Posted on Thursday, February 13th, 2020
But, seriously, how are you?
Algonquin College’s Psychological Health & Safety Taskforce is launching the Guarding Minds at Work Survey. This unique survey is designed to assess, protect and promote psychological health and safety in the workplace. A psychologically healthy and safe workplace is one that promotes mental health and makes sure employees have the appropriate tools and resources available to them.
As part of our college-wide review of our workplace psychological health and safety, we are asking all Algonquin College employees to complete this survey during the period of February 18 to March 3, 2020. Employee input is a critical component of this review to help us identify strengths and weaknesses and to gather ideas for creating and recommending solutions.
The survey contains questions about common work experiences. The questions cover a range of topics including work responsibilities, work relationships, and leadership. The survey is anonymous and will take less than 10 minutes for you to complete. On February 18 the survey introduction and link will be sent to all College employees by email from “HR Communications”. The link will take the employee to “Guarding Minds @ Work” to complete and submit the survey.
If you are interested in obtaining more information about Guarding Minds at Work, please go to https://www.algonquincollege.com/wellness/survey/
Please do not hesitate to contact Sarah Gauen at gauens@algonquincollege.com, Connie Powers at powersc@algonquincollege.com, Paul Lahaise at lahaisp@algonquincollege.com or JP Lamarche at lamarcj1@algonquincollege.com if you have any questions. The organization and survey are endorsed by our ITS Cyber Security Unit for use with our employees. Should you have any questions or concerns in this regard, please contact Craig Delmage at delmagc@algonquincollege.com.
With best regards,
Your Psychological Health and Safety Taskforce
Posted on Tuesday, February 11th, 2020
Annual Benefit Premium Rate Update
The Academic and Support Staff Joint Insurance Committees, the Insured Benefits Subcommittee of the Administrative Consultative Committee and the CAAT Retirees Group Insurance Advisory Committee have completed, with the assistance of a benefits consultant, their annual review of the group insurance premium rates. The proposed adjustments have been approved by the Human Resources Steering Committee, and are effective February 1, 2020.
You can view the group insurance premium rate adjustments for each employee group as well as the cost sharing between employees and the college below:
Posted on Tuesday, February 11th, 2020
Catastrophic Drug Premiums for Support Staff
During the negotiations for the support extension agreement, it was confirmed that catastrophic drug coverage (CDC) would be introduced as a mandatory, employee paid drug coverage plan for out of pocket expenses after $2,500. Such coverage was effective March 1, 2018.
Effective February 1, 2020, support staff employees will begin to see the premium deduction this coverage. The monthly premiums for 2020 are $1.90 (single coverage) and $4.22 (family coverage).
This CDC protects employees from high drug claim costs. As indicated in article 8.1.13 of the Support Staff Collective agreement “Eligible prescription drugs will be reimbursed at the plan coinsurance until an out-of-pocket maximum of $2,500 per person has been reached. Once the annual $2,500 out-of-pocket maximum has been reached, reimbursement of eligible prescription drug expenses will be increased to 100%.
Posted on Monday, February 3rd, 2020
Dear Colleagues and Learners,
I am writing this to share some concerns surrounding the novel coronavirus and reported behaviour towards some of our international students. There have been troubling reports from our International Education Centre that students of Chinese heritage are encountering hurtful messages on social media, and are being ostracized by their fellow students.
While I understand there is increasing anxiety surrounding this virus, I want to stress that the Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk as “low for Canada and Canadian travelers.” Only those people who become ill within 14 days of having visited Wuhan or who have been in close contact with someone who has a respiratory illness who has been to Wuhan within 14 days prior to the onset of their illness are considered at risk for the coronavirus.
Algonquin College is a diverse community with a variety of nationalities calling the College home. This type of discrimination is hurtful and unhelpful and we all have a responsibility not to spread misinformation. We continue to uphold our values of caring, learning, integrity and respect, and pride ourselves in ensuring our community is welcoming to all students and employees. Our College is and needs to remain a safe space, even in difficult times.
It bears repeating that it is recommended to follow the Ottawa Public Health’s guidelines to reduce the spread of illness, such as washing your hands frequently, and staying home if you are sick.
We will update you again should new and important information become available. Until then, you may wish to refer to the following sites for additional details:
Posted on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2020
As indicated in your HR Onboarding Full-time Offer Letter or other than Full-time Terms & Conditions Letter, you are required to register for and attend a College Orientation session for New Employees scheduled in the morning.
Check out the New Hire Orientation Schedule here!
Posted on Friday, January 17th, 2020
The Psychological Health and Safety Committee in conjunction with “Not Myself Today” present:
Staff Caf Karaoke
January 20, 2020, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Brought to you by your college’s “Not Myself Today” committee and special MC guest China Doll
All College employees are encouraged to take the blue out of blue Monday and join us for a fun Karaoke event in the Staff Cafeteria in D building.
Challenge other departments or colleagues to win prizes and have a great time! Group’s or individual’s are welcome. Singing talent optional.
There will be mocktails made by students from the hospitality program and espresso!!
Please sign up by Friday January 17th by noon by emailing Tara Aquilanti at aquilat@algonquincollege.com
Bring your loonies and toonies as we will have a donation box, funds raised will go to the Canadian Mental Health Association.