Connections Newsletter Spring 2016single

EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTERSPRING 2016 Girls CAN Fly! The House that Joseph built A celebration of turns 200! women in aviation Community Services Joseph Schneider Haus is ready to celebrate. Built staff think and act by one of the area’s early American settlers, the innovatively – with strikingly National Historic Sites’ 1816 farmhouse turns 200 this successful results! summer. Located in the heart of downtown Kitchener, Jim Ellerman and Mike festivities kick off July 1 – Canada Day – with FREE Henderson rock out for admission for everyone. Celebrate with cake at 1 p.m. and then be included in a commemorative Aerial charity Photo at 2 p.m. Activities continue all weekend with the opening of our Still Standing exhibit, featuring the construction of Joseph Schneider’s house. For details visit us at www.josephschneiderhaus.com. Face time for United Way nets bundle! The Service First here). Matt (on the left) had Chris Hobden Call Centre held a this to say about the event: considers his fundraiser challenge “I thought it was great day. options as he for United Way We are lucky in the Call awaits the next pie on Dec. 8th that Centre to work with teams in the face. raised $500 for the from all across the Region. community. The It’s always good when wetravelling event took place at 150 Frederick, 99 can get face time with peopleRegina and the Call Centre location at 131 Goodrich. in those groups – but pie-to-Jan Herbison won the Home Cooked Meal grand face time was even better!”prize, Jane Albright and Sheri Philips each won a Zaman (centre) said: “… thehomemade pie, and 15 others won the right to throw smiles and enjoyment of thea pie in the face of Call Centre ‘good sports’ Matt staff was the icing on thePearson, Zaman Alkhafagi or Chris Hobden (pictured cake.” [email protected]

New Employee Development Calendar Employee development is a key area of focus at the Region. A new 2016 Employee Development Calendar is now available on the portal and includes monthly ‘quick tips’ and actions that can be applied in day-to- day work and will support continuous learning and development. The calendar includes information on the Performance Development Program (PDP) and our new electronic Performance Development Program (ePDP) for Management/Management Support employees on two-way development conversation techniques as well as approaches on learning and coaching. To access the new Employee Development Calendar and other learning and development resources, visit the Employee Development portal section under Human Resources and Citizen Service.New online engagement platform!There are many benefits to online to supplement conventional engagementengagement; it is available 24/7, is cost processes. The online platform will go liveeffective and has the potential to reach a in April and will offer a range of topic typeswider audience as online solutions allow including priority lists, surveys, budgetpeople to get involved from the comfort of questions, tallies and ideation topics (opentheir own homes. ended questions), among others.With that in mind, Citizen Service is Staff from Peak Democracy will workpleased to launch and support the with you to develop questions andimplementation of an online civic optimize the use of this tool. If youengagement platform to augment and are currently working on or planningdiversify public participation. The service a public engagement initiative andis provided by Peak Democracy and will are considering online engagement,be embedded on the Region’s website. It please contact Gina Hickman atsupports the Region of Waterloo’s Public [email protected] orEngagement Guidelines and is a good tool ext. 3721.2 [email protected]

Girls CAN Fly!A celebration of women in aviationThe Region of Waterloo The Airport’s photo booth was a Non-Stop DailyInternational Airport was pleased popular spot and visitors were ableto support Girls CAN Fly, the to take a photo with Porter Airlines Chicago & CalgaryWaterloo Wellington Flight Centre’s Captain Marilyn Daigle!International Women’s Day event Non-Stop Weeklyon Saturday March 5. The event Photo Caption:provided young women with the Porter Airlines Captain Marilyn Daigle Orlandoopportunity to meet and speak with: (l to r) Until April 28with pilots, students and other Mike Moniz, Lead Hand at the Regionwomen who are actively engaged of Waterloo International Airport with 2015 AAINRDPOFRIGTUFRAECSTSor employed in the aviation children Nathan and Olivia; and Regionindustry. Visitors were able to of Waterloo Planning Technician Rehan 153,963 passengerstry flight simulators, watch drone Waheed and daughter Shireen Ayeshademonstrations, visit aviation Malik. used the airport in 2015displays and listen to presentationsby women currently active in There are overaviation. Representatives fromthe Canadian Armed Forces and 100,000the Ninety-Nines, an internationalorganization of female pilots, also aircraft movementsoffered some insights into their (take-offs or landings) annuallycareers and how they landed theirdream jobs. In 2013 YKF contributed YFK is one of theOver 400 people attended Girls CANfly event. Thanks to The Breslau $86 MILLION TOP 20 BUSIESTFlyers COPA Flight 26, the localchapter of the Canadian Owners to the Region’s economy† airports in Canadaand Pilot’s Association, more than50 girls were provided with free OVER 250 25 BUSINESSESflights. Porter Airlines, who arrivedwith their all female crew, provided private & charter operate from thevisitors with the chance to sit in a aircraft are based airport employingBombardier Q400 and on the flight over 300 peopledeck, a place normally inaccessible at the airportto passengers. Porter Airlinesis known for being the largest †A copy of the Wilfrid Laurier University Economic &employer of female pilots in the Social Impact Study is available at www.waterlooairport.caairline [email protected] 3

