Welcome to Rachel – Human Resources Generalist

Please join me in welcoming Rachel Setka to her new role as Human Resources Generalist in the People and Culture Team. Rachel will transition into her new role on March 18th.

Time Change – Clocks Spring Forward

IMPORTANT REMINDER: Please note that the clocks will spring forward at 0200, Sunday, March 10th by one hour. This will give us more light in the evenings. Staff working that night shift will be paid for actual hours worked (which will be one less hour).

Renovations to Terrace West Entrance and Bistro Area

Date: March 5, 2024
To: All Menno Place Staff
From: Leonard Klassen, Manager of Community Enrichment
Re: Renovations to the Terrace West Entrance and Bistro Area


We are starting a renovation project for the Terrace West entrance lobby and bistro area on Thursday, March 7th. We are anticipating completing the project by Thursday, March 28th.

The summary of the project and timeline are below. Please note that the timeline may require some flexibility.

The following are direct impacts to our staff, residents, and visitors:

Thursday, March 7:     No access to TW laundry room for this day only

Thursday, March 7, evening and overnight:  Elevator and front entrance is emergency use only (available again after 5:00am on Friday morning)

Friday, March 8, evening and overnight:       New lobby flooring installed (front door and elevator are able to be used during this time)

The coffee and juice machine will be unavailable during this project.

The fridge for saved lunches will temporarily be in the hallway near the hair salon.

Recreation staff can continue to be reached by phone 604-851-7394 while access to their current office is unavailable.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this project. Stay safe.

Here is a summary of the projects and timelines:

  • Wednesday, March 6th, 8:00am: Terrace West bistro area will be emptied of all furniture and contents.
  • Thursday, March 7th, 8:00am: no access to laundry room for this day only
  • Thursday, March 7th, 5:30pm – Friday, March 8th, 5:00am: Replacement of tiles in the front entrance and Terrace West elevator. The front entrance and elevator are available for emergency use only. The doorway at the west end of the hallway is available to use; your front entrance key opens that side door as well.
  • Friday, March 8th, 5:00pm – Saturday, March 9th, 5:00am: New flooring installed in Terrace West entrance; residents and visitors can use the entrance and elevator during this time.
  • March 11th – 28th: The bistro area will be sealed off with a temporary plastic wall while the bistro is renovated (there will be upgrades to the flooring, lights and cabinets).

Stretch on Your Break!

It’s crucial to prioritize your well-being. The Health and Wellness Committee encourages you to indulge in a quick 5-minute stretch session during your break to rejuvenate both body and mind.

 Why Take Breaks?

  1. Recharge: Stepping away from your duties momentarily helps recharge your energy levels, ensuring you’re ready to provide the best care possible.
  2. Reduce Stress: Breaks offer an opportunity to momentarily detach from work stressors, promoting mental clarity and resilience.
  3. Prevent Burnout: By incorporating regular breaks, you mitigate the risk of burnout, safeguarding your long-term well-being and job satisfaction.

Benefits of Stretching:

  1. Physical Relief: Stretching alleviates muscle tension and stiffness, promoting physical comfort during long shifts.
  2. Boost Circulation: Engaging in brief stretches enhances blood flow, revitalizing your body and mind for optimal performance.
  3. Enhance Focus: A quick stretch session can improve concentration and focus, allowing you to tackle tasks with renewed vigor.

How to Incorporate Stretch Breaks:

  • Set a reminder on your workstation or phone to stretch on your break.
  • Click this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRH1To_xyr8 to follow along with this 5 minute stretch video
  • Encourage your colleagues to join you for a brief stretch session to foster camaraderie and support.

Remember, prioritizing your well-being enhances your ability to deliver exceptional care. Take breaks, stretch, and return to your duties refreshed and revitalized.

 Share any photos or videos of you and your colleagues participating in stretching. You never know, there might be a little something in it for you from us!
Email your photos to Diana.Bae@mennoplace.ca .

Weather Alert – Winter Weather Feb 27 – Feb 28

Please be advised there could be some winter weather Tuesday night into Wednesday morning (Feb 27-28). Please be prepared and wear proper footwear.

4:56 AM PST Monday 26 February 2024

A wintry mix of precipitation is expected.

Where: Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Howe Sound, Whistler and the Sea to Sky Highway.

When: Tuesday evening through Wednesday, potentially impacting the Tuesday evening commute.

