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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 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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Safety Month - May 2024

Mental Health

Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Conditions such as stress, anxiety, and loneliness can negatively impact your overall well-being.
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Self-esteem

Continuing care staff work in long-term care and home care and support. They are passionate and hard-working, yet their work can be challenging and stressful. They also have some of the highest injury rates of all workers in BC. That’s why continuing care staff need to take care of themselves so they can take care of others. We asked care providers to tell us how they take care of themselves. And they did. Below is an image that shows the most common words shared. The larger the word, the more often it was repeated.

What can you do?

Check out our mental health resources and videos, highlighting why caregivers must consider their mental health and care for themselves. Share these resources at team meetings or before training sessions.

What can leaders do?

  • Higher stress levels are associated with increased healthcare and disability costs, absenteeism, turnover, and reduced productivity.
  • Workplaces with positive work environments have better organizational performance regarding health and safety and outcomes for residents and clients.
  • Healthy organizational cultures nurture employee well-being, engagement and performance.

In today's fast-paced and demanding world, it's easy to overlook the importance of self-esteem, both for individuals and within the workplace. Self-esteem, essentially how we value and perceive ourselves, plays a crucial role in our overall well-being, ability to cope with challenges, and success in our personal and professional lives. High self-esteem is linked to greater happiness, resilience, and stronger relationships for individuals. It empowers us to pursue our goals, overcome setbacks, and believe in our capabilities.

In the workplace, self-esteem is a powerful driver of employee engagement, productivity, and innovation. When employees feel confident and valued, they are more likely to take initiative, contribute creatively, and perform at their best. A workplace that fosters self-esteem creates a positive and supportive environment where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential.

However, low self-esteem can have detrimental effects. It can lead to self-doubt, anxiety, and depression, hindering personal growth and professional success. In the workplace, it can manifest as low motivation, decreased productivity, and difficulty in forming positive relationships with colleagues.

Therefore, it's crucial to understand the importance of self-esteem and take proactive steps to cultivate it, both in ourselves and in those around us. By fostering a culture of appreciation, providing growth opportunities, and promoting a positive and inclusive environment, we can empower individuals to develop a strong sense of self-worth and unlock their true potential.

Tips for fostering your self-esteem

  • Challenge negative thoughts.
    • Identify and reframe: Start noticing those negative thoughts ("I'm not good enough," "I always mess up"). Challenge them with positive affirmations or evidence to the contrary.  
    • Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with the kindness you'd offer a friend. Everyone makes mistakes!
  • Focus on strengths.
    • Acknowledge your accomplishments: Big or small, celebrate your wins! Keep a journal to track your successes.  
    • Identify your talents: What are you good at? What do you enjoy? Lean into those strengths.
  • Set realistic goals.
    • Start small: Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps to build confidence with each success.
    • Celebrate progress: Acknowledge your efforts and progress, not just the result.
  • Take care of yourself.
    • Prioritize physical health: Exercise, healthy eating, and enough sleep significantly impact how you feel about yourself.  
    • Engage in activities you enjoy: Make time for hobbies, relaxation, and things that bring you joy.
  • Build positive relationships.
    • Surround yourself with supportive people: Spend time with those who lift you and make you feel good.
    • Set boundaries: Learn to say "no" to things that drain your energy or don't align with your values.
  • Practice gratitude.
    • Focus on the good: Take time each day to appreciate the positive things in your life, no matter how small.  
    • Keep a gratitude journal: Write down things you're thankful for.  
  • Give back to others.
    • Volunteer or help someone in need: Helping others can boost your sense of purpose and self-worth.  
  • Seek support when needed.
    • Talk to a trusted friend or family member: Sharing your struggles can be incredibly helpful.
    • Consider professional help: A therapist can provide guidance and support in addressing deeper self-esteem issues.

What can employers do?

  • Foster a culture of recognition and appreciation.
    • Regularly acknowledge employees' contributions: Go beyond annual reviews. Offer frequent praise, both publicly and privately, for achievements big and small.
    • Implement employee recognition programs: This could include "employee of the month" awards, peer-to-peer recognition initiatives, or small tokens of appreciation.  
    • Celebrate team successes: Acknowledge collective efforts and milestones to foster a sense of belonging and shared accomplishment.
  • Provide opportunities for growth and development.
    • Offer training and development programs: Invest in employees' professional growth through workshops, mentorship programs, or tuition assistance.  
    • Encourage skill development: Support employees in learning new skills or expanding their existing ones.  
    • Provide opportunities for advancement: Create clear career paths and promote from within whenever possible.
  • Encourage autonomy and ownership.
    • Delegate meaningful tasks: Give employees a sense of ownership and responsibility.  
    • Empower decision-making: Encourage employees to contribute ideas and participate in decision-making processes.  
    • Trust employees to do their jobs: Avoid micromanaging and create a culture of trust and respect. 
  • Promote work-life balance.
    • Offer flexible work arrangements: Consider remote work, flexible hours, or compressed work weeks.
    • Encourage employees to take breaks: Promote a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout and stress.
    • Provide generous time-off benefits: Ensure employees have adequate vacation and sick leave.  
  • Create a positive and inclusive work environment.
    • Foster open communication: Encourage feedback, active listening, and respectful dialogue.  
    • Promote diversity and inclusion: Create a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of background.  
    • Address workplace conflict promptly and fairly: Ensure a safe and supportive environment free from harassment and discrimination.  
  • Provide support for mental health.
    • Offer employee assistance programs (EAPs): Provide access to confidential counselling and mental health resources.
    • Promote mental health awareness: Educate employees about mental health and reduce stigma.  
    • Encourage self-care practices: Promote healthy habits and provide resources for stress management.  

