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Resources and Tools

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Motor vehicle incidents are among the leading causes of traumatic workplace injuries and fatalities in BC. The Safe Driving for Work Checklist has been developed to help employers and their workers take proactive steps to manage driving-related risks. This checklist serves as a practical guide to reinforce safe driving practices and is designed to be used before, during, and after each trip.
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In long-term care it is increasingly apparent that who is on shift is just as important as how many staff are on shift. Quality care is difficult to achieve when we do not routinely engage with one another in a positive, or civil, manner.
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Programs & Services

Programs and Services

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Leading from the Inside Out
Leading from the Inside Out waitlist
Leading from the Inside Out provides a safe space for leaders in continuing care to share their challenges and learn self-care practices.
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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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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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WorkSafeBC has acknowledged an error in calculating the 2025 insurance premiums that are paid by our two member employer groups–those providing community health support services (classification unit 766006) and those in long-term care (classification unit 766011).
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Get PSyched! - September 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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Building belonging in the workplace resources

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Health and Safety Matters - August 28, 2025

Mental Health, Self-care

In this issue of Health and Safety Matters, discover how to create a workplace where people feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive. From hands-on training like Mental Health First Aid Standard, to practical tools,...

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Leaders Corner - August 21, 2025

In this edition of the Leaders Corner, discover how you can create a psychologically healthy and safe workplace with the Workplace Wellness Toolkit. Discover the impact of Hearts and Hands. Register for a free dementia...

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The high cost of silence: Why feeling unsafe at work hurts everyone 

Psychological demands, Psychological Health and Safety, Psychological injuries, Psychological protection, Psychological self-care, Psychological social support

Silence at work is rarely just a lack of words; it’s a signal.   When people feel unsafe, they do not stop talking because they have nothing to say. They stop talking because expressing their thoughts...

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Health and Safety Matters - August 14, 2025

This week’s Health and Safety Matters features advanced safety committee training, a half-price kitchen hazards course, and free dementia care training for the first 100 sign-ups. Plus, register for upcoming webinars on AI in mental...

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Tarn Rai on bringing heart and healing to care work

In a world measured by speed, one community relations manager discovered that the quiet moments are what truly change everything. At Rosemary Heights, Tarn Rai is proving that small, intentional acts of wellness—like transforming a...

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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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