Since the VCH pink bracelet campaign was launched last week, over 1,100 staff have shared their commitment with Employee Engagement to receive a complimentary pink bracelet for Pink Shirt Day, February 22!

“The responsiveness we have had in less than a week has been fantastic,” said Kathleen Daluz, Lead of the Respectful Workplace Program. “The 2017 Pink Bracelet campaign is about making a personal commitment to demonstrating VCH’s respectful workplace values. We all have a role in creating a respectful workplace, and being accountable for our actions and words.” By wearing the bracelet, staff are reminding themselves and others of the importance of showing respect in the workplace.

Limited bracelets available

VCH is committed to a bully-free work environment, and we need your continued support to get there. Staff who complete the online entry form by February 10 will receive their pink bracelet via interoffice mail prior to Pink Shirt Day. Any remaining bracelets will be available at VGH, Richmond Hospital and Lions Gate Hospital on Pink Shirt Day, February 22. Watch for more information on day of giveaways!

Share your story to win

Staff are encouraged to share their respect story (optional) in the online entry form to be entered into the pink gift basket prize draw. Here’s what some staff have shared so far:

A support services staff member in Vancouver said she has seen positive changes since VCH introduced the Respectful Workplace Program. “Since 2014, the biggest change I have noticed is people feeling safe to speak up and acknowledge a situation where they are not being treated with respect and call it for what it is. Complaints of disrespect are no longer being pushed aside and are now being dealt with as a priority.”

A Coastal Mental Health Nurse said, “At a recent staff meeting for our general team, one team member expressed gratitude to another for her ongoing commitment to making the MedLink program successful. This was expressed in a kind and thoughtful manner in front of all team members and the praise was echoed by others. It felt good to be a part of this community team as a whole.”

“A group of staff in the area supported a fellow staff member who was being bullied by a co-worker in his department. We helped to connect him with resources and encouraged him to speak with his manager and with HR. He did and felt better for it. It was a challenge for him to speak up, as it seemed childish the things that were being done and said but it made him dislike his job. No one needs to feel that way at work. We need to support each other,” said a staff member at the cardiac cath lab at VGH.

Well said, these are all great examples of respect in the workplace – courage to speak up for yourself and others, recognition and empathy.

Stand up to bullying

Remember, disrespectful behaviour will not stop on its own. You need to either and have a conversation with the other person or report your concern to your manager or VCH’s No-Bully line: 1-844-NO BULLY (662 8559).

More information

More information on VCH’s Respectful Workplace program is available on the Employee Relations  intranet page. If you have any questions, please email Kathleen Daluz, HR Advisor Lead.