SPRING 2016
EM PLOYEE N EWS LETTER
Girls CAN Fly! A celebration of women in aviation
Community Services staff think and act innovatively – with strikingly successful results! Jim Ellerman and Mike Henderson rock out for charity
The House that Joseph built turns 200! Joseph Schneider Haus is ready to celebrate. Built by one of the area’s early American settlers, the National Historic Sites’ 1816 farmhouse turns 200 this summer. Located in the heart of downtown Kitchener, festivities kick off July 1 – Canada Day – with FREE admission for everyone. Celebrate with cake at 1 p.m. and then be included in a commemorative Aerial Photo at 2 p.m. Activities continue all weekend with the opening of our Still Standing exhibit, featuring the construction of Joseph Schneider’s house. For details visit us at www.josephschneiderhaus.com.
Face time for United Way nets bundle! The Service First Call Centre held a fundraiser challenge for United Way on Dec. 8th that raised $500 for the community. The travelling event took place at 150 Frederick, 99 Regina and the Call Centre location at 131 Goodrich. Jan Herbison won the Home Cooked Meal grand prize, Jane Albright and Sheri Philips each won a homemade pie, and 15 others won the right to throw a pie in the face of Call Centre ‘good sports’ Matt Pearson, Zaman Alkhafagi or Chris Hobden (pictured
here). Matt (on the left) had this to say about the event: “I thought it was great day. We are lucky in the Call Centre to work with teams from all across the Region. It’s always good when we can get face time with people in those groups – but pie-toface time was even better!” Zaman (centre) said: “… the smiles and enjoyment of the staff was the icing on the cake.”
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Chris Hobden considers his options as he awaits the next pie in the face.
New Employee Development Calendar Employee development is a key area of focus at the Region. A new 2016 Employee Development Calendar is now available on the portal and includes monthly ‘quick tips’ and actions that can be applied in day-today work and will support continuous learning and development. The calendar includes information on the Performance Development Program (PDP) and our new electronic Performance Development Program (ePDP) for Management/Management Support employees on two-way development conversation techniques as well as approaches on learning and coaching. To access the new Employee Development Calendar and other learning and development resources, visit the Employee Development portal section under Human Resources and Citizen Service.
New online engagement platform!
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There are many benefits to online engagement; it is available 24/7, is cost effective and has the potential to reach a wider audience as online solutions allow people to get involved from the comfort of their own homes.
to supplement conventional engagement processes. The online platform will go live in April and will offer a range of topic types including priority lists, surveys, budget questions, tallies and ideation topics (open ended questions), among others.
With that in mind, Citizen Service is pleased to launch and support the implementation of an online civic engagement platform to augment and diversify public participation. The service is provided by Peak Democracy and will be embedded on the Region’s website. It supports the Region of Waterloo’s Public Engagement Guidelines and is a good tool
Staff from Peak Democracy will work with you to develop questions and optimize the use of this tool. If you are currently working on or planning a public engagement initiative and are considering online engagement, please contact Gina Hickman at ghickman@regionofwaterloo.ca or ext. 3721.
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Girls CAN Fly!
A celebration of women in aviation The Region of Waterloo International Airport was pleased to support Girls CAN Fly, the Waterloo Wellington Flight Centre’s International Women’s Day event on Saturday March 5. The event provided young women with the opportunity to meet and speak with pilots, students and other women who are actively engaged or employed in the aviation industry. Visitors were able to try flight simulators, watch drone demonstrations, visit aviation displays and listen to presentations by women currently active in aviation. Representatives from the Canadian Armed Forces and the Ninety-Nines, an international organization of female pilots, also offered some insights into their careers and how they landed their dream jobs. Over 400 people attended Girls CAN fly event. Thanks to The Breslau Flyers COPA Flight 26, the local chapter of the Canadian Owners and Pilot’s Association, more than 50 girls were provided with free flights. Porter Airlines, who arrived with their all female crew, provided visitors with the chance to sit in a Bombardier Q400 and on the flight deck, a place normally inaccessible to passengers. Porter Airlines is known for being the largest employer of female pilots in the airline industry.
The Airport’s photo booth was a popular spot and visitors were able to take a photo with Porter Airlines Captain Marilyn Daigle!
Non-Stop Daily
Chicago & Calgary Non-Stop Weekly
Orlando Until April 28
2015
AIRPORT FACTS AND FIGURES
153,963 passengers
used the airport in 2015
There are over
100,000
aircraft movements (take-offs or landings) annually In 2013 YKF contributed
YFK is one of the
$86 MILLION
TOP 20 BUSIEST
to the Region’s economy †
airports in Canada
OVER 250
Photo Caption: Porter Airlines Captain Marilyn Daigle with: (l to r) Mike Moniz, Lead Hand at the Region of Waterloo International Airport with children Nathan and Olivia; and Region of Waterloo Planning Technician Rehan Waheed and daughter Shireen Ayesha Malik.
