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7 Ways to Fight Work Place Stress

Have you recently started working? Are you now feeling stressed about everything you have to do at work, or keeping your job? Work is hard sometimes, but there are many ways to cope. Below are some tips on stress management in the workplace.

  1. Talk to someone

    Your family and friends, your co-workers or even a job coach – talking about your stress can be really helpful. Even talking to your boss can help you feel better.

  2. Eat something and make sure you stay hydrated!

    It might sound obvious, but skipping meals and not drinking enough water can put a lot of pressure on our bodies – and in turn put us in a bad mood. Bring a reusable bottle of water and a snack to work or keep a few non-perishable snacks in your locker or bag just in case.

  3. Workplace Activities

    Take part in various workplace activities – dances, baseball games, holiday parties etc. This will give you a chance to blow off steam and get to know your co-workers a little better.

  4. Take a Moment to Relax

    When you feel overwhelmed, take a mini-break to stretch, breathe deep, or roll your head.

  5. Reminders

    Keep photos handy of loved ones, vacations or hobbies that you enjoy outside of work. These will be reminders that while your day might be stressful, it will be over soon enough.

  6. Take advantage of your break times

    Breaks are important – they give you a chance to recharge. Try to plan ahead to have something to eat (rather than walking around trying to find something). Sit and relax if you are on your feet a lot or go outside if you are in the same place. Do something different.

  7. Be organized

    A lot of stress at work can be avoided if we become more organized. Start wearing a watch so you know what time it is. Get your lunch and clothes ready the night before work so that you have more time in the morning to get ready (and therefore aren’t rushing to be on time). Plan your travel time – if you know it takes you 30 minutes to get there, give yourself 45 or even 60. If you aren’t rushed it will go a long way to ensuring you are on top of your duties.

10 Characteristics of Valued Employees

Are you new to the workforce? Do you not have a lot of work experience? Do you wonder, “What do I possibly have to offer an employer”?

If you were to do an online search for the most valuable employee character traits, you’d see that some of the top things employers are looking for are related to your personality. In other words, things you have total control over!

Here are some examples of important traits employers look for:

  1. Being dependable
  2. Carefully following instructions
  3. Managing time and materials efficiently
  4. Positive attitude/Getting along with a variety of people
  5. Maintaining good health
  6. Being on time
  7. Being flexible to try new things or working different hours
  8. Being loyal to the employer
  9. Working as a team member
  10. Be neat and clean in appearance

So the next time you think you don’t have anything to offer an employer – THINK AGAIN

While diplomas and experience might be required for some jobs, being a good employee means so much more. Many employers just want someone who will take the job seriously and try their best. Going for a job interview? Make sure you reference the points above as being some of your key strengths. The result might surprise you.

12 Ways to Be A Great Employee (and Keep Earning Money!!)

You have a new job – great! But this doesn’t mean that it’s time to sit back, relax and collect a paycheck. Your boss isn’t going to pay you to just show up! It is very important that you continue to be a good employee if you want to keep your job – and keep earning more money.

  1. Put your phone away, while at work

    Put it away in your locker or turn it off (not just on vibrate) when you are working. Phones are distracting and being on your phone at work looks unprofessional – even if you are just checking it for the time.

  2. ALWAYS be on time

    Don’t just try to be on time for your first day – you need to be on time EVERY day. Even from your breaks. Get a watch to help you (after all, your phone should be put away or turned off)

  3. Be mindful of taking time off

    The first three months are in a job are very important. This is the time you make a long lasting impression on the boss and your co-workers. Missing work during this time looks bad! Sure, some bosses will be flexible – but not forever. Do you want to keep making money? Make it your goal to not miss one day of work in your first three months.

  4. Your second job is to make life easier for your boss and co-workers

    The best way to make sure you keep your job is to try to keep the people around you happy. If you can make their jobs easier you will guarantee no one will want to see you get fired. If you aren’t too busy, ask a co-worker if you can help them with anything. And if you are busy, keep the people around you in mind while you work. Odds are you can do your job in such a way that it will help others.

  5. If you are going to be late or absent – call!

    So you absolutely have to miss a day of work. Or you run into issues getting to work and are now going to be late. If you can’t avoid being late or missing a day then you have to call. No exceptions. It might be awkward for you but the employer needs to know you are going to be away – even if just for half an hour. And please, don’t get your parents or friends to call in for you. This is your job and you need to take responsibility for your actions.

  6. Ask questions

    It’s a good idea to ask a lot of question during your first few weeks of work. However, if you find you are asking a lot of the same questions, keep a small note book handy and write the most important things down.

  7. Don’t arrange appointments during work hours

    Know your schedule in advance and plan accordingly. Let the doctor know your schedule – don’t just take the appointment they suggest. If necessary, find a new specialist that can meet your scheduling needs. Missing work for medical or dental appointments is not appropriate.

  8. Be neat and clean

    Appearances are important. Take care of yourself – stay neat and clean at all times. If you have a uniform, make sure it gets washed after every shift. It is uncomfortable to talk to people you don’t know well about hygiene, but if you are not maintaining a neat and clean appearance then your boss will talk to you. How embarrassing!

  9. Personal problems stay at home

    Broke up with your boyfriend? Had a fight with you dad? Having trouble paying your rent? It can be difficult to let go of the things going on in your daily life – but you have to find a way. When you are at work you need to focus on work. Telling co-workers your personal problems will make them uncomfortable. And especially don’t share your personal life with customers!

