Clear the Clutter: Protect Your Safety & Wellbeing

A clean space is a safe space — physically and mentally.

Clutter isn’t just inconvenient — it’s dangerous. Blocked hallways, overflowing laundry bins, and scattered maintenance tools can lead to trips, falls, and injuries. But the impact goes deeper than physical safety — clutter can also threaten your psychological safety.

When workspaces are chaotic, it can feel like safety isn’t a priority. That can lead to stress, anxiety, and a sense that your wellbeing isn’t valued — all of which affect morale and teamwork.

According to the National Standard for Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, a safe environment includes:

  • Mental clarity and calm — not constant stress from unsafe conditions.
  • Open communication — where you feel safe to speak up about hazards.
  • Respect and care — shown through clean, organized, and safe spaces.

Let’s work together to keep our spaces clear and safe:

  • Remove clutter as you go.
  • Report hazards or blocked areas.
  • Support each other in maintaining a tidy, respectful workplace.

ComVida App Update

MEMO

To: All Menno Home, Hospital, and Apartments Staff
Date: November 19, 2025
Subject: Comvida App Update

Please be advised that ComVida will not be accessible Friday November 21, 2025 from 4-5 pm as an update is being made to the mobile app.

The latest update includes the following improvements:

  • Direct Registration in the App: New users can now register directly in the mobile app without needing to use a browser.
  • Password Reset Within the App: Passwords can now be reset directly in the app by clicking forgot my password.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Preventing Musculoskeletal Injuries

Protect your body — it’s your most important tool at work.

Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) can happen slowly over time or suddenly during a task. They affect muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments — and they’re one of the most common injuries in long-term care.

Here’s how you can prevent MSIs:

  • Think before you lift. Use proper body mechanics and assess the load before moving anything.
  • Use the right equipment. Don’t hesitate to use lifts, transfer devices, or ask for help.
  • Adjust your posture. Avoid awkward positions and repetitive motions. Take micro-breaks to stretch and reset.
  •  Speak up. If something feels unsafe or uncomfortable, let your supervisor know.
  • Stay informed. Attend training sessions and refresh your knowledge on safe handling practices.

Your health matters — every shift, every task. Let’s work together to prevent injuries and keep our team strong.

Did you know that October is Cyber Security Awareness month?

Menno Place has been working with our IT partner, Adaptive Technical to provide education and resources during the month to help protect not only the organization, but yourself.

If you have an @mennoplace.ca email, you will have received some training from Adaptive. So far there have been three (3) courses sent out with more to come. The courses take a maximum of 10 minutes and we ask that you take time to complete each session.

You can learn more about Cyber Security Awareness Month and some actions you can take to protect yourself with these resources which were originally provided by the Government of Canada:

Thank you for your ongoing commitment to keeping Menno Place a safe and secure organization!

MEMO: First Choice Vacation Requests

MEMO

To: All staff excluding MBS
Subject: First Choice Vacation Requests
Date: November 13, 2025

All first-choice vacation requests have now been reviewed in the GoldCare portal.

If a discrepancy was found in your request, you should have received an email from the Staffing department.

You can check the status of your first choice vacation request directly in the portal. Please do not contact the Staffing Office to confirm approval.

If you notice a discrepancy, please send an email to the Staffing Office and include your Manager in the email.

Thank you for your cooperation.

MEMO: New Mental Health Benefit for HEU Employees

MEMO

To: Menno Apartments – All Employees covered under HEU Communities Bargaining Agreement
Date: November 14, 2025

________

The Joint Community Benefits Trust (JCBT) provides your health and wellness benefits. This email contains important information about a change to your Health Benefits Plan. Please visit www.jcbt.ca to learn more about the JCBT and the ongoing benefit review that may impact you and your family. 

The Trustees of the Joint Community Benefits Trust (JCBT), in partnership with the Community Bargaining Association (CBA), want to let you know about a new mental health and wellness benefit available under your Extended Health Benefits Plan.

This new benefit is part of a special joint pilot project co-sponsored by JCBT and CBA:

  • Effective Date: November 15, 2025
  • Annual Limit: A combined maximum of $1,000 per calendar year for eligible covered employees
  • What’s Covered
    • Registered Psychologist
    • Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (iCBT) – this is an online-only benefit through specific PBC-approved providers. Learn more here: PBC’s Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
    • Registered Clinical Counsellor
    • Registered Social Worker
    • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Reimbursement: Up to the Pacific Blue Cross (PBC) reasonable and customary limit per visit, subject to coinsurance
  • Eligibility: This benefit is for Members only and does not cover Dependents
  • Pilot Period: This enhancement will be re-evaluated after two (2) years
We encourage you to visit www.jcbt.ca to stay informed about upcoming initiatives and updates. For more information, please review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below.

Thank you,
The Trustees of the Joint Community Benefits Trust (JCBT)

 

Reminder: Report your influenza vaccine choice

All staff working in resident spaces are required to report their decision on whether or not to receive the flu shot by November 30, 2025.

Safety Blitz: What To Do If You Get Injured at Work

If you get hurt at work, act fast to protect yourself and others.

Here’s what to do:

  1. Notify your supervisor immediately.
    They need to know what happened so they can support you and start the reporting process.
  2. Report to First Aid.
    Even if the injury seems minor, get checked out. It’s important for your health and for documentation.
  3. Complete the Employee Incident Report in QRM.
    This helps us track what happened and ensures proper follow-up.
  4. Accept modified duties if you’re able.
    Staying engaged at work while you recover helps your healing and keeps you connected.
  5. Be part of the investigation.
    Your input helps us understand what went wrong and how to prevent it in the future.
  6. Support a culture of safety.
    Every report and every conversation helps make our workplace safer for everyone.

Your safety matters. Speak up, take action, and help us build a safer care environment.

Safety Blitz: Why You Should Keep Your Sick Days

Your sick time is more than just time off, they are your “safety net”.

Think of your sick days like an insurance plan. If you get injured or seriously ill, you may need time off while waiting for approval from WorkSafeBC or your Long-Term Disability (LTD) provider. These approvals can take time, sometimes weeks or even months.

Here’s why saving your sick time matters:

  • Delays happen. Claims can take time to process and are not guaranteed to be approved.  During that waiting period, you might not receive income, unless you have sick days saved.
  • Sick time bridges the gap. Having banked sick hours means you can still get paid while waiting for claim approvals.
  • Peace of mind. Knowing you have a cushion, or a safety net lets you focus on recovery, not finances.

Protect yourself. Use your sick time wisely. Save it for when you really need it.

If you have questions about your sick time or how claims work, talk to your supervisor or P&C team members. We’re here to help.