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private & charter aircraft are based at the airport
25 BUSINESSES operate from the airport employing over 300 people
† A copy of the Wilfrid Laurier University Economic & Social Impact Study is available at www.waterlooairport.ca
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The Region welcomes Matthew Chandy as the new Manager at the Office of Economic Development Prior to joining the Region, Matthew Chandy managed “I am excited to be joining FedDev Ontario’s Advanced Manufacturing Fund and the Region of Waterloo, has also managed the agency’s Investing in Regional and being from the Region, Diversification Initiatives and Community Futures Program. it is great to be able to Matthew has extensive experience in hands-on regional assist my community economic development, and specializes in identifying deliver on economic economic development needs and creating innovative development strategies solutions for community, corporate and industry challenges. that will support our future Matthew will lead the Office of Economic Development at prosperity.” the Region and work closely with key partners including Matthew Chandy, Manager, Economic Development the Area Municipalities and the new Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation (WREDC).
New Exhibit Explores Life after Dark Be immersed in a world of darkness with In The Dark, now on at the Waterloo Region Museum. The travelling exhibit explores what happens in our world when night falls, with family-focused displays showing the fascinating habits of nocturnal animals. The exhibit explores what thrives beneath the soil, under the sea, in the shadows of night and in other dark environments. In The Dark features interactive displays include bat echolocation, dark room with video, firefly matching test, and more. Visitors will experience the sights, sounds, smells and sensations of dark ecosystems with a glimpse into another world. It is an adventure for the whole family. There are many In The Dark related special events that are planned throughout the run of this exhibit. Visit our website for details at www.waterlooregionmuseum.com
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ON NOW TO MAY 8 A travelling exhibit organized by the Cincinnati Museum Center.
www.waterlooregionmuseum.com
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The new portal has 3,000 reasons to CONNECT We are all better connected. If you haven’t visited the new employee portal, you should. It’s designed to make your job easier, and includes a variety of extra features you might like. Phase 1 of the new employee portal launched on March 22. It includes news, department news, apps, forms, employee profiles, as well as services and information employees asked for. Phase 2 will see Libraries and GRT transition to the new employee portal. That will also be when full access from all areas of the organization will be finalized. The new portal was designed with all employee access in mind. Therefore it’s mobile friendly and can be accessed from a home computer, tablet or phone. Reasons to connect: • Share ideas • Post a photo • Read news from other • Check the weather • Find contacts using employee departments • Approve your TAMS profiles • Use the ‘About Me’ • Post a project or event video • Sign-up for training section • My Job, My Pay, My Benefits • Find a form or report • Talk to team members or • Update your benefits co-workers on Commonplace • Give input on a project, – a social platform. story or poll The new portal has been created to improve communication. The more you use it, the more you’ll learn about the Region. Don’t forget to post a profile picture of yourself. A headshot with a solid background is best to replace the initial silhouette.
Continue to check the new portal for ongoing tips to make the most of your new intranet.
Jim Ellerman and Mike Henderson rock out for charity
Jim Ellerman warms up the crowd at Rock Revival as Mike Henderson accompanies on drums.
Jim Ellerman and Mike Henderson brought the house down at Elements nightclub on February 26 at Rock Revival, a local charity event hosted by staff from the Region of Waterloo and City of Kitchener that raised money for the Children’s Wish Foundation this year. This year was the 25th anniversary of the event and Jim and Mike have been supporting and playing there since 2009 as members of Chalkboard Menu, a
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local cover band that performs live (most of the performers at Rock Revival lip-sync). Jim Ellerman said the band played songs from Foo Fighters, The Killers and Pearl Jam and had the audience on their feet dancing the night away. “I like the experience of performing in front of people, especially people I don’t know and watching the change in the audience as the energy ramps up.” Nice work!
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A team of Region of Waterloo employees in Community Services recently showed what collaboration and integration looks like when they worked with community partners to ensure the sudden closure of a local housing provider didn’t leave tenants homeless. “This is an excellent example of how integration can work to create the best possible outcomes for the clients we serve,” says Connie Lacy, Director of Seniors’ Services. In early November, a service provider in Cambridge announced it would close its supportive housing program by the end of the month. Twenty-four tenants were at risk of becoming homeless as well as losing access to medical care and other support they received at the home. The tenants also faced other health and safety risks associated with being homeless.
In response, Seniors’ Services and Housing Services quickly assembled a team of 24 staff who worked around the clock to find homes for the tenants and arrange for them to be moved safely. The team also worked to ensure medical care and other supports continued until the tenants were able to move. In collaboration with Lutherwood housing transition workers, WWLHIN planners, WWCCAC staff, and the Retirement Home Regulatory Association, the team ensured all tenants were in a new home with the care they needed before the closure. “Regional staff demonstrated respect, integrity, innovation, collaboration and above all, exceptional service,” says Housing Services Director Deb Schlichter who says the team’s actions illustrate what true service should look like, instilling trust and confidence in Regional services.
Members of the Housing Crisis Transition Team in front of the supportive housing units on Sunnyside Campus in Kitchener, where some of the tenants have transitioned. 6
COMING SOON…
An enhanced focus on innovation at the Region of Waterloo
In nn novation
Community Services staff think and act innovatively – with strikingly successful results!
