Please continue to submit your questions, comments, ideas, and concerns. We truly value everyone's input as we are Better Together.

---

ASK THE CEO:
You Asked. We Answer.

Three new questions to Ask The CEO were submitted on the GOOD WORKS portal:

---

QUESTION 1: VOLUNTARY TIME OFF

My question relates to the recent “Ask The CEO” question and response related to our VTO policy (which I appreciate and think is great). The question was asked related to overnight staff.

I don’t work overnights, but am having a hard time understanding the part of the answer that confirmed that VTO can only be used during the time staff would be doing their regular shift/time....with the explanation that this avoids staffing issues.

When I think about this—regardless of whether the volunteer activity time would be during a regular shift or outside a regular shift....either way with certain staff positions (direct care staff), that shift would need to be covered. So, unless I’m not understanding something correctly, whether staff are allowed to volunteer during their regular shift time or outside their regular shift time, it has no difference at all on the impact on staff coverage.

To give staff all volunteer options possible, and to maximize the potential benefit of volunteering in the community, I would recommend that the policy be reconsidered to allow flexibility in regard to whenever staff can volunteer.

Regardless of cases where a shift has to be filled—or in cases when a non-direct care staff might have time off, for example on a week-day morning or afternoon, but volunteer on an evening or weekend, I don’t see how that would create any detrimental impact to the agency.

Giving the flexibility, to me, would enhance and maximize what I’m thinking is the intent of the policy—to give staff the great opportunities to volunteer and to benefit our communities through volunteer activity. Thank you!

ANSWER 1:

Thank you for the follow up question requesting Volunteer Time Off. Again, it warms my heart to know so many of our team want to give back to our community in different ways.

VTO (Volunteer Time Off) much like PTO (Paid Time Off) is intended to be utilized during an employee’s regularly scheduled work shift.  For both benefits, prior to VTO and PTO being utilized, an employee needs to work with their immediate supervisor to ensure that their program and or department has adequate coverage so that there are no gaps in service or compliance. 

To best understand the details of your individual VTO request, please complete the appropriate VTO request form and work with your immediate supervisor to identify the eligibility of the request.

Thank you for your willingness to give back to our community!

–Michelle Lavallee, CEO

---

QUESTION 2: STRESS IN THE WORKPLACE

There has been an increase in burnout and work-related stress. This is predominantly because of how low staffed we are. The push for weekenders has only increased hours and driven away relief staff.

It’s frustrating being unable to take days off. How is management planning to find a solution?

ANSWER 2:

Thank you for this question which brings to the forefront the important issue of stress, time management and our team. It is important that we all watch out for one another, support each other, and bring moments of respite into even the busiest of days.

I encourage all of you to re-charge your battery when you have time away from work. I also know that I fill my emotional cup here at work by taking a moment or two each day to look around at all the little victories we create for the kids and families we serve.

Please keep communicating with your supervisor to make sure you can schedule time away to refresh and rejuvenate.

As for the complex questions surrounding staffing, the fact of the matter is that we have six full- time positions above required staffing requirements.

I truly appreciate the question. I am committed to working with the leadership team to make sure we are continuing to create a healthy and happy culture which allows us all to be our best both here at CHS and at home.

Thanks,

–Michelle Lavallee, CEO

---

QUESTION 3: EMPLOYEE APPRECIATION EVENT

Is there going to be an Employee Appreciation Event this year? In year's past, this event has taken place at the end of August. Are we going to vote for Rising Star of the Year and Employee of the Year awards?

ANSWER 3:

Thank you for the question regarding our annual Employee Appreciation recognition program. While the entire leadership team and I are grateful for each and every one of you 365 days of the year, this one day offers us the chance to celebrate remarkable individuals who mean so much to the organization.

The event has been moved to February to sequence a bit better with our revised “All Hands” updates (see the revised schedule by clicking this link).

I encourage you to nominate a colleague for the Rising Star Award as well as the Employee of the Year. Those nominations will be considered by CHS/CHF Board members.

We are blessed to have so many talented folks on our team-and we will make time to celebrate!

–Michelle Lavallee, CEO

---

Are you looking for another Q&A? Find them all listed here!

More Q&A's