Follow MOA’s Great Hall Renewal project

Witness this impressive undertaking on the live webcam as we begin to dismantle the outer walls of MOA’s Great Hall. The project is anticipated to be completed in Fall 2023. 

During the dismantling of the Great Hall, there will be increased truck, noise, and vibration in the area. Regular construction noise and increased vehicle traffic along Cecil Green Park Road from various contractors working on the project and delivery trucks will occur for the duration of the project. 

While MOA's Great Hall has been closed since December 2020, the rest of the museum and its galleries remain open to the public during this project. 

For questions, contact: 

Follow along and witness this impressive undertaking (live webcam)


Join the UBC Facilities Sun Run Team 

Kick off 2022 with a healthy and fun start by joining the UBC Facilities Sun Run Team and taking part in the 37th Annual Vancouver Sun Run on April 24, 2022.

Whether you walk, jog, or run, you are sure to feel amazing when you cross the finish line and celebrate your achievement as part of the Facilities Sun Run Team — and you get a team t-shirt! 

Registration Deadlines & Fees:  

Early Bird Pricing until February 18:  

  • In-Person:  $25.00 
  • Virtual Experience: $15.00 
  • Hybrid: $35.00  

For more information or to register, please contact Linda Roseborough at 604.822.1327 or linda.roseborough@ubc.ca 


New Absence Type: First Day of Injury (WCB) 

A new absence type in Workday, WCB First Day of Injury (WCB), will support our ability to accommodate and record workplace injuries.  

Employees who are injured during work hours and required to leave for treatment or sent home due to the injury should use this absence type when entering time off.

Absences entered as First Day of Injury (WCB) will not be deducted from the employee’s sick time off. If the consulting doctor or nurse states that the employee is fit for further work on that shift, the employee should enter any time off as paid or unpaid sick time, or Medical/Dental time off (if eligible).  

As a reminder, for hourly staff that are taking any paid leave of absence, including WCB leave, they must enter the time off under Absence and their standard working hours through time entry under Time.  

This new time-off type allows the University to better track these absences due to workplace injury, but will not change an employee’s pay or entitlements.  

Relevant resource:


Welcome to the team... and fond farewell

  • Sandy Hutchinson has joined the Stores Team as Sub-Head in Municipal Services, effective Jan 17. 
  • Parm Ubhi is joining as Sub-Head Operating Engineer 3rd Class in the Mechanical Operations team within Building Operations on Feb 1.
  • Jordan Buckshaw is joining Project Services as Project Manager in Infrastructure Development on Feb 1. 

Job Openings

All positions at UBC are available on the UBC HR Careers website, or through the career application in your Workday account. Please note that applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the posting end date. The following VPFO positions are currently open:

  • Operating Engineer (JR5938) – closing Feb 4
  • Project Manager II (JR5779) – closing Feb 15

Please remember to apply as an internal candidate. This ISC Knowledge Base article shows how: How do I apply for an internal job posting?


In case you've missed it

Here is a quick recap of key events and information that you may have missed. For more details, please click on the links below or refer to our weekly portfolio newsletter, VPFO Update

If you do not currently receive the VPFO Update in your inbox, please contact Samantha Tsui, Communications Coordinator. 


Health & Safety: Understanding the risk of fatigue at work 

Fatigue in the workplace has been recognized as a major cause of accidents. In fact, an Australian study found that after being awake for 17 hours straight, a person's reaction times can be just as impaired as someone with a blood alcohol content of 0.05 percent. 

Fatigue is defined as a feeling of tiredness that comes from physical, mental or emotional exertion resulting in a state of reduced alertness or functioning.   

