Our staff, physicians, volunteers and learners are critically important to advancing our vision of transforming health, together. We are working to advance our strategic priority of Team LHSC by embedding joy in our work, treating all team members as partners, and implementing a comprehensive wellness strategy to support the people behind the care, teaching and research that happens within our walls.
This past year, we took steps to further prioritize the physical and mental wellbeing of Team LHSC by offering unlimited mental health benefits and 24/7 fitness centres at Victoria and University hospitals, as well as launching our work toward becoming a certified Healthy Workplace through Excellence Canada's Healthy Workplace Standard. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to becoming a workplace of choice now and into the future.
Members of Team LHSC celebrating the 50th anniversary of University Hospital
Working in health care has never been more difficult and health-care workers have never had to be this resilient. In response, LHSC introduced unlimited mental health benefits for all union and non-union employees enrolled in our benefits plan, including dependents and retirees, in January 2024. As a leader in health care, LHSC now offers a comprehensive mental health package accessible virtually and in-person through a variety of professionals like psychotherapists, social workers, and counsellors.
"This evolution of mental health benefits is critically important," said Julia Marchesan, Human Resources and Workforce Wellness Executive at LHSC. "Team members have expressed a desire to see the available coverage expanded, and we've listened. We are taking action to make sure they have the resources they need to support their wellbeing."
LHSC's 24/7 fitness centre at Victoria Hospital
Further supporting our focus on the wellbeing of our team, we continued offering 24/7 fitness centres available at no cost to all employees, physicians, learners, and volunteers. Located at Victoria Hospital and University Hospital, these fitness centres are designed to provide convenient access to physical wellness resources. They are equipped with exercise machines, free weights, and spaces for group fitness classes.
By offering these facilities, we are promoting a healthier, more balanced lifestyle for all members of our team, recognizing that physical health is a crucial component of overall wellbeing. These centres also serve as a space for relaxation and stress relief, helping to create an outlet for those who dedicate their time to caring for others.
We also took our first steps as an organization to align to a framework called the Excellence Canada Healthy Workplace Standard. Aligned directly to our Strategic Plan and its Team LHSC priority, this framework will continue to guide us as we support our people and foster a workplace where everyone feels supported, valued, and empowered. It is the first step in our journey towards seeking certification as a Healthy Workplace through Excellence Canada.
"We are already advancing wellness and making progress through many of our recent organizational initiatives," said Marchesan. "Many changes that align to this framework and our Team LHSC priority were informed by our recent Team LHSC surveys, including the establishment of our Office of Inclusion and Social Accountability and enhancements to mental health benefits. The Healthy Workplace Standard gives us a framework to stitch all of this good work together while also providing new goals to meet."
Supporting our staff, physicians, learners and volunteers is at the heart of our Team LHSC strategic priority. We are dedicated to continue building on these initiatives to ensure every team member has the resources they need to thrive and provide the best care possible to the communities we serve.