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Sector: Community Social Services

Webinar recording: Setting Healthy Boundaries for a Resilient Workplace

By andrewwalsh

Maintaining professional boundaries is the cornerstone of a respectful, productive, and psychologically safe work environment. In this webinar, we dive into the importance of professional boundaries, explore the differences between personal and professional relationships, and understand how they impact workplace dynamics. Through real-world examples, scenario-based activities, and thought-provoking discussions, you’ll learn to recognize the signs … Continued

The Discomfort of Unconscious Bias in the Workplace: How the Willingness to Notice It Underpins Change

By ellie

Dr. Ellen Choi and Yuri Cho  In today’s diverse workplace, unconscious biases can inadvertently lead to unfair decisions, hinder inclusivity, and stifle innovation. Implementing strategies to address it at both organizational and individual levels is crucial for building truly equitable and thriving environments; however, this requires a willingness to understand how unconscious bias is experienced … Continued

“What Is It Like to Work With Me?” – A Small Question That Builds Psychological Safety in Your Workplace 

By ellie

Have you ever asked yourself or a teammate “What’s it like to work with me?” For most people, this question can be understandably intimidating. It invites vulnerability and self-awareness which can make us feel uncomfortable. However, when asked with curiosity and openness, it can be an important tool for connection, reflection and psychological safety at … Continued

Speak Up While Staying Connected: The Art of Empathetic Communication

By ellie

If you have trouble communicating with others at work in an effective way while maintaining collaborative relationships, you are not alone. A statistic on workplace communication showed that 86% of employees and senior leadership believed that a lack of effective collaboration and communication was the cause of most workplace failures.1 The Importance of Empathetic Communication … Continued

Safety Huddle: Navigating Differences in Values

By ellie

Welcome to our safety huddle, specially designed for the community social services sector. These resources are designed to support both individual practitioners and organizational leaders in building sustainable, effective practices. You’ll learn: Read our tips for Bridging Differences in Values and Leading Through Differences in Values also available as printable handouts, and watch the video below … Continued

Bridging Differences in Values

By ellie

This resource is part of Safety Huddle: Navigating Differences in Values for those who work in community social services. Download the Navigating Differences in Values quick reference guide as a handy resource or watch the video. In the workplace, we often encounter individuals whose values differ significantly from our own, especially in social services where … Continued

Holding Space for Grief: Healing Through The Loss of Community Members

By ellie

Grief is quite common and often an unspoken part of social service work. As the toxic drug crisis worsens, particularly with the increase of benzodiazepine-laced drugs that naloxone cannot reverse, frontline response efforts have grown more complex.1 Overdose-related loss is becoming more frequent and widespread, making it harder to keep grief unspoken.   The Hidden Cost … Continued

Psychological Detachment: Practical Strategies for Employees in Community Social Services

By ellie

In community social services, your ability to connect emotionally with clients is both your greatest strength and your greatest vulnerability. Each day, you listen to difficult stories, witness trauma, and support people through overwhelming challenges. While this empathetic connection is essential to your work, it can also lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and even secondary … Continued

Supporting Psychological Detachment: A Guide for Leaders in Community Social Services 

By ellie

As a leader in community social services, you play a pivotal role in creating an environment where your team can thrive while doing challenging emotional work. Your staff regularly absorb difficult stories and support people through trauma. While their empathy and dedication are invaluable assets, they can also lead to burnout without proper organizational support. … Continued

Safety Huddle: Psychological Detachment: Sustaining Well-being in Community Social Services 

By ellie

Welcome to our safety huddle on psychological detachment for community social service professionals.   The ability to mentally and emotionally disconnect from work is essential for those who regularly support others through trauma and challenging life circumstances. Here, you’ll find practical tools designed specifically for the unique demands of social service work, balancing empathetic client care with … Continued