Manitoba's Top Employers

25 TRYING TO CREATE A WORKING ENVIRONMENT THAT MIRRORS ITS COMMITMENT TO SAFE WORK IN THE COMMUNITY IS A PRIORITY FOR THE WORKERS COMPENSATION BOARD OF MANITOBA �WCB�. "We are responsible for promoting workplace safety and injury prevention in the community," says Winston Maharaj, President and CEO. "If we are going to promote it in the community, we have to also make every effort to create a physically and emotionally positive work environment in our own organization." To achieve this, the WCB — which was recently recognized for the fifth consecutive year as a Top Employer in Manitoba — has increased its focus on the areas of mental health in the workplace, the physical environment and work accommodations for staff with disabilities. "In the past year, we have taken some significant steps toward improving our staff 's physical space through various workspace and other renovations," says Maharaj. "We know that workspace is important to the emotional and physical health of the staff." In planning the renovations, the WCB looked at how people work in different departments — if there's significant collaboration or a need for quiet space, if they use small breakout rooms or large conference areas — as well as ergonomics and the use of natural light to design spaces that fit the people who are working there. This research led the WCB to implement several inventive designs, from vibrant colours and walls you can write on that promote creativity and innovation, to comfortable common areas and sit-stand workstations to keep staff at ease throughout the day. The organization also began rolling out "work-alone" technology to keep staff members who travel or wor k alone safe when they're away from their desks. "We are part way through our journey to create modern, functional workspaces for every member of the WCB staff," reveals Lorena Trann, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Sponsor of the space renewal project. "We have done some preliminary design and build work but we still have a long road ahead to move this initiative forward on a corporate level." Throughout the design and renovation process, the WCB considers various accommodations required by staff with physical and mental disabilities. The updated spaces are intended to help these individuals function effectively in the work environment. The renovations are expected to go on for a number of years and will continue to involve consultations with staff. In addition to the emphasis on improving staff 's physical workspace, the WCB in the past year has developed a strategy to recognize and address mental health problems as a barrier to staff health and wellness in the workplace. David Scott, the WCB's Vice-President of People, Technology and Innovation Services, confirms the WCB is committed to promoting mental health and wellness in the workplace. "We have begun our strategy with training in a number of areas ranging from resiliency training for staff to leadership training on how to address mental health issues in the wor kplace." Staff members have been pleased with the training so far, pointing specifically to the fact it focussed on coping mechanisms and techniques to manage personal challenges both at work and at home. "We anticipate incorporating this work into a broader strategy going forward," continues Scott. "We'd like to get to the point where our programming has brought us to a 'best practice' work environment devoted to mental health in the workplace." The work is ongoing and the WCB has plans to increase its focus on keeping staff emotionally and physically healthy. "A healthy workplace to us is one where the culture and climate are inclusive, accommodating and respectful of every staff member," concludes Maharaj. "We strive to be a great place to work so that we can attract the best people who in turn will provide the best service to our customers. "That's our definition of being an employer of choice for all Manitobans." Proud to be named one of Manitoba's top 25 employers for the last five years. com es.com oes.com does com Bdoes com CBdoes com WCBdoes com WCBdoes c WCBdoes m WCBdo .co WCBdo s WCBd e WCBdo WCBd WCB WC WC W security • wellness • engagement • growth "A healthy workplace to us is one where the culture and climate are inclusive, accommodating and respectful of every staff member." WCB staff collaborate at one of the organization's new sit-stand workstations. Submitted photo WORKERS COMPENSATION BOARD OF MANITOBA �WCB� Creating a physically and emotionally safe place for staff and customers Winston Maharaj, WCB President and CEO MANITOBA'S TOP EMPLOYERS

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