Mastodon

Category: Founder’s Blog

It’s Time to Say Goodbye

It’s Time.

As a Founder, you never really know when it’s time to move on. But every founder tries hard to avoid founder’s syndrome and sticking around too long. After 10 years, I realized this past spring that my time had come.

It’s time for me to move on.

We’ve already started a search for a new CEO and have several promising candidates.

I’m not leaving the organization entirely. I will remain on the board for a time to help guide the new President & CEO, but most of all, to assist with the myriad tasks I handled as CEO.

We may not be exactly where I’d like us to be, but we’ve grown and prospered. The amount of content on our website is a testament to that.

Over the decade that I’ve been running J2DW, we’ve had many volunteers and summer students who have contributed immensely.

Now, the time has come for me to pass the baton to someone else who can help clarify our goals, implement our strategic plan, and take the organization to new heights.

Meanwhile, I plan to return to my roots and volunteer once more in my community, likely in healthcare, but who knows? I will still actively volunteer with Living Green Barrie.

Beyond that, I plan to see where life takes me and what opportunities arise. But it’s time for me to move on so that J2DW can flourish.

My formal last day is 15 October 2024.

I remain,

Peter V. Tretter

10 Safety Tips That Could Save Your Life (and Your Job)

Safety in the workplace is not only a legal requirement, but also a moral responsibility for employers and employees alike. A safe work environment can prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, as well as improve productivity, morale, and reputation. To help you create and maintain a safe workplace, here are 10 safety tips that apply to most Canadian workplaces.

    1. Be aware of your surroundings. Always pay attention to what is happening around you and where you are working. Identify and avoid potential hazards, such as slippery floors, sharp objects, moving machinery, electrical wires, or falling objects. Report any unsafe conditions or practices to your supervisor or health and safety committee.
    2. Use proper posture and ergonomics. Whether you work at a desk, a factory, or a construction site, you should always maintain a good posture and use ergonomic equipment and tools. This can help you prevent musculoskeletal disorders, such as back pain, neck pain, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Adjust your chair, desk, keyboard, mouse, monitor, and other equipment to suit your height and comfort. Take frequent breaks and stretch your muscles to avoid stiffness and fatigue.
    3. Operate machines and equipment safely. Before using any machine or equipment, make sure you are trained and authorized to do so. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, goggles, helmets, or earplugs. Check the machine or equipment for any defects or malfunctions before and after use. Do not operate a machine or equipment that is damaged or faulty. Report any problems or incidents to your supervisor or health and safety committee.
    4. Handle chemicals and substances carefully. If you work with chemicals or substances, such as cleaning products, solvents, paints, or fuels, you should always read and follow the safety data sheets (SDS) and labels. Wear suitable PPE, such as gloves, masks, aprons, or boots. Store and dispose of chemicals and substances according to the regulations and procedures. Avoid inhaling, ingesting, or contacting chemicals and substances with your skin or eyes. In case of exposure, seek medical attention immediately.
    5. Follow emergency procedures and protocols. In case of an emergency, such as a fire, a spill, a gas leak, or an injury, you should know what to do and who to contact. Familiarize yourself with the emergency plan and procedures of your workplace. Know where the emergency exits, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and alarms are located. Follow the instructions of your supervisor or emergency personnel. Evacuate the premises calmly and quickly if necessary.
    6. Report hazards and incidents. One of the most important safety tips is to report any hazards, incidents, or near-misses that you encounter or witness in your workplace. This can help prevent further harm and improve safety measures. You can report hazards and incidents to your supervisor, health and safety committee, or health and safety representative. You can also use the online reporting system of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).
    7. Use assistive devices and tools. Whenever possible, use assistive devices and tools that are designed to reduce injuries and make your work easier and safer. For example, use carts, dollies, hoists, or lifts to move heavy or bulky items. Use ladders, scaffolds, or platforms to reach high places. Use guards, shields, or covers to protect yourself from sharp edges, hot surfaces, or moving parts.
    8. Do not drink or use drugs. Alcohol and drugs can impair your judgment, coordination, reaction time, and concentration. This can increase the risk of accidents, errors, and injuries in the workplace. You should never drink or use drugs before or during work. If you have a substance abuse problem, seek help from your employer, health care provider, or support group.
    9. Get enough rest and sleep. Fatigue can affect your physical and mental health, as well as your performance and safety at work. Lack of sleep can cause drowsiness, irritability, mood swings, memory loss, and reduced alertness. To prevent fatigue, you should get enough rest and sleep, at least seven to nine hours per night. You should also avoid working long or irregular hours, or doing shift work if possible. If you feel tired or sleepy at work, take a short nap or a break, or ask your supervisor for assistance.
    10. Learn and follow the safety rules and regulations. The last but not the least safety tip is to learn and follow the safety rules and regulations that apply to your workplace. These rules and regulations are based on the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Canada Labour Code (CLC), which set the minimum standards for health and safety in Canadian workplaces. You can find the safety rules and regulations of your workplace in the health and safety policy, manual, or handbook. You can also attend health and safety training sessions, workshops, or courses offered by your employer, CCOHS, or other organizations.

