Stress Workshop Exceeds Expectations

Over 100 people attended the first Healthy Workplace Practices workshop that was held on April 5 to deal with the aspects of stressful workplaces and what some employers are finding to be best practices. Dr. Leigh Quesnel (right), Principal, HQS Consulting Services in Winnipeg summed up the days activities by saying that stress from lack of proper methods to deal with conflict resolution, work life balance, respect, recognition and employee involvement is as much a hazard as toxic chemicals and must be dealt with.

Panel members included (l-r)Maem Slater-Enns and Eva Karpyza of the Seven Oaks General Hospital, Norah Richards of the Women's Health Clinic, Melody Hawryluk of the Interlake Regional Health Authority, and Maureen Grace, Occupational Health Centre staff and panel moderator.

Following a welcome and outline of the Stress Initiative, participants were introduced to a panel of workplace representatives (left) who had addressed the different elements and found success. They included Manitoba Hydro, Canada Revenue Agency, Women's Health Clinic, Seven Oaks General Hospital and Interlake Regional Health Authority. These committed and enthusiastic folks, managers and workers alike, talked about the various methods they use to achieve harmony in the areas of conflict resolution, work life balance, respectful workplaces, recognition and employee involvement.

Among the workshop participants were Larry Bainard, Steve Edwards and Diane Magne.

Various workshop tables made up of 10 participants each discussed what was going on in their workplaces and what wasn't working as well as they had expected. The tables included a cross section of workers, managers and professionals who were willing to share ideas and strategies. Many left with ideas and initiatives to move ahead with ways to address the key issues in reducing the amount of stress within their own workplaces. Participants also received the new publication - "The Healthy Workplace...Making it Work!" - along with other resource materials.

When the discussion groups dealt with the issue of 'What needs to be done', they talked about involvement of others in their workplace. Internal resources such as committed senior management, their joint health and safety committee, the human resources department, striking special sub-committees specific to the five areas and their unions were identified.

When they talked about assessing the needs of all employees in a work area, ideas such as talking directly to workers, using focus groups, doing surveys and checking statistics such as absenteeism, staff turnover and the number of conflicts or grievances. They did note that a variety of methods will best assist them in finding the most applicable solutions.

The steps that most are taking from here forward are to:

1. involve others in the workplace
2. communicate plans with employees
3. get more information.

Following the day's discussions, the workplaces that presented their solutions to the assembled group were recognized by the Stress Initiative for their creativity with an inscribed plaque. Neil Cohen is seen here presenting a plaque to Norah Richards of the Women's Health Clinic.

Anyone wishing further information about the Stress Initiative or wishes to be involved can contact the OHC through their web site.