Most people need about 8 hours of sleep a day. Here are some proven fatigue risk mitigation strategies to try:  

  1. Start your day with a good breakfast that includes protein, complex carbohydrates, and good fats. Have a snack 2 to 3 hours later to stabilize blood sugar levels.  
  2. Try to follow a regular meal pattern and keep lunches to a reasonable size as larger meals increase the urge to sleep. 
  3. Stay hydrated by drinking 6 – 8 glasses of water a day. 
  4. For extra energy, eat more protein.  
  5. Get moving – go for a brisk walk and get some fresh air or stretch. Physical activity helps to combat those sleepy moments throughout our workday and improves our sleep quality.  
  6. Learn to take 15 to 20 minute power naps. A power nap can return 2 hours of high productivity.  
  7. Establish a regular sleep routine to get an adequate amount of sleep every night.  
  8. Reduce caffeine intake at least 6 hours before going to bed. 
  9. Avoid using electronics 30 minutes before going to bed, as the blue light emitted impacts the production of our sleep-wake cycle hormone (melatonin) and makes it difficult for us to fall asleep and wake up the next day. 

Read more on the Safety & Risk Services website.


EDI: Achieving Inclusive Excellence at UBC

UBC was recently recognized as one of BC’s Top Employers in 2021. This designation recognizes the British Columbian employers that lead their industries in offering exceptional places to work and the most progressive and forward-thinking programs.

To reviewing and revising practices and services to reflect our commitment to advancing inclusion, to enhancing diversity in leadership — UBC is committed to cultivating a diverse community that creates and sustains equitable and inclusive campuses. 

Learn more about UBC's commitment and approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion:

Relevant resources:


Weekly Emergency Tip: Text, Don’t call

During a disaster such as an earthquake, cellular networks will be overwhelmed. Use text messaging, social media or email to communicate with family and friends instead of calling. 

For more information about staying connected in a disaster, visit the Government of Canada’s website.


Helping Colleagues in Distress 

In your role as a UBC Staff member, you may be the first person to see signs that a colleague is in distress, or they may come to you specifically for help. The link below offers a guide to familiarize yourself with common signs of distress, and the steps you can take to offer assistance.  

Guide to helping colleagues in distress - The Orange Folder 

Respond with concern and empathy 

It's okay to be uncertain about how to respond. You don't need to have all the answers. Being there to support your colleagues is often the most valuable thing that you can do.  

  • If possible, move to a discrete and appropriate environment.  
  • Express concern and be specific about the signs and behaviors you've noticed (I.e. "I've noticed you don't seem like yourself at work lately.") 
  • Listen actively, ask open-ended questions and help them feel heard and understood.  

Refer your colleague to available resources 

Your role is not to diagnose or treat, but you can share that confidential help is available. Early intervention plays a key role in creating healthy and respectful workplaces.  

  • Help make them aware of the range of support services available. 

If a colleague does not want help: 

  • Respect their decision. Accepting assistance must be left up to the individual, except in emergencies.  
  • If they change their mind, they can access resources in the future.  

If there is an imminent risk of harm: 

  1. First, call Emergency Services: 911 
  2. Then, call Campus Security (if on Point Gray Campus): UBC Vancouver: 604.822.2222 

For more resources and supports, please refer to the Guide to helping colleagues in distress - The Orange Folder, developed for UBC faculty & staff.


Managing your mental health 

Human Resources has collected mental health resources to help you manage your ups and downs. To view more workshops, webinars and events visit the HR event listing

Our HR representatives are always available for a confidential conversation: 

  • Monica Haab (monica.haab@ubc.ca): Customer Services, Energy & Water Services, Customer Services & Informatics, Municipal Services, and Trades 
  • Alena Martin (almarti@mail.ubc.ca): Custodial Services and Infrastructure Development.   

Understanding the Employee and Family Assistance Program 

The UBC Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) is a voluntary and confidential counselling support service that provides employees at all levels and their family members (dependents) with the help needed to resolve a wide range of personal, work, health, or life issues. This expert information and immediate support resources are available in-person and by phone, video, web or mobile app 24/7, 365 days per year.  

Login to the new LifeWorks Wellbeing Platform and explore their resources and content. 
 

Thanks for reading!

You can find this newsletter, along with past issues, on the Facilities website: facilities.ubc.ca/facilities-weekly

For questions and content submission, please email facilities@vpfo.ubc.ca

 

The Facilities Group and part of the VPFO Portfolio.
 

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The University of British Columbia
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2210 West Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
facilities.ubc.ca

   

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