F04 - How Can We Help? InterLINK libraries supporting staff mental wellness.
Session Description
One in five people struggle with their mental wellness and mental health is a leading cause of workplace disability in Canada. Stress in the workplace can result in serious health issues, reduced work performance and a decrease in service quality and job satisfaction. Library workers are feeling this stress and are overwhelmed. Where do they turn? What should their employer be doing for them? InterLINK libraries have joined together to share what they are doing to support staff and to determine how the federation can best support the efforts of its libraries. This panel session will share how InterLINK libraries are addressing mental wellness issues and how, by working together, they can ensure that these efforts can have a wider impact. This session will be of interest to any library employee, especially library leaders, health & safety committee members, and staff with human resources or supervisory responsibilities. There will be an audience question period near the end of the session for added interactivity.
Learning objectives:
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. Share experiences as it relates to mental wellness in the workplace.
2. Learn how InterLINK libraries are supporting each other to address mental wellness
3. Identify and develop strategies that may be effective in their workplaces.
Speakers
Curated by Michael Burris, Public Library InterLINK
Biography
Michael Burris is the Executive Director of Public Library InterLINK. He is keenly interested in leveraging the power of collaboration and collegiality that exists in the Federation and working with libraries to deliver highly effective services to our communities. Michael believes that libraries are at their strongest when they work together and this approach is key to addressing important topics such as staff mental wellness.
Jenny Fry, Surrey Public Library
Biography
Jenny is the Manager of Learning, Programs & Partnerships at Surrey Libraries. She has been keen about learning more about mental wellness, particularly in her former position when staff development was part of her portfolio. In the past three years, she has explored how Surrey Libraries, all InterLINK libraries and all libraries in BC can better help library staff with their own mental wellness, their colleagues and their patrons. She is now a Not Myself Today ambassador – a Canadian Mental Health Association program adopted by the City of Surrey.
Shelley Wilson-Roberts, MLIS, New Westminster Public Library
Biography
Shelley has participated in various workplace mental health initiatives, including committee work to evaluate workplace mental health programs for implementation at the City of New Westminster, participating in City-wide Working Minds training for managers, and receiving a Workplace Mental Health Leadership certificate from Queen’s University and Morneau Sheppell in 2018. She is currently the Manager of Public Services at New Westminster Public Library, where she encourages everyone to take their breaks and spend some time outside in order to help protect their mental health.
Leanna Wright , North Vancouver City Library
Biography
Leanna Wright is the Manager of Administrative Services with North Vancouver City Library, and has been working toward supporting staff safety and well-being through resiliency, wellness initiatives and training. Since people spend more time at work than anywhere else, and the workplace plays a significant role in people’s quality of life and greatly influences their overall health and wellness, we need to share our experiences and help support one another in building healthier workplaces.
Margaret Tebbutt, Workplace Mental Health
Biography
Margaret frequently speaks on strategic approaches to psychological health and safety in the workplace, as well as delivering workshops to help managers and union leaders more effectively deal with mental health issues. She also serves on the Advisory Committee to the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion for its Canadian Certified Inclusion Professional designation. Prior to working with the Canadian Mental Health Association, Margaret had an extensive career with the federal government.