By embracing these strategies, employers have the power to cultivate a thriving workplace environment where employees not only feel valued and supported but also empowered to reach their full potential. This proactive approach not only enhances self-esteem and engagement but also fosters a culture of well-being that ultimately drives organizational success. Investing in your workforce is not just a business decision—it's a commitment to nurturing a vibrant community where everyone can flourish together.

Continuing care staff work in long-term care and home care and support. They are passionate and hard-working, yet their work can be challenging and stressful. They also have some of the highest injury rates of all workers in BC. That’s why continuing care staff need to take care of themselves so they can take care of others. We asked care providers to tell us how they take care of themselves. And they did. Below is an image that shows the most common words shared. The larger the word, the more often it was repeated.

What can you do?

Check out our mental health resources and videos, highlighting why caregivers must consider their mental health and care for themselves. Share these resources at team meetings or before training sessions.

What can leaders do?

  • Higher stress levels are associated with increased healthcare and disability costs, absenteeism, turnover, and reduced productivity.
  • Workplaces with positive work environments have better organizational performance regarding health and safety and outcomes for residents and clients.
  • Healthy organizational cultures nurture employee well-being, engagement and performance.

Have questions about this month's topic? Ask us!

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Mental Health

Featured Resources

Starting at $44
In this self-paced, online course you will learn how to build resilience, manage stress, and prioritize your mental well-being—at home and in the workplace.
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As a SafeCare member, your voice counts. We want to hear from you. I invite you to take our annual member survey. In the time you can make yourself a coffee or brush your teeth, you can complete it. Don’t believe us? Take the survey to find out.  Your feedback helps us understand the health […]
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Your work in healthcare is hugely important and rewarding, but we also know it’s equally challenging. It can negatively impact your psychological health. We’re on your side. This year’s theme is “Mental Health at Work.” Outside of our home, our workplace is often where we spend most of our time. That means it’s important to […]
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Mental Health

Videos

Continuing care workers experience violence frequently in the course of their work. Hear about the impact of workplace violence, and the need for caregivers to take care of themselves mentally, so they can take care of others.
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Continuing care workers have some of the highest rates of workplace injury compared with all other occupations in BC. Caregivers talk about the impact of injury.
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Care givers share the emotional impact of their work, and why being aware of mental wellness is important.
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Mental Health

Web links

This website is an online platform of free online mental health resources and webinars designed for healthcare workers. Created in a partnership by SafeCare BC, the Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division, and the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions
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This document summarizes a large literature on theory and evidence about factors associated with better or worse morale, burnout, and satisfaction in work. It also cites a growing number of health care organizations that are innovating in pursuit of joy in work, and often getting significant, measurable results. (Institute for Healthcare Improvement)
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Options for helping a co-worker whose mental health may be at risk. (Mary Ann Baynton)
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Mental Health resources

Resource Types

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  • Posts (6)
  • Webinars (5)
  • Videos (1)

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Post

Trauma in the workplace: Creating a psychologically safe environment 

Accessibility, Balance, Burnout, Emotional Intelligence, Grief, Mental Health, Moral distress, Psychological demands, Psychological Health and Safety, Psychological injuries, Psychological protection, Psychological self-care, Psychological social support, Resilience, Return/Recover at Work, Self-care, Stigma, Stress, Suicide, Trauma, Work-life balance

Why psychological safety matters in care work  Being a care worker means your work is more than a job. It is personal and meaningful.  You build trust with the people you care for. You support...

Post

Emotional malnutrition: A new way to understand burnout 

Boundaries, Burnout, Emotional Intelligence, Growth and development, Mental Health, Moral distress, Psychological Health and Safety, Psychological self-care, Psychological social support, Resilience, Self-care, Stress, Work-life balance

You wouldn’t skip meals for days and expect to feel strong, yet we often go weeks, even months, without attending to our emotional needs.  People hear about working long hours, facing overwhelming demands, and experiencing...

Webinar

Exploring our relationship with work

Burnout, Mental Health

This webinar invites participants to reflect on how their work influences them, both positively and negatively. Through guided reflection, practical strategies, and discussion, we’ll explore how to mitigate the challenges while nurturing the benefits of...

Safety Topic

Healthy boundaries - at work and beyond

Boundaries, Mental Health

Ready to say "yes" to your own well-being without feeling guilty? Learn how to master healthy boundaries in long-term care and home health. We’re sharing clear, actionable tips to help you protect your time, energy,...

Safety Topic

Incivility

Bullying, Civility and respect, incivility, Mental Health, Psychological Health and Safety

Dedicated to providing the best care in BC's long-term care or home health sectors, but find yourself navigating the daily drain of workplace incivility? Those seemingly small acts – such as eye-rolling, hushed gossip, or...

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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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