Manitoba's Top Employers

MANITOBA'S TOP 25 EMPLOYERS 2015 21 W orkinginahospitalandcaringforsickpatients is very rewarding, but it can also be so fast- paced,stressfulandphysicallydemandingthat healthcare employees sometimes overlook theirownwell-being. That's why Seven Oaks General Hospital considers support for its employees to be well, to have a good work- life balance and to feel appreciated a top priority. The hospital maintains a broad focus on what it calls workplace wellnesseventhoughthatcanmeaninvestingineverything from health and fitness programs for staff to the promotion of healthy food options to an onsite daycare with casual spaces set aside for employees on shift, and preferential accessforfull-timespaces. With daycare hard to find, it's a huge benefit to have the service onsite for infant to school-age children and a factor in employees' decisions to return to work after maternityleave. SevenOaksemployeescangetsupporttolookaftertheir ownhealthonsiteaswell,withdiscountedmembershipand classes at the Wellness Institute, a world class medical fitnessfacility. That expertise at Wellness Institute allows Seven Oaks toofferaveryindividualizedmodelforsupportandservices to the hospital's 1,600 employees, according to Executive DirectorCasieNishi. "We'reacertifiedfitnessfacilitythatmeetsallthemedical fitness standards. We have a variety of different health professionalswhoworkhere,alldegreedprofessionalstaff, andemployeescanhaveacustomizedhealthandwellness plan developed just for them based on our comprehensive riskscreeningprocessattheinstitute." That can include fast access to physiotherapy and chiropractic treatments for injured employees, a reduced rate for massage, and a subsidized onsite smoking cessation program. Even when there isn't a discount, it's veryconvenientforemployeestoaccessotherprogramsfor effectiveweightlossordiabetesexercise,forinstance. Seven Oaks often organizes healthy alternatives for employees and the community such as a summer farmer's market right outside the door that is very popular withemployees. "The farmer's market raises awareness and is a convenient way for staff to buy vegetables for their dinner andpromotesthebenefitsofcooking,"saidNishi. Food, not dieting, is an important part of the message andserviceyearroundatSevenOakswhichhastwoonsite cafesbothofferinghealthyoptions,includingfreshfruitand vegetables,andvegetarianandwholefoodschoices. Soup Stop is a new program the hospital offers for employees in order to promote the wholesome goodness of homemade soup. A registered dietitian prepares soup samplesforadifferentdepartmenteachmonthanddelivers it along with easy-to-make recipes and encouragement for staff to try making soup at home for their families or as a wholesomelunchtobringtowork. Another part of what makes Seven Oaks a six-time Top 25 Employer in Manitoba, and a three-time winner of the Top100EmployerinCanadadesignationisitsapproachto employeerecognition. At Seven Oaks that means, aside from the many notes of appreciation from grateful patients the hospital shares internally, or the recognition a supervisor might give to employees, there's also an employee-run Reward and RecognitionProgram. "Peopleliketobethankedfordoinggoodwork,"saidSue Husband,co-chairofthehospital'sRewardandRecognition Committee."Whenyoulookatresearch,thenumber1thing thatpeoplesayisthatasimplethankyougoesalongway." Thank You For Making A Difference cards are located throughout the hospital, so that employees can sign a card and give it directly to the person or team that has done outstanding work. The program is especially meaningful because the appreciation is often provided by co-workers who understand what the extra effort means, saidHusband. Eachmonth,onevolunteerandfivestafferswhomadea differencearedrawnforasmallprizeandalistofeveryone whowasthankedthatmonthispublishedinternally. An Annual Awards Program is also peer led, and employees can nominate their colleagues for consistent, excellentperformance;customerservice;qualityleadership; patient safety and for being an exemplar of workplace wellness. Winners in each category receive a framed certificate and package that contains the nomination by theirpeers,andarefeaturedinaphotogalleryintheHuman Resources Department. One of last year's winners was the entire fourth-floor geriatric ward, a total of more than 60people. Seven Oaks is clearly a Top Employer because it makes it easy for employees to improve their own workplace environment, their own work-life balance and their own healthandfitness. ByG.A.TaylorforTheFreePress SEVENOAKSGENERALHOSPITAL SevenOakstakesemployees'well-beingtoheart ChildrenplayattheSevenOaksChild DayCareCentreInc.atSevenOaks GeneralHospital. PhotobyDarcyFinley

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