Meet go2HR's New Workplace Learning Coaches - Psychological Health and Safety
As part of go2HR’s ongoing partnership with the Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division, we’re proud to announce our Workplace Learning Coaches- Psychological Health and Safety. This program aims to provide the industry with targeted, tailored and confidential support to create psychologically safer workplaces. Funded by a grant from the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, the coaches are based in Vancouver and Kelowna.
Why I Became A Learning Coach - Shane Lobsinger
In my 20 years of experience in the restaurant business, I’ve seen some of the best chefs in the game burn out. I’ve witnessed shocking verbal abuse from “leaders” on both sides of the swinging doors, and I see this abusive behaviour repeated and reproduced year after year. I’ve worked in the dining rooms where it’s normal for everybody on the floor to crack their first beer at 9 pm; I’ve worked in the kitchens where the dishwasher is the crew hookup, and the whole brigade does rails at the bar after close. Every night. And this is all either considered normal, or cool or swept under the rug.
When I’ve had the chance to step away from the long hours and constant sense of pressing urgency of restaurant work, I’ve always asked myself, “Why does it have to be this way?” I love cuisine, hospitality, my coworkers. I love being inside a restaurant. But why do I have to constantly battle burnout, isolation, substance use, and sacrifice my personal life just to be a professional at the work I love?
I jumped on this opportunity to help improve the psychological health and safety of tourism & hospitality workplaces because I hope to help make this industry I love a better place to work. I hope to help leaders improve staff morale and retention; I hope I can help everybody find ways to work more sustainably, hold self-respecting boundaries around their work, and lead more balanced lives. I hope I can help today’s young chefs come up through kitchens that don’t treat them as emotionless and disposable, and help people who love doing this work to have sustainable careers, and stop burning out.
I’m thrilled at the opportunity to blend my love for the Hospitality and Tourism industry with my ambition to support others with their mental wellness needs. My passion for the industry first ignited back in 2007 when I began working at a restaurant and quickly learnt that I am a people person, through and through. My work experience and recent education in Counselling, and other endeavors surrounding mental health align perfectly with this role where I am influencing and contributing to workplace wellness.
We can no longer subscribe to the notion that we are capable of and expected to “leave our baggage at the door”, which means that a workplace has an increasing responsibility to provide psychological safety. This doesn’t mean that leaders or workers are expected to be therapists, but rather are actively creating work environments where people feel safe to bring their whole selves to work, and speak up if they need to. We often hear the phrase “organizations are only as strong as their people”, and that depends on having a healthy and productive workforce that feels supported.
I see the struggle and burnout widely; in employers, employees, owners and volunteers alike, and I am here to help. As your Workplace Learning Coach, together, we can explore what a psychologically healthy workplace means for you, understand why it’s important, and help you implement small but mighty efforts that enhance connection, productivity, retention and so much more! I see the great things already being implemented in workplaces that strengthen psychological safety, and it’s my job to help the industry recognize and build on those wins.
We can and will come out of this pandemic stronger than ever, and I’m committed to reminding those who love the industry so much why they chose to be in it. We will get back to a place where work is vibrant, fun, and filled with people who are psychologically protected and can bring their awesome unique selves to work! The industry shines so bright because of the people in it, and those people deserve to feel excited and fulfilled by their work.
If we look ahead, we can see hope on the horizon. There’s never been a better time to employ the supports available that will bolster the recovery of businesses. A new path is being paved; a path that will provide resources on a traditionally stigmatized topic. It’s so exciting that I get to play a part in the comeback of an industry I love so much.
Have you pre-registered for Safer Spaces yet? It’s a new, online course coming soon from go2HR that will provide industry specific training for supervisors and managers on creating sexual harassment free workplaces. It's part of a larger initiative go2HR is leading to help create workplaces that are free from sexual harassment.
Hiring Season is Here: BC Tourism and Hospitality Career Fairs
The BC Tourism and Hospitality Industry wants to hire you! Check out the various career fairs all across the province. Some are in person, some are virtual, but they all have the same goal of connecting you to your next career opportunity in the exciting tourism and hospitality industry.
The BC Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA BC) and go2HR have partnered to create an online portal for mental health and wellness resources specifically for the tourism and hospitality industry. The portal includes information and resources about mental health, access to training, coaching support and more. Workplace mental health has never been more important. Take some time to explore all the resources and be sure to check back often, as it is regularly updated.
Are you a budding film producer or just love making videos for TikTok?
WorkSafeBC is running a contest for high school students in BC to submit their original video on the important topic of Mental Health. There is more than $10,000 worth of prize money to be won. Submit your entry prior to the March 29,2022 deadline.
Are you looking for a position in the tourism and hospitality industry? The go2HR job board is your best resource to find all the latest and best positions within the industry. There are more than 900 available positions, so check it out and find a great new job today.
Serving British Columbia’s tourism and hospitality industry with program and services in human resources, health and safety, and industry training that support growth and success since 1979.
go2HR, 910-850 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1E1, Canada, 604-633-9787
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