The Region of Waterloo describes innovation as “…people using their imagination, experience, curiosity, instincts and relationships to develop and implement ideas that create value and improve service.” Over the coming year, the Region will introduce new tools, training and resources that will enhance our ability to bring innovative conversations and solutions to our daily work. We also want to promote the benefits and showcase stories of how innovation is being incorporated into everyday work or in the projects that you have implemented. To share a story about your experience with innovation, of if you have questions about the upcoming focus on innovation, contact Lorie Fioze at LFioze@regionofwaterloo.ca or 519-575-4758.
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Mindfulness Works The Region’s first Mindfulness Works Challenge wrapped up in early March with 194 staff participating to help reduce stress and enhance peak performance. The program challenges staff to ‘take five’ deep breathes while remaining focused on something new in their environment. This activity helps the participant practice mindfulness and be present in the moment, which can result in an enhanced ability to stay focused and be more effective and happy in our lives and work.
participants reported an improved ability to handle stress, with 93 per cent reporting an improvement in being able to focus at work! “I found I was more grounded, calm, and present both personally and professionally the more I did my take fives. I would love to have continued access to a similar program on a regular basis as I appreciate the fact that it held me accountable and that the content resonated with me,” said Eve Nadler, a participant in the program.
The Mindfulness Challenge is part of the Region’s Mindfulness Works initiative and includes the The ‘take fives’ where supported by an online component that helped participants keep track of their Challenge and Mindfulness workshops. The next workshop is on April 4. mindfulness efforts and included helpful tips, work Visit the Mindfulness Works section of the Portal for clouds and supporting video. Participants completed more information about the program and how you can a total of 11,063 Take fives (combined) and 369 hours get involved. of mindful meditation. A whopping 98 per cent of
Food Poisoning – never a good thing to share! Whether you’re gathering with friends and family, a birthday, anniversary or other celebration, cheer can quickly turn to misery if food makes you or your guests sick. Here are some helpful tips to help prevent foodborne illness. CLEAN: Wash hands, clean COOK: Use a probe thermometer counters, preparation surfaces to make sure foods are cooked to and utensils often to avoid the proper internal temperatures. the spread of bacteria. CHILL: Keep cold foods cold. SEPARATE: Avoid crossBacteria can grow rapidly contamination. Keep raw when food is left out. The foods separate from cooked “Danger Zone” is between and ready-to-eat foods. 4°C (40°F) and 60°C (140°F). For more information visit: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/food-safety
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Renewed focus on innovation During this time of rapid community change, increased citizen expectations and funding constraints, innovation is more important than ever. Like other sectors of society, the public sector faces pressures to do things differently in order to achieve better outcomes and meet citizen expectations. The Region’s vitality depends on our ability to innovate. So what exactly is innovation? Innovation is not always a new product or service. It can be a small process change or a completely new way of delivering a service. It can happen at any level of the
organization – from administrative Throughout 2016, the Region’s focus processes, to new policies, to system on innovation will include rolling out changes. new tools, training and resources to help enhance our capacity to The Region has a rich history of innovate. These tools will help innovation. From roundabouts and drive creative solutions to improve blue bin recycling to our Smoking service and efficiency throughout the By-law and Rural Water Quality Program, our staff have come up with organization at all levels. creative and imaginative solutions to difficult challenges. Innovation is even built into our vision, mission and values. This doesn’t mean that innovation is easy. In public sector organizations that depend on taxpayer dollars, the environment is often risk averse. We are constantly under a microscope, which often leads to a culture of perfection. Thinking innovatively in this environment can be a challenge.
Creating value and improving service is at the core of our innovation efforts. Everyone can contribute to service improvement, and I invite you to share your stories of success, challenges and lessons learned on your journey to innovate. Visit the Innovation section of the new Portal for more information on how you can contribute and for information on tools and resources.
Do you have a question for Mike? Send it to connections@regionofwaterloo.ca
Respect in the workplace At the Region, respect is one of our organizational values: We create an environment where people are included, valued, and treated with dignity.
respect for different viewpoints and ideas, experiences, credentials, philosophies, perspectives, backgrounds, abilities, beliefs and personalities.
Why is respect so important? Respect is a universal cultural value – that means it is fundamentally important to all cultures on earth. Respect can be defined as consideration for self and of others.
The value of respect forms the basis of our behavioural expectations. It fosters a positive working environment and healthy, trusting human relationships. A respectful workplace creates productive and engaged employees because they feel honoured as individuals and feel safe offering ideas and perspectives. When
Respect includes consideration for other people’s privacy, their physical space and belongings; and
people feel valued, they do good work, and as a result, they feel good about their jobs and their organizations. When people feel good about work, they want to continue to contribute positively. When people are happy, they experience less stress and are healthier as a result. In terms of your day to day work, you can reflect on the following two questions: What does respectful behaviour look like to me? What can I do to role model respect in the workplace?
Remember: Creating a respectful work environment is everyone’s responsibility.
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