By following these 10 safety tips, you can contribute to a safe and healthy workplace for yourself and your co-workers. Remember, safety is everyone’s responsibility and right. Stay safe and work smart!

This article was written by  j2DW CEO Peter V. Tretter

Meet the Board of Justice Journeymakers: Our New Identity and Vision for 2024

Dear Readers,

Happy New Year and welcome to 2024! We are Journey to Diversity Workplaces, a non-profit organization that advocates for diversity, equity, inclusion, and safety in the workplace. We believe that everyone deserves to work in an environment where they feel valued, respected, and empowered.

As we enter a new year, we are excited to share with you some changes that reflect our vision and mission. Effective 1 January 2024, we have renamed our Board of Directors to the Board of Justice Journeymakers, to emphasize our commitment to social justice and our role as agents of change. We have also updated our titles, including mine, to recognize the importance of democracy and to align with the Canadian political system. You can find the list of our board members, along with our bylaws, policies, and codes, under the new Governance tab on our website.

You can support us by sharing our content on your social media platforms, subscribing to our newsletter, donating to our cause, becoming a member, or partnering with us. We produce a volunteer-run podcast called Diversity on Air and a blog called Voices of our Nation, where we showcase diverse voices and perspectives on various topics related to the workplace.

We are currently accepting applications for the Board. If you have a few hours per month to volunteer, please consider joining our ranks and making a real difference in a small non-profit.

Thank you for your continued interest and support. We look forward to connecting with you and hearing your feedback.

Sincerely,

Leland Harper, Speaker
Board of Justice Jourenymakers
Journey to Diversity Workplaces

This article was written by J2DW Speaker Dr. Leland Harper.

12 Books for 2024 Challenge

A few friends of mine have a challenge of reading a new book each month, so I tried to find 12 that I could recommend to our readers. These were curated from finds at the Barrie Public Library, the Innisfil ideaLab & Library, and Goodreads.

I have not read all of these, so I cannot guarantee the quality.

Happy reading. These links are affiliate links, and J2DW may get a small commission for each sale.

Continue reading “12 Books for 2024 Challenge”

Celebrating 10 Years of Journey to Diversity Workplaces

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Journey to Diversity Workplaces (J2DW), a non-profit organization that aims to create a better work environment for everyone. We believe that diversity, equity, inclusion, and safety are not only moral imperatives but also strategic advantages that foster creativity, innovation, and connectedness. We are not just an organization but a movement.

Continue reading “Celebrating 10 Years of Journey to Diversity Workplaces”

Workplace Diversity in Star Trek: A Vision of the Future

Star Trek is a science fiction franchise that depicts the adventures of various starships and their crews in the 23rd and 24th centuries. The series is known for its optimistic vision of the future, where humanity has overcome its internal conflicts and joined forces with other alien civilizations to explore the galaxy and seek out new life and new civilizations.

One of the most notable aspects of Star Trek is its portrayal of workplace diversity, both on and off screen. The series has been praised for its inclusion of characters from different races, cultures, genders, and backgrounds, as well as its representation of social issues such as racism, sexism, discrimination, and prejudice. Star Trek has also inspired many people from marginalized groups to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as in leadership and diplomacy.

The original Star Trek series, which aired from 1966 to 1969, featured a diverse cast of characters, including a Japanese-American helmsman (Sulu), an African-American communications officer (Uhura), a Russian navigator (Chekov), and a half-human, half-Vulcan science officer (Spock). The series also featured the first interracial kiss on American television between Uhura and Captain Kirk1. The creator of Star Trek, Gene Roddenberry, believed in an idea he termed as IDIC, or “infinite diversity in infinite combinations”, which celebrates the diversity of the universe and the potential for harmony among different beings2.

