cannot attend. More actions to improve employee communication will be rolled out in the coming months. If you have questions about these initiatives or suggestions about other ways to improve communication within the organization, please contact me.
Next steps in Regional innovation… The Region’s year-long focus on the value of innovation has certainly piqued the interest of Regional staff! The volume of responses and suggestions, both at our innovation inspired events, as well as online has demonstrated that staff are passionate about service improvement and innovative thinking. The CAO’s office is currently sorting through all of the feedback (including ongoing feedback submitted through the Innovation Station) and will prioritize content for the next phase in the process.
A repository of all the ideas submitted is being created and ideas will be forwarded to the affected work areas for consideration. The Region is also developing resources that will help foster innovation at the Region of Waterloo – stay tuned for updates and opportunities to participate! To all the people who contributed feedback and ideas, your thoughts and comments are valued and appreciated; your contributions shed light on every level of the organization, ensuring we have the
best possible insight on where innovation needs to happen. A new innovation page will be created on the Portal where resources and progress can found. Thank you again for your excellent contribution to the focus on innovation process. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Lorie Fioze at ext. 4758.
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