The Region welcomes Matthew Chandy as the new Manager at the Office of Economic DevelopmentPrior to joining the Region, Matthew Chandy managed “I am excited to be joiningFedDev Ontario’s Advanced Manufacturing Fund and the Region of Waterloo,has also managed the agency’s Investing in Regional and being from the Region,Diversification Initiatives and Community Futures Program. it is great to be able toMatthew has extensive experience in hands-on regional assist my communityeconomic development, and specializes in identifying deliver on economiceconomic development needs and creating innovative development strategiessolutions for community, corporate and industry challenges. that will support our futureMatthew will lead the Office of Economic Development at prosperity.”the Region and work closely with key partners includingthe Area Municipalities and the new Waterloo Region Matthew Chandy, Manager, Economic DevelopmentEconomic Development Corporation (WREDC).New Exhibit Explores Life after Dark ON NOW TO MAY 8 Be immersed in a world of darkness A travelling exhibit organized by the with In The Dark, now on at the Cincinnati Museum Center. Waterloo Region Museum. The travelling exhibit explores what www.waterlooregionmuseum.com happens in our world when night falls, with family-focused displays showing the fascinating habits of nocturnal animals. The exhibit explores what thrives beneath the soil, under the sea, in the shadows of night and in other dark environments. In The Dark features interactive displays include bat echolocation, dark room with video, firefly matching test, and more. Visitors will experience the sights, sounds, smells and sensations of dark ecosystems with a glimpse into another world. It is an adventure for the whole family. There are many In The Dark related special events that are planned throughout the run of this exhibit. Visit our website for details at www.waterlooregionmuseum.com4 [email protected]

The new portal has 3,000 reasons to CONNECTWe are all better connected.If you haven’t visited the new employee portal, you should. It’s designed to make your job easier, and includes avariety of extra features you might like. Phase 1 of the new employee portal launched on March 22. It includes news,department news, apps, forms, employee profiles, as well as services and information employees asked for. Phase2 will see Libraries and GRT transition to the new employee portal. That will also be when full access from all areasof the organization will be finalized. The new portal was designed with all employee access in mind. Therefore it’smobile friendly and can be accessed from a home computer, tablet or phone.Reasons to connect:• Share ideas • Post a photo • Read news from other• Check the weather • Find contacts using employee departments• Approve your TAMS• Post a project or event video profiles • Use the ‘About Me’• My Job, My Pay, My Benefits • Sign-up for training section• Talk to team members or • Find a form or report • Update your benefits co-workers on Commonplace • Give input on a project, – a social platform. story or pollThe new portal has been created to improve communication.The more you use it, the more you’ll learn about the Region.Don’t forget to post a profile picture of yourself. A headshot witha solid background is best to replace the initial silhouette.Continue to check the new portal for ongoingtips to make the most of your new intranet. Jim Ellerman and Mike Henderson rock out for charityJim Ellerman warms up the crowd Jim Ellerman and Mike Henderson local cover band that performs liveat Rock Revival as Mike Henderson brought the house down at (most of the performers at Rockaccompanies on drums. Elements nightclub on February Revival lip-sync). Jim Ellerman 26 at Rock Revival, a local charity said the band played songs from event hosted by staff from the Foo Fighters, The Killers and Pearl Region of Waterloo and City of Jam and had the audience on their Kitchener that raised money for feet dancing the night away. “I like the Children’s Wish Foundation the experience of performing in this year. This year was the 25th front of people, especially people anniversary of the event and Jim I don’t know and watching the and Mike have been supporting change in the audience as the and playing there since 2009 as energy ramps up.” Nice work! members of Chalkboard Menu, a [email protected] 5

Community Services staff think COMING SOON… and act innovatively – with An enhanced strikingly successful results! focus on innovation atA team of Region of Waterloo In response, Seniors’ Services the Region ofemployees in Community and Housing Services quickly WaterlooServices recently showed what assembled a team of 24 staff whocollaboration and integration worked around the clock to find The Region of Waterloolooks like when they worked with homes for the tenants and arrange describes innovationcommunity partners to ensure the for them to be moved safely. The as “…people using Innovationsudden closure of a local housing team also worked to ensure their imagination,provider didn’t leave tenants medical care and other supports experience,homeless. “This is an excellent continued until the tenants were curiosity, instinctsexample of how integration can able to move. In collaboration and relationshipswork to create the best possible with Lutherwood housing to develop andoutcomes for the clients we serve,” transition workers, WWLHIN implement ideassays Connie Lacy, Director of planners, WWCCAC staff, and that create valueSeniors’ Services. the Retirement Home Regulatory and improve Association, the team ensured all service.”In early November, a service tenants were in a new home with Over the comingprovider in Cambridge announced the care they needed before the year, the Regionit would close its supportive closure. will introduce newhousing program by the end of the tools, training andmonth. Twenty-four tenants were “Regional staff demonstrated resources that willat risk of becoming homeless as respect, integrity, innovation, enhance our abilitywell as losing access to medical collaboration and above all, to bring innovativecare and other support they exceptional service,” says conversations andreceived at the home. The tenants Housing Services Director Deb solutions to our dailyalso faced other health and safety Schlichter who says the team’s work.risks associated with being actions illustrate what true service We also want tohomeless. should look like, instilling trust and promote the benefits confidence in Regional services. and showcase stories of howMembers of the Housing Crisis Transition Team in front of the innovation is beingsupportive housing units on Sunnyside Campus in Kitchener, where incorporated intosome of the tenants have transitioned. everyday work or in the projects that you have implemented. To share a story about your experience with innovation, of if you have questions about the upcoming focus on innovation, contact Lorie Fioze at [email protected] or 519-575-4758.6 [email protected]

