WORK-LIFE

Effective implementation and operation of workplace programs
Pat Brosseau

Tailoring policies to suit operational and employee needs
Alex Gallacher

Telework as an option supporting work-life balance
Susan Garms

Statistics Canada’s workplace wellness program
Patricia Slaunwhite

Work & lifestyle and dependant care programs at CIBC
Helen M. Patterson

Capturing the spirit of work life balance
Brian Cassidy

University of Toronto’s work life balance program
Rosie Parnass

Panel: Monitoring and evaluating work life programs post implementation
Adwoa K. Buahene
Rosie Parnass
Brian Cassidy

Alex is a co-founder and Managing Director of ENGAGE Human Resources Solutions Inc., an innovative human resources consultancy, based in Mississauga. Working with small, mid-size and large organizations, Alex helps organizations align the levers of human capital management with strategic objectives to deliver results. He has developed, implemented and managed programs focused on employee reward & recognition, worklife balance, employment branding and creating environments that enable high performing workforces across numerous industry sectors in both consulting and corporate HR roles.

As a Director in the Human Resources department at Purolator Courier Ltd. Douglas holds responsibility for the company's healthy workplace and employee engagement strategy. He has over 17 years experience in the private sector working with leading companies in the transportation, pharmaceutical, chemical and aerospace sectors. He graduated from New England College in New Hampshire in 1988 with a Bachelors Degree in Natural Science, is a Fellow with LEAD (Leadership for Environment And Development) International, and is currently working on his Masters Degree in Adult Education at St. Francis Xavier University.

Helen Patterson is Senior Director, Employee Relations - Policy and Programs, HR Policy and Governance (HR P&G) at CIBC. In her current role, she is responsible for implementation and management of corporate-wide HR policy affecting employee relations and she also participates on several other projects in an advisory capacity. Helen also oversees the management of various programs within the HR Policy and Governance team, including Work and Lifestyle, Violence, Severance, Employee Privacy, Childcare and other leaves. In addition to HR policy initiatives, the broader HR P&G team has participated in a number of risk reviews and corporate governance strategies within CIBC. Prior to her current role, Helen was an employment law specialist who was Counsel - Employment Law Group, Legal Division at CIBC. Prior to working at CIBC, Helen was Counsel for Venator Group Canada Inc., formerly known as Woolworth Canada Inc.

Headquartered in London, UK, HSBC is one of the largest banking and financial services organizations in the world. HSBC's international network comprises over 9,800 offices in 77 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. HSBC is the largest international Bank operating in Canada.

With over 18 years in the financial services industry as a human resources practitioner, Pat has extensive experience in the design and implementation of a wide range of total rewards programs. Pat has been with HSBC since 2001, developing and implementing programs including sales compensation plans in Canada and the U.S., broad-based incentive plans, flexible benefits, executive, international and expatriate rewards programs. In Pat's current role, she is responsible for managing the Eastern Canada human resources function for HSBC Bank Canada where she is responsible for workforce planning strategies. Prior to joining HSBC, Pat was responsible for domestic and international compensation programs at the RBC Financial Group and Bank of Nova Scotia. In addition, Pat spent several years as a Compensation Consultant with Deloitte and Touche.

As a managing partner of n-gen, Adwoa partners with clients to design and lead strategic human resource initiatives that measurably improve workplace performance. Adwoa's Gen X status allows her to support organizations in understanding the younger generations' motivations both from a research and anecdotal perspective. Adwoa ensures that solutions are designed to meet business goals by working with clients to understand the root cause of performance issues. Past experiences include developing training solutions and leading facilitation sessions in Europe, Asia and North America. As part of n-gen People Performance Inc. Adwoa's analytical approach to helping clients meet their performance objectives means that solutions are strategic in nature, measurable and executed flawlessly. Prior clients have included ING Direct, Industry Canada, Heads of Business Department - Ontario colleges and CPP Investment Board.

Adwoa has a Master's degree in Analytic Philosophy from Dalhousie University.

Anne Haining has been an employee of Statistics Canada for over 25 years. She is an example of a group there that has many members: long-time and loyal employees. HR practices have long been a priority at Statistics Canada but in 2001, Statistics Canada decided to put a new focus on workplace wellness. Anne was chosen as a full-time resource to oversee the activities of the Workplace Wellness Committee. In this position, her role is to promote wellness within the department by exploring and monitoring wellness programs, recommending measurable improvements and practical programs to improve wellness and communicating wellness initiatives to all staff.

Patricia has been involved in workplace wellness in one capacity or another throughout her 18 years at Statistics Canada, whether co-chairing the Divisional Human Resources Committee - where a new initiative that was undertaken was recognized with the honour of Statistics Canada's annual Workplace Wellness Award - or by directly participating in and promoting one of the numerous Statistics Canada's Wellness programs. Her desire for her own work/life balance helps fuel her passion to maximize the opportunities, from a grassroots approach, within the Bureau.

As Director, Organizational and Staff Development, Rosie Parnass leads a team providing training and career development program support to the University community. She works in collaboration with divisional leaders to optimize organizational structure, culture, work environment and group dynamics. As Quality of Work/Life Advisor, Rosie provides leadership on work/life balance policies, procedures, practices and programs. Rosie has over 25 years experience at UofT in a variety of areas including counselling, employee relations, HR, career transition and work/life.

Susan is a Senior Consultant in Telework with Bell, helping clients to implement and review existing telework programs within their organizations. Most recently her focus was in establishing practices and policies with Bell's Real Estate Department in the deployment of an innovative telework option called 'flexSpace" optimizing Bell's real estate and providing employees with more work location choices. Susan has experience and expertise as a remote work specialist and has worked from her home in Richmond Hill since 2000.

Susan brings over 25 years of telecommunications expertise to her clients. She has enjoyed a breadth of experience within BCE including sales, marketing, facilitation, learning consultation and executive development.

Academically, she has completed Business Administration at Ryerson. She has multiple Business Certificates and continues to expand her knowledge and skills through programs and courses in such fields as telework, communication, training and development, consulting, as well as change management.

Susan is a member of the Canadian Telework Association (CTA) and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).

Brian Cassidy is Senior Manager, Health & Safety for Hudson's Bay Company (Hbc).

Hbc, established in 1670, is Canada's largest department store retailer and oldest corporation. The Company provides Canadians with the widest selection of goods and services available through retail channels that include over 550 stores led by the Bay, Zellers and Home Outfitters chains. Hudson's Bay Company employs nearly 70,000 associates and has operations in every province in Canada.

Brian is responsible for Health & Safety Programs and Workers' Compensation for all of Hbc's stores, distribution centres and office locations. His role includes injury prevention, legislative compliance, training and financial reporting. Brian has held his current position for 15 years. Brian maintains an active interest in work-life balance through mental, physical and spiritual well being.