Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) believes that a healthy and supported workforce is the foundation upon which our people can thrive and provide the best possible care to our patients and community. In the fall of 2023, we launched the JBH Well-Being Strategy, which has already had a tremendous impact on our staff, physicians, learners, and volunteers.
Over the past year, we have introduced several programs, held events, established collaborations and formed strategic partnerships with other organizations –all dedicated to supporting our people’s health and well-being in the workplace and beyond.
One key partnership was with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) on the "Your Health Space" initiative. This collaboration provided our teams with valuable onsite learning opportunities focusing on building emotional awareness and personal mental health resources through "Wellness Moments" and leadership training.
Another successful component of our Well-Being program is our "Thriving Tuesdays" initiative. This initiative aims to increase awareness of the well-being supports and resources available to our teams. Key activities include regular visits to units and departments with the Well-Being Wagon, the expansion of the "Pause for Paws" initiative to two locations, monthly virtual education sessions through the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and consistent communication via a monthly e-newsletter and events/resources calendar.
Additionally, for the second consecutive year, JBH teams participated in Random Acts of Kindness Day. This event promotes a sense of belonging and purpose by encouraging staff, physicians, and volunteers to complete kindness cards or nominate colleagues for kindness awards. Check out this fantastic video about the 2024 Random Acts of Kindness Day at JBH.
Lastly, in October 2023, JBH held the first annual Health & Wellness Fair in recognition of Healthy Workplace Month. Approximately 250 staff, physicians, and volunteers attended the fair, which focused on promoting healthy lifestyle practices, raising awareness about the well-being resources available and emphasizing the importance of cultivating workplace habits that support a healthy mind, body, and organizational culture.