Although most Canadian employees are legally entitled to breaks, many workers still aim to take time away from work as little as possible. Despite popular belief, rest is not just a treat to indulge in or a reward for getting enough work done. Taking breaks is vital to maintaining sustainable work practices and practicing self-care. Taking Breaks for Happiness A survey of 1,200 North American workers compared employees who take a lunch break every day with those who do not. The results showed that the employees who took consistent breaks reported higher levels of job satisfaction, felt more valued as employees, and were more likely to recommend their...

Have you ever wondered about the similarities and differences between Canada’s provincial healthcare systems? Often times these questions only arise when patients seek healthcare outside their home province. Questions such as “Do all the provinces communicate with each other regarding healthcare?”, “How does provincial healthcare in Alberta compare to Ontario?”, and of course “How does the healthcare system in Canada actually work?”. Read on for answers to questions you may not know you had about provincial healthcare. Canada's healthcare system is primarily a publicly funded and publicly administered system. The Canada Health Act of 1984 is the foundation of healthcare across the nation. This legislation establishes five key...

In today’s workplace, many of us can relate to the fast-paced environments that leave us feeling challenged and accomplished. There are strong positive points for the constantly moving environments; people are adapting faster, as well as developing and strengthening competencies like time management and problem-solving. These environments are fostering innovation. However, when these environments are unmanaged and unbalanced, they can cause people to experience a heightened state of stress. When researching how to reduce stress, you will likely come across resources recommending that you find sources of stability. Balancing your nervous system is an excellent way to not only reduce stress, but to address it at the source....

Computer based work is typically categorized as low risk in terms of work-related injuries or illness. That being said, repetitive strain injuries are an example of an injury more commonly attributed to this kind of work. This risk of repetitive strain injures becomes even higher when computer work is performed in an awkward body position for prolonged periods. You can help prevent these injuries by utilizing basic ergonomic tools. As an employer, you can provide employees with something as simple as ergonomic self-assessment worksheets for posture and body position, or as complex as professional assessments and specialized equipment. What about employees who work from home? We know that...

Many recognize May as Mental Health Awareness month, bringing reminders and resources to the forefront of our minds. This year, Canada celebrated Mental Health Week from May 6-12, promoting a theme of A Call to Be Kind – Because Compassion Connects Us All. As we approach the end of May, it is important to remind ourselves and those around us of the importance in continuing mental health practices year-round. Compassionate Kindness When we show compassion, we acknowledge a commonality between ourselves and others. We establish trust, strengthen relationships, and cultivate a sense of community. We all have the capacity to be compassionate, and we know that doing so...

Have you heard the saying – Sitting is the New Smoking? This phrase highlights the potential health risks associated with prolonged sitting and sedentary behaviour. Similar to the risks associated with smoking, research suggests that spending too much time sitting down can have serious health consequences. This includes but is not limited to: Increased risk of chronic diseases – Prolonged sitting has been linked to an increased risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. Musculoskeletal issues – Sitting for long periods can lead to muscle imbalances, poor posture, and musculoskeletal problems such as back pain, neck pain, and shoulder...

As an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that you keep your employees safe, and make necessary adjustments to keep them comfortable. According to information from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS), the following are 8 tips that can help keep your employees protected at all times; Plan for sick days – Ensure that you have a backup plan in place to cover daily responsibilities when an employee is taking a sick day. It is important to ensure your employees don’t feel obligated to come into work, and they’re encouraged to stay home. Check your HVAC system – Good indoor air quality is crucial for a healthy...

Spending time outdoors has countless benefits that go beyond simply enjoying fresh air and beautiful scenery. Let’s explore the physical, emotional and mental benefits of immersing yourself in the outdoors, and how it has the ability to positively impact your overall wellbeing. Whether you are a nature-enthusiast or simply need a few reasons to spend more time outdoors, we will highlight compelling reasons to embrace the fresh air. To start, spending time outdoors can help boost immune function, significantly lowering the chances of contracting any flu or virus. Microorganisms found in nature can help keep your body alert to prepare it for more serious infections. By living life...

Relationship Marketing is all about cultivating lasting connections with your customers. Instead of chasing one-time sales, it’s about building trust and loyalty through exceptional experience and personalized service. Let’s dive into the importance of focusing on Relationship Marketing Internally, so we can continue to drive value for customers externally. Let’s explore the importance of treating your employees as internal customers. Your employees are the backbone of your organization, with that being said, here are some ways an employee can continue to succeed: Satisfaction: A happy team is your secret ingredient to success. Motivation: Inspired employees bring that extra sparkle to both your inside, and outside connections. Involvement: When...

Employers want to keep their employees happy and healthy at work. Regular risk assessments as well as safety tools and measures are a large part of this. When assessing the risks associated with a workplace, air quality may not make it to the top of the list, however it is a component of the environment that should not be overlooked.   Air quality can be a contributing factor to occupational illness that can result in temporary time loss or permanent disability for employees. Air quality becomes the employers responsibly if there is a risk of significant workplace exposure to harmful substances such as particulate, fumes, or pathogens. When...