Mindfulness Works The Region’s first participants reported an improved ability to handle Mindfulness Works stress, with 93 per cent reporting an improvement in Challenge wrapped up being able to focus at work! in early March with 194 staff participating to help “I found I was more grounded, calm, and presentreduce stress and enhance peak performance. The both personally and professionally the more Iprogram challenges staff to ‘take five’ deep breathes did my take fives. I would love to have continuedwhile remaining focused on something new in their access to a similar program on a regular basis asenvironment. This activity helps the participant I appreciate the fact that it held me accountablepractice mindfulness and be present in the moment, and that the content resonated with me,” said Evewhich can result in an enhanced ability to stay Nadler, a participant in the program.focused and be more effective and happy in our livesand work. The Mindfulness Challenge is part of the Region’sThe ‘take fives’ where supported by an online Mindfulness Works initiative and includes thecomponent that helped participants keep track of their Challenge and Mindfulness workshops. The nextmindfulness efforts and included helpful tips, work workshop is on April 4.clouds and supporting video. Participants completed Visit the Mindfulness Works section of the Portal fora total of 11,063 Take fives (combined) and 369 hours more information about the program and how you canof mindful meditation. A whopping 98 per cent of get involved.Food Poisoning – never a good thing to share!Whether you’re gathering with friends and family, a birthday, anniversary or othercelebration, cheer can quickly turn to misery if food makes you or your guests sick.Here are some helpful tips to help prevent foodborne illness.CLEAN: Wash hands, clean COOK: Use a probe thermometercounters, preparation surfaces to make sure foods are cooked toand utensils often to avoid the proper internal temperatures.the spread of bacteria. CHILL: Keep cold foods cold.SEPARATE: Avoid cross- Bacteria can grow rapidlycontamination. Keep raw when food is left out. Thefoods separate from cooked “Danger Zone” is betweenand ready-to-eat foods. 4°C (40°F) and 60°C (140°F).For more information visit: www.regionofwaterloo.ca/food-safety [email protected] 7

Renewed focus on innovation During this time of organization – from administrative Throughout 2016, the Region’s focus rapid community processes, to new policies, to system on innovation will include rolling out change, increased changes. new tools, training and resources citizen expectations to help enhance our capacity to and funding The Region has a rich history of innovate. These tools will help constraints, innovation. From roundabouts and drive creative solutions to improve innovation is blue bin recycling to our Smoking service and efficiency throughout themore important than ever. Like By-law and Rural Water Quality organization at all levels.other sectors of society, the public Program, our staff have come up withsector faces pressures to do things creative and imaginative solutions Creating value and improving servicedifferently in order to achieve to difficult challenges. Innovation is is at the core of our innovationbetter outcomes and meet citizen even built into our vision, mission and efforts. Everyone can contribute toexpectations. The Region’s vitality values. service improvement, and I invitedepends on our ability to innovate. you to share your stories of success,So what exactly is innovation? This doesn’t mean that innovation is challenges and lessons learned onInnovation is not always a new easy. In public sector organizations your journey to innovate. Visit theproduct or service. It can be a small that depend on taxpayer dollars, the Innovation section of the new Portalprocess change or a completely environment is often risk averse. We for more information on how you cannew way of delivering a service. are constantly under a microscope, contribute and for information onIt can happen at any level of the which often leads to a culture of tools and resources. perfection. Thinking innovatively in this environment can be a challenge.Do you have a question for Mike? Send it to [email protected] Respect in the workplaceAt the Region, respect is one of our respect for different viewpoints people feel valued, they do goodorganizational values: We create and ideas, experiences, credentials, work, and as a result, they feelan environment where people are philosophies, perspectives, good about their jobs and theirincluded, valued, and treated with backgrounds, abilities, beliefs and organizations. When people feeldignity. personalities. good about work, they want toWhy is respect so important? The value of respect forms continue to contribute positively.Respect is a universal cultural value the basis of our behavioural When people are happy, they– that means it is fundamentally expectations. It fosters a positive experience less stress and areimportant to all cultures on working environment and healthy, healthier as a result.earth. Respect can be defined as trusting human relationships. A In terms of your day to day work,consideration for self and of others. respectful workplace creates you can reflect on the followingRespect includes consideration productive and engaged employees two questions: What doesfor other people’s privacy, their because they feel honoured as respectful behaviour look like tophysical space and belongings; and individuals and feel safe offering me? What can I do to role model ideas and perspectives. When respect in the workplace?Remember: Creating a respectful work environment is everyone’s [email protected]