A safe workplace makes Riverview a thriving community

When Amy Schellenberg first joined Riverview Health Centre Inc. in Winnipeg, she was struck by the serenity of the 387-bed community health centre, with the Red River running behind it and deer crossing the grounds, but what cemented her love of the centre was the people.

“We’re a small facility so there are a lot of really great connections, which is how I prefer to work – with a focus on relationship building,” says the human resources manager and co-chair of the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) committee.

That committee was launched in January 2023 and focuses on three pillars: truth and reconciliation, anti-racism and 2SLGBTQ+ inclusivity.

While the committee is only one year old, the team has been busy with education-focused events for Pride Month and Truth and Reconciliation Day in consultation with Indigenous Health Services, as well as with DEI training for all senior leadership, managers and front-line supervisors.

“We’re one year in and haven’t even scratched the surface,” says Schellenberg. “It’s a long-term culture change within the region, and a strong foundation will drive all of our work going forward.”

The impact is already being felt on the Riverview community in the form of positive feedback about the centre’s DEI events and a high level of staff engagement, but one story has driven home the importance of this work for Schellenberg.

After taking anti-racism training, a staff member opened up and acknowledged they had more to learn.

“The fact that there was that recognition piece was huge,” says Schellenberg, adding that the dynamics of diversity within leadership can ripple out in ways that aren’t always recognized immediately.

“We realize that people don’t always see people who look like themselves in positions of power and until we bring it to light the impact may not be recognized,” she says. “We’ve committed to being uncomfortable for the next little while.”

Riverview takes a holistic approach to workplace safety, encompassing employee wellness both physically and psychologically.

“A safe work culture is about more than workplace injuries – it’s psychological safety,” says chief human resources officer Sina Barkman. “It’s feeling that you can come to work and be your true self.”

That’s not to downplay physical safety. Working in partnership with the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba, Riverview has seen a 33 per cent drop in total workers’ compensation claims cost year over year.

“We’ve seen a dramatic improvement for employees,” Barkman explains. “They’re back to work sooner, engaged in the workforce and feeling supported by their teams.”

Daily departmental safety huddles in all units, health benefits that include social worker and psychological care without a referral, an employee assistance program and the Positively Engaging People (PEP) team are just some additional ways that Riverview looks after all aspects of employee health.

“We’re trying to voice that it’s okay not to be okay and that there are supports available,” says CEO Kathleen Klaasen. “Working in health care can be very psychologically impactful and it’s hard not to take that home when supporting families and patients go through some of the most challenging times of their lives.”

While working in health care can be taxing, Riverview still makes space to keep things light. Once a week, additional co-workers are welcome in the office, like Barkman’s dog Piper or Potato the Pug, for Dog Fridays.

“After accepting this job and telling my previous co-workers, some of them said, ‘No way! That’s the place with Dog Fridays,’” Schellenberg laughs.

This article appeared in the magazine announcing the winners of this year's Manitoba Top Employers competition, published March 19, 2024 in the Winnipeg Free Press. This article was prepared with the financial support of the employer, who did not write or review the content.