The subsequent Star Trek series continued to expand on the theme of diversity, introducing more characters from different species, such as a Klingon security officer (Worf), a Betazoid counselor (Troi), a Trill science officer (Dax), a Bajoran first officer (Kira), a holographic doctor (The Doctor), and an android second officer (Data). The series also explored the challenges and benefits of working with diverse teams, such as cultural misunderstandings, ethical dilemmas, interpersonal conflicts, and creative solutions. For example, in the episode “Darmok”, Picard and an alien captain have to overcome their language barrier by using metaphors and stories3. In the episode “The Measure of a Man”, Data has to defend his rights as a sentient being against a Starfleet scientist who wants to dismantle him4.

Star Trek also addressed the issues of diversity in society at large, such as the struggles of minority groups, the dangers of intolerance and bigotry, and the importance of respect and cooperation. For example, in the episode “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield”, Kirk and his crew encounter two aliens who are at war with each other because of their skin color. In the episode “The Outcast”, Riker falls in love with a member of a genderless species who faces persecution for identifying as female.

Star Trek provides lasting lessons on diversity that are relevant for today’s world. The series shows that diversity is not only a reality, but also a strength that can enrich our lives and our work. By embracing diversity, we can learn from each other, grow together, and achieve greater things. As Spock once said, “Infinite diversity in infinite combinations… symbolizing the elements that create truth and beauty.”

This article was written by volunteer J2DW CEO Peter V. Tretter

How AI can help promote diversity in the workplace

In today’s world, diversity and inclusion are crucial elements of any successful business. A diverse workforce brings different perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds, which can lead to increased creativity, innovation, and problem-solving abilities. However, achieving diversity and inclusion in the workplace is not always easy. That’s where artificial intelligence (AI) comes in.

AI can help organizations promote diversity in several ways. Here are some examples:

1. Removing Bias in Hiring

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to diversity in the workplace is bias in the hiring process. Many recruiters and hiring managers unknowingly harbor unconscious biases that can influence their decisions, leading to a lack of diversity in the workplace. AI can help remove this bias by providing a more objective evaluation of candidates. For example, AI can analyze resumes, cover letters, and other job application materials and identify candidates based solely on their skills, qualifications, and experience, rather than factors such as gender, ethnicity, or age.

2. Improving Employee Retention

Once a diverse workforce is established, it’s essential to keep it that way. However, studies have shown that many employees leave their jobs due to a lack of inclusion or feeling like they don’t belong. AI can help improve employee retention by monitoring employee engagement and identifying potential issues that need to be addressed. For example, AI can analyze employee surveys, social media posts, and other data to identify patterns and provide insights into how employees are feeling about their work environment.

3. Providing Personalized Training

Another way AI can help promote diversity in the workplace is by providing personalized training for employees. Everyone has different learning styles and preferences, and AI can help tailor training programs to meet the needs of each individual employee. This can help ensure that everyone receives the training they need to succeed and can help prevent employees from feeling excluded or left behind.

4. Encouraging Collaboration

Diversity can lead to increased creativity and innovation, but only if employees are willing to collaborate and share ideas. AI can help encourage collaboration by providing a platform for employees to share their ideas and opinions. For example, AI-powered collaboration tools can facilitate communication between employees and help break down barriers that may exist between different departments or teams.

5. Ensuring Fair Performance Evaluations

Performance evaluations can be a significant source of bias in the workplace, leading to unfair treatment of certain employees. AI can help ensure fair performance evaluations by analyzing data such as employee productivity, attendance, and project completion rates. This can provide a more objective evaluation of each employee’s performance and help eliminate bias.

6. Facilitating Diversity Training

Finally, AI can help facilitate diversity training in the workplace. Many organizations offer diversity training programs to help employees understand the importance of diversity and inclusion and provide tools for promoting a more diverse workplace. AI can help facilitate this training by providing personalized training programs, tracking employee progress, and providing feedback to employees and trainers.

In conclusion, promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace is essential for any organization that wants to succeed in today’s world. AI can play a significant role in achieving this goal by removing bias in hiring, improving employee retention, providing personalized training, encouraging collaboration, ensuring fair performance evaluations, and facilitating diversity training. By leveraging the power of AI, organizations can create a more diverse and inclusive workplace that benefits everyone involved.

This article was written by ChatGPT.

Our top articles & essays for 2022

A lot has been written by our summer students and volunteers and published by us, most in the last year.

Here we present our top 8 articles & essays.

  1. The Unemployment Crisis of Indigenous People in Canada
  2. The Pros and Cons of Hiring Older Employees vs. Younger Employees
  3. 5 Ways to Promote Inclusivity of Indigenous People in the Workplace
  4. Ethics, organizational culture and behaviours
  5. How is Systemic Racism Affecting Childcare Employees?
  6. Sensory Overload of Neurodivergent Individuals at Work
  7. Bystander intervention training in the workplace
  8. Challenges to Rural and Urban Workplace Diversity

We hope you will join us for more fantastic workplace-related articles in 2023!

