When we set out on the My Healthy Workplace transformational learning journey with over 150 McGill employee volunteers aboard, we knew that a healthy workplace and continuous learning and development went hand-in-hand. But we admittedly had no idea just how the current workplace reality would invite us to step-up with Sponsor Vice-Principal, Administration & Finance, Yves Beauchamp’s support and accelerate the realization of some incredibly timely projects. Contributions to the launch of McGill’s Flexible Work Arrangements couldn’t have been more timely, as we explored lessons learned and contributed to setting the parameters and supports of what was to be a McGill pilot.
- Inspired by pockets of the University and sister institutions, we wanted to strengthen McGill’s investment in learning and development for staff. And we were recommending the introduction of tools such as LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) as a valuable support to individual and team learning and development. We had done our homework and were ready when this timely opportunity for a 6-month pilot suddenly opened up. What better time to engage with continuous learning, both individually and as a community?
- Our research had confirmed the relationship between continuous learning & innovation, and psychological safety. Our current reality accelerated the importance of rolling out the 13-Psychosocial Factors of wellness in the workplace. We’ve launched 3 topics to date.
- Mental Health has been a growing concern around the world (pre-pandemic), and of great importance on our University campuses. Our research within and beyond the McGill community had led us to recommend several critical projects:
o Mental Health Certification for Leaders (Launched 2 cohorts; 50 leaders)
o Provided Mental Health First Aid Sessions across McGill
o Developing a Peer Support program on Mental Health for Staff
Stay tuned as we reveal other timely My Healthy Workplace initiatives and don’t miss upcoming sessions on Learning and about Excellence Canada's Healthy Workplace.