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We are dedicated to providing comprehensive occupational health and safety (OHS) consulting services tailored to your needs.
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Psychological health and safety, often called workplace mental health, encompasses principles and practices to foster a supportive, respectful, and psychologically safe work environment.
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The Provincial Violence Prevention Curriculum is recognized as best-practice in violence prevention training for health care workers.
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Guidelines & Regulations

Guidelines and Regulations

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WorkSafeBC is holding a second public hearing this month on proposed changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation related to combustible dusts.
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Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR), Part 5: Chemical Agents and Biological Agents – Emergency Planning came into effect on February 3, 2025. Changes include additional requirements to minimize the risk, likelihood, and harm caused by an emergency involving hazardous substances.   Hazardous substances include biological, chemical or physical hazards that may reasonably […]
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Get PSyched! - October 2025

Building belonging in the workplace

Creating genuine connections and social support that drive engagement, well-being, and organizational success

What is belonging?

Belonging refers to a person's perception of the amount of social support and acceptance they receive. It's more than a social nicety or being acquainted with other people—it's centered on gaining acceptance, attention, and support from members of a group as well as providing the same to other members.

Belonging is a basic psychological need of all people. We need to feel connected and be part of something meaningful. When this need is met, it creates tremendous benefits for both individuals and organizations.

Important: Meeting the need for belonging is not achieved by trying to fit in and be someone you are not. It is achieved when our connections are genuine and authentic.

The power of belonging

Individual benefits

Mental health
Improved overall mental well-being and resilience
Motivation
Increased drive and engagement in daily activities
Quality of life
Enhanced overall life satisfaction and happiness
Physical health
Better physical health outcomes and wellness
Stress reduction
Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression levels
Well-being
Greater sense of overall well-being and contentment

Workplace benefits

Security and safety

Belonging fosters a sense of security and safety, creating a foundation where employees can thrive without fear of judgment or exclusion.

Team community

People see their workplace as a team or community they're part of, not just a job, improving absenteeism and reducing turnover.

Engagement and productivity

Employees are more engaged, motivated, and committed to their work, driving collaboration and overall productivity.

Open communication

Employees feel comfortable sharing ideas, participating in discussions, and receiving constructive feedback.

Connection to psychological health and safety

Belonging directly relates to psychological and social support in the workplace. When workers feel part of a community with available social interactions, it contributes to psychological health and safety. This connection also reflects civility and respect, as consideration of others is foundational to positive social connections. When employees feel belonging, it strengthens their connection to work and supports genuine engagement.

Strategies for building belonging

Encourage participation 
Involve people in decisions that affect their work and show that every voice matters. Create opportunities for input and demonstrate how feedback is valued and implemented.
Regular recognition
Acknowledge contributions regularly and specifically so employees feel valued beyond formal performance reviews. Include kudos at team meetings and express appreciation for jobs well done.
Discover common ground
Give employees chances to learn about each other's interests and experiences. Start meetings with a 'question of the week' about favourite hobbies to build stronger connections.
Empower leaders
Ensure frontline and middle managers model connection. When leaders take time to engage, they encourage this behaviour in others. Block time specifically for staff interaction on the calendar.
Building caring culture
Foster a welcoming culture through everyday behaviours like greeting people warmly, introducing new hires thoughtfully, and encouraging kindness at every level.
Protect connection time
Be deliberate about connections when workloads are high. Heavy demands can crowd out relationships unless time is intentionally protected for team interaction.
Host social activities
Organize activities of all sizes. Research shows that both casual gatherings and structured events strengthen trust, collaboration, and a sense of belonging.
Remember small gestures
Simple acts matter—saying hello, offering help, or showing appreciation reinforces daily that people are seen and valued in the workplace.

Ready to build belonging?

Start implementing these strategies today and create a workplace where everyone feels valued, connected, and engaged. 

Small steps lead to meaningful change.
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Health and Safety Matters - September 25, 2025

Psychological Health and Safety

Discover practical tips to strengthen workplace culture, support mental health, and make everyday life a little easier. In this issue: how to build belonging at work, simple meal-planning strategies, big member savings on Mental Health...

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How a changing climate is shaping work and life 

Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Hazards, Flood, Heat stress, Safety hazards, Weather, Wildfire

It’s a sweltering July afternoon in Kamloops during a record-breaking heatwave. Temperatures climb above 40°C, air conditioners struggle to keep up, and staff in a long-term care facility move quickly to help residents stay cool....

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Health and Safety Matters - September 11, 2025

In this week's Health and Safety Matters, we're offering not one, but two online infection prevention courses at a 50% discount. Our new handwashing poster will help reinforce proper techniques. And health and safety committee...

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We strive to empower those working in the continuing care sector to create safer, healthier workplaces by fostering a culture of safety through evidence-based education, leadership, and collaboration.
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