Legislation aims at curbing violence in the workplace

Manitoba may have one of the toughest anti-workplace legislation in place. Even thought workplace violence is hard to predict, it is good to have a strategy in place to deal with it when it arises.
As of August 31, 2011 employees who work in high risk environment - pharmaceutical, dispensing, health care, finance, law enforcement, taxicabs and education are mandated to develop a violence prevention policy.
    Under the legislation, an employee might have the right to know of persons with a history of violence if workers will encounter such persons in their day to day work. This dictate will have to be carefully balanced against an individual's right to privacy under the Privacy Act.
Employers will also be required to report on the number of violent incidents that have occurred in their workplace on a yearly basis.
Whether this legislation has enough teeth to protect workers is still to be seen but at least it is a start in the right direction.

Newcomer Blues

Are you feeling out of place in your workplace?  People pass your desk and give you the perfunctory hello, how are you and then move on to real conversation with people who have been there long before you? It happens to minorities and new immigrants of colour quite often in the workplace. I am not sure if this is because your mainstream co-workers do not like you or do not know how to approach you, what to say, what to ask? These days one can be charged with discrimination as a result of one slip up in question. Some newcomers do not like to be asked the proverbial question "where are you from?"  Some see this as a reminder that you are not from here, others see it as an assumption that because one is of colour one has to be an immigrant.
   There are blacks from Nova Scotia who have been here long before some white folks but they are still asked "so how do you like the winter?"  There is an assumption that white folks without observable accents belong.
    As a newcomer, you have to make an effort to get to know your co-workers. Relax, there are nice people everywhere and you have to find that safe harbour for yourself in the workplace. There is always a safe harbour - someone who will take you under their wings and show you the way but you have to be open and willing.

Five Tips to Integrate into the Workplace
- Be the first to say hello
- Make a point in going from office to office to get to know those with whom you work closely
- Offer to go for coffee with one or two of them
-  If there's a lunch room try to have your lunch with others are having their lunch so that you can listen to the conversation and get a better understanding of the workplace culture.
- Be curious, try to be open and willing to share some information about yourself or your culture with colleagues. Ask about their cultures as well. It is only by asking do we get the information we really want to get.

When going to work creates headaches

It's Monday morning and some of you may be dreading to go to work because you have a horrible boss and you cannot afford to leave your job and you do not know how to get your boss to stop being a jerk. You are not alone. 
    As we become more civilized and empowered the more some bosses want to return to the cave man style of managing  by power and force.
   You do not have to take abuse of any kind on the job. There is always a choice. Although you may think you cannot leave, you can. If you are fired tomorrow you will leave and you will have to find a way to survive. If you quit you will be leaving with your dignity in tack. You will find a way. You just have to take that step to protect yourself and God will do the rest.
    If you are in a situation where you see or sense things are becoming progressively worse, start planning an exit strategy. Sometimes we wait too long to make a move, when our spirits are down and there is no light in our eyes? At that point you will have lost the confidence that another employer may be looking for, that spark in your eyes may be gone and you might create a more difficult circumstance for yourself.  Leave when you are feeling on top of the world, after giving it your best shot at making your employer see that his or her behaviour is hurting you and the company.
     Sit upright, look at yourself in a mirror.  You deserve better. You have value. You are no one's step-stool, here me?

Let there be peace

"Nurture your mind with great thoughts, for you will never go any higher than you think." ~Benjamin Disraeli
Today we look back on September 11, 2011 and how it changed the lives of so many people. From the rubbles, like a Phoenix we emerge stronger than ever with a resolve to eliminate war from our vocabulary.
To the children who never knew their father or mother, it is hope that they will carry on the legacy and the spirit of this day in their hearts and be comforted that people worked hard that day and sacrificed a lot for their loved ones.  We will always remember them.