Some of these articles were funded by the Government of Canada.

Loneliness during the Holidays

Working from home brings its own challenges for those who live by themselves, but add in the holidays, and a few other things can also set in: Boredom, Loneliness, and Depression.

I have found myself watching a bit more TV that usual and turning to other sources of entertainment while I try to stay home and stay safe.

  1. Trickster
    This series on CBC Gem is simply amazing and I’m so happy friends recommended it. You can also read the book that the show is based on – Son of a Trickster.
  2. The Crown
    This Netflix series is… AMAZING.
  3. The Weakest Link
    The return of this show to CTV has me watching every week.
  4. All Rise
    Another CTV series, it is in its second season; All Rise features a state judge who is a person of colour.
  5. Transplant
    Yet another CTV series, this show is set in Toronto and is about a refugee doctor and the staff at his fictional hospital.
  6. Cityline
    There are so many cool hints & tips that there should be enough fun things to try during the holidays.
  7. Family Feud Canada
    Another show from CBC Gem, Canadian contestants take on the surveys and what they say!
  8. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel
    This retro series from Amazon’s Prime Video is a must watch! If you already have Amazon’s Prime benefits such as free shipping, you can watch this at no additional cost!
  9. Schitts Creek
    This CBC series has won so many awards I’ve lost track of them all.
  10. The Politician & Vikings
    The Politician is a Netflix series featuring the main character at different points in their political career. Vikings comes from Canada’s History channel and I could not stop watching it!
    Honourable motion: Nailed It!
    If you like baking shows, this isn’t for you. This is for those who have tried stuff and failed. It’s glorious!

Of course there is always a good book or two to be tried out.

  1. Peace Talks
    This book by author Jim Butcher in The Dresden Files series was released this past summer.
  2. Midnight Sun
    The latest book from Twilight author Stephanie Meyer. It reverses the gender of our protagonists from the first Twilight novel.
  3. Furies of Calderon
    Another book from author Jim Butcher, it’s the first book in the Codex Alera series.
  4. Son of a Trickster
    This book by Canadian Indigenous author Eden Robinson is the basis for the CBC series, Trickster.
  5. The Handmaid’s Tale
    This classic book by Canadian author Margaret Atwood puts a spin on a far-right North American country.

Of course not every issue is solved with a diversion of entertainment. If you are having a mental health crisis, I urge you to reach out to ConnexOntario & Telehealth Ontario.

This article was written by J2DW CEO Peter V. Tretter.

Don’t Leave Home!

“If you’re cold I’ll keep you warm
If you’re low just hold on
‘Cause I will be your safety
Oh don’t leave home”
~ Don’t Leave Home, Dido

During this time of a global pandemic with COVID-19, I encourage and implore you to… PLEASE STAY HOME.

Just today I was reading about a backyard party in Brampton with 20 people and no physical distancing. There is no better way to distance physically than to STAY AT HOME!

To the 75% of Canadians who are not self-isolating for 14 days after returning from vacation abroad I say: ARE YOU DUMBER THAN A FIFTH GRADER? (“75% of returning travellers bypassing mandatory quarantine: Study,” 2020) You are putting your friends, family, and community at risk by not doing the one thing we’re all asking you to do. STAY HOME.

In Brampton, the fine for not physical distancing is between $20K – $100K. In Ontario the OPP advise people could face a fine of $750 for not following public health orders. (“Coronavirus: Provinces say fines, arrests face people who don’t distance, self-isolate,” 2020) Nationally, the penalty is up to a $750,000 and six months in jail.

So let’s be respectful of our neighbours, especially those with compromised immune systems, and stay home when we absolutely do not have to go out, and further, self-isolate if we’ve just returned from a trip outside of Canada. And while you’re staying at home, be sure to support our local merchants! Especially for those that are paying for their employees to stay home should they need to self-isolate.

References

Yuen, J (2020, March 30) 75% of returning travellers bypassing mandatory quarantine: Study, Toronto Sun Retrieved from https://torontosun.com/news/national/75-of-travellers-returing-to-canada-have-visited-a-grocery-story-bypassing-mandatory-quarantine

Valiante, G (2020, March 21) Coronavirus: Provinces say fines, arrests face people who don’t distance, self-isolate, Global News Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/6713438/canada-coronavirus-self-isolation-fines-arrests

This article was written by J2DW CEO Peter V. Tretter and edited by volunteer editor Brandon Amyot.