By andrewwalsh
Workplaces are made up of people, and people’s experiences can change over time. As a supervisor or manager, you may notice changes in a worker’s behaviour, wellbeing, or performance and wonder what might be going on. These situations can be difficult to navigate, especially when health concerns, mental health, substance use, caregiving responsibilities, financial stress, … Continued
By andrewwalsh
In many organizations, worker input is routinely collected, yet it does not consistently translate into visible or sustained change. This gap between input and action can undermine trust, weaken engagement, and limit the effectiveness of participation initiatives. This article examines how organizations can move beyond input collection toward structured approaches that enable meaningful influence. Community … Continued
By andrewwalsh
Content advisory: This article includes discussion of traumatic events commonly encountered in community social services, including suicide. A youth outreach worker responds to a call about a youth in crisis. When they arrive, emergency services are already on scene. The situation is stabilized, but distressing details emerge: the youth was found after a suicide attempt. … Continued
By ellie
Compassion is an important part of creating healthy, supportive workplaces. It involves noticing when others are struggling and responding with understanding and care. Equally valuable is self-compassion: the practice of treating ourselves with the same patience and kindness we offer to those around us. By recognizing our own challenges with kindness rather than judgment, self-compassion … Continued
By andrewwalsh
Psychosocial hazards can quietly affect staff well-being and service quality in community social services. In this webinar, we’ll unpack WorkSafeBC’s five psychosocial hazard categories: interpersonal environment, job design, workplace conditions, need for employer support, and exposure to traumatic events. Using real-world examples, viewers will build confidence in recognizing psychosocial hazards in their own workplaces—such as … Continued
By ellie
Consider the following scenario: Sarah is a newly appointed assistant director working in film production. During a busy shoot day, she has a disagreement with a crew member about how an extra shot should be scheduled in order to stay on timeline and meet production deadlines. The exchange feels tense and afterward, Sarah notices a … Continued
By ellie
In the arts and entertainment sector, stress can be a feature of your working life. Stress isn’t always negative at manageable levels; it can sharpen focus, spark creative problem-solving, and support learning and growth. Healthy stress can build resilience over time and even activate the same energizing chemistry in the body as excitement, helping you … Continued
By ellie
A new social navigator starts their first shift in a community clinic. They are given a list of people to support and access to their electronic medical records. There is no formal introduction to staff, no structured safety orientation, and no discussion of potential risks when doing outreach. The new worker introduces themself to staff … Continued
By ellie
Imagine this: A team meeting ends. One staff member leaves feeling dismissed after being interrupted repeatedly. Another feels frustrated but stays silent about a growing workload imbalance. No policies were broken. No voices were raised, yet tension lingers. In community social services, we are deeply committed to building trust with individuals who may have experienced … Continued
By ellie
Work in community social services involves far more than completing tasks. It requires building relationships, providing emotional and social support, responding to crises, and navigating complex systems. To sustain this work and provide quality service to communities, individuals at every level of the organization need an environment that supports and protects their wellbeing. Whether you … Continued