A weather system brings a wintry mix of precipitation to the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley and Howe Sound-Whistler late Tuesday evening through Wednesday. For most regions except Whistler and the Sea to Sky Highway, snow levels will be hovering near the surface, and precipitation will start as rain mixed with snow Tuesday evening. Snowfall accumulations are expected to vary greatly with elevation and proximity to the water. With a warming southwesterly flow aloft, snow levels will rise overnight resulting in mixed precipitation changing to moderate to heavy rain late Tuesday night or early Wednesday. During this transition, there is also a risk of freezing rain over the Fraser Valley as warm air overrides the cold air in the valley.

Anti-Bullying Day – Feb 28 2024

Pink Shirt Day is a national anti-bullying movement that started in Canada in 2007. This day raises awareness about the awful effects of bullying – at home, at school and in the workplace – and highlights the simple steps we can take to stop bullying in its tracks. On Pink Shirt Day we remember that when we lift each other up everybody benefits.

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

Thinking of wearing your “If it matters to you, it matters to me” shirt? YES! This is an excellent day to wear it.

Find ways to practice kindness and support someone who is suffering by clicking here.

If you experience bullying in the workplace please contact your manager. If you would like to speak to someone confidentially, FSEAP (the employee and family assistance program) is available to all Menno Place staff.

To access fseap services 24/7/365 – call 1.800.667.0993

For more information – CLICK HERE.

Payroll Reporting: T4s

MEMO

Date: February 26, 2024
To: All Menno Place Staff
Re: Payroll Reporting – T4s


T4 slips for 2023 have been emailed to the address on file for distribution of payroll pay slips for Menno Place employees.

The initial attempt to email T4 slips for Menno Home and Menno Hospital in the early afternoon of Friday February 23rd was aborted by the software, the second attempt to email T4 slips in the evening of Friday February 23rd was successful, consequently some Menno Home and Menno Hospital employees may have received duplicate T4 slips.

Please be aware that Menno Place staff will receive separate T4 slips for remuneration from each company they are employed (Home, Hospital, Apartments and MBS); as well, under each separate company one T4 is issued for casual employment and one T4 is issued for regular employment.  The employer’s name includes “Qualified” for regular employment and “Unqualified” for casual employment.

MPP pension adjustment (PA) statements will be mailed today for those employees who have not yet opted for distributed electronically directly from MPP.

We would also like to take this opportunity to remind all employees of the importance of informing us of any changes, such as, address, telephone, marital status, and personal tax credit eligibility (TD1 information).

Go to www.MennoPlaceStaff.com/update-contact to update your contact information.

 

Kind regards,

Marie Ponting, PCP
Payroll Coordinator

Respirator Fit Testing

All staff who could come in close contact with a resident on precautions should be fit tested for a respirator. This will mainly be direct care staff but can also include maintenance, dietary and housekeeping staff. It’s best if everyone who works on the units gets tested in case a situation arises where respirators are needed.

Employee Referral Pilot Program

To: All Menno Place Employees
Subject: Referral Incentive Program
Re: Employee Referral Pilot Program


Menno Place is pleased to announce the establishment of a referral incentive pilot program designed to encourage employees to recommend applicants for difficult-to-fill and in-demand positions. This program applies to LPN and RN applicants only.

The pilot program takes effect immediately, and will be applied as follows.

If an employee refers an applicant for a full-time or part-time position and that applicant is subsequently hired, the referring employee will receive an award of $500 after the new employee satisfactorily completes 90 days of continuous employment. Similarly, an award of $500 will be paid for referral of a casual licensed practical nurse (LPN) or casual registered nurse (RN) after the nurse completes 112.5 hours of work within a 6-month continuous period. In each case, the referred employees will also receive a referred incentive of $250 upon satisfaction of program conditions. To be eligible for the award, you must be employed at Menno Place at the time the referred employee completes the required 90 day or 112.5-hour period, according to the referred position type. All cash awards will be made through payroll and will be subject to applicable tax withholding.

All employees may participate in the program, except members of the Executive Leadership Team, excluded managers and Human Resources/Staffing Team employees. All Menno Place hiring practices apply, including applicant screening, reference, and Vulnerable Sector checks. The final determination of eligibility in each case will be made by Human Resources.

All participants must complete and submit a referral award form prior to the referred person’s starting date. The form can be found in the How To menu at the top of mennoplacestaff.com. Printed and completed forms can be dropped of at the HR offices.

The pilot program’s efficacy will be reviewed every 6 months.

Welcome to Leonard – Manager of Community Enrichment

Congratulations to Leonard Klassen as Manager, Community Enrichment in Menno Apartments, beginning February 12th!