  10. Have a good attitude and be flexible

    If your boss is asking you to do new things – don’t say no (unless it puts your personal safety at risk of course). Odds are they are trying to get you to do new things because they trust you. And if they need you to come in on your day off, or stay a little late, that’s ok! It means more money for you and will show them you are a team player.

  11. Choose your friends carefully

    Make sure the people you hang around with at work don’t influence your performance on the job. If your friends take longer breaks or talk back to the boss, don’t follow their example. Odds are they won’t be working there much longer.

  12. Safety first, speed second

    Learn how to do the job safely, and then work on your speed. The person next to you might do things twice as fast, but they have probably had a lot longer to practice. You will get there eventually – hurting yourself on the job won’t benefit anyone.

DSTO Information Fair 2016

dsto-infofair2016-02377

These presentations were recorded at the 11th annual DSTO Information Fair.

Developmental Services in Toronto (DSO TR): An Overview

Be Informed. Be Involved. Be Engaged.

The Toronto Partnership – Developmental Services Toronto (dsto): Orientation Session

Inclusive Service Delivery

Diversity is our reality but inclusion is a conscious choice that we must make to ensure that every person feels welcome and accepted. When people feel included they participate, contribute and express themselves safely and freely. Diversity makes us better and stronger when we know how to tap into its potential.

Below is a collection of useful links and resources to deepen our understanding of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in order to better serve diverse individuals and communities.

This is a growing list that we will continue to update and expand. Do you have resources to recommend? Please send them to us and we will add them to the toolkit!

EXPLORING THE ISSUES

  • Ontario Ministry of Indigenous Affair: Working to ensure a better future for First Nations, Inuit and Métis people: Link
  • Aboriginal Peoples in Canada: First Nations People, Métis and Inuit: Link
  • Facts about the gap between First Nations and the rest of Canada: Link
  • Toronto Aboriginal Research Project Report 2012 Link
  • First Peoples, Second Class Treatment: The role of racism in the health and well-being of Indigenous peoples in Canada Link
  • What is Reconciliation? Video: Link

PROMOTING EQUITY AND INCLUSION

  • Download or order free copies of Ontario First Nations Map: Link
  • Learn about Reconciliation: Link
  • Facilitate activities about Reconciliation with Educators Action Toolkit from KAIROS (2015) Link
  • Read the 94 Calls to Actions by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (2015): Link
  • Support indigenous health strategy: Link

CONNECTING TO RESOURCES

  • 211 Toronto Directory
    www.211toronto.ca or Dial 211 to find Aboriginal services
  • First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada (publishes a bi-annual journal dedicated to interdisciplinary research honouring the voices, perspectives and knowledges of First Peoples) Link
  • List of Aboriginal Community Resources: Link

EXPLORING THE ISSUES

  • Generations in Canada – Statistics Canada Report: Link
  • Government of Canada — Action for Seniors report Link
  • What is Ageism? Link
  • Ageism Hurts: Link
  • OHRC Age Discrimination Brochure: Link

PROMOTING EQUITY & INCLUSION

  • Promote human rights for older Ontarians: Link

CONNECTING TO RESOURCES

  • 211 Toronto Directory
    www.211toronto.ca or Dial 211 to find services specific to age groups (e.g. youth, seniors)
  • Canadian Women’s Foundation: Link
  • Older Women’s Network: Link

EXPLORING THE ISSUES

  • What is Deaf Culture? Link
  • What is Audism? Link
  • Statistics on Deaf Canadians
    Link

PROMOTING EQUITY AND INCLUSION

  • “Crack the Audism” documentary video: Link
  • Kid’s ASL Dictionary Link

CONNECTING TO RESOURCES

  • 211 Toronto Directory: http://www.211toronto.ca or Dial 211 to find services specific to deaf people and needs
  • American Sign Language version of Disability benefits in Ontario: Who can get them and how to apply is now available. Link
  • Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf: Link
  • Canadian Association of the Deaf: Link
  • Deaf Culture Centre: Link

EXPLORING THE ISSUES

  • Understanding the Social Model of Disability: Link
  • Language and Disability by By Sharon Wachsler: Link

PROMOTING EQUITY AND INCLUSION

  • Adopt plain language guidelines: Link
  • Browse collection of accessibility resources by the Ontario Nonprofit Network: Link
  • Evaluate your policies through the mental health inclusion lens with Enabling Minds Policy Review Tool: Link
  • Learn the “Dos” and “Don’ts” of interacting with people with disabilities from People First: Link
  • Replace jargon with simple words at Plainlanguage.gov: Link
  • Use the right language when writing about disability: Link

CONNECTING TO RESOURCES

  • 211 Toronto Directory: http://www.211toronto.ca or Dial 211 to find services specific to deaf people and needs
  • AODA Alliance: Link
  • Collection of Accessibility Resources by the Ontario Nonprofit Network Link
  • Disabled Parenting Project – online forum and resource library: Link
  • Toronto Disability Pride: Link

UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUES

  • Ethnocultural Diversity in Toronto – profile: Link
  • Addressing Racism in Toronto: Addressing Racism Experienced by Somali Canadians and Racialized LGBTQ Homeless Youth in Toronto Link
  • Uncovering the impact of racial discrimination on health: Link
  • Disability, Culture and Service Engagement Among Chinese, Somali and Tamil Communities in Toronto. The Roeher Institute (2004)

PROMOTING EQUITY & INCLUSION

  • Become aware of intersectionality with Kay Ulanday Barrett and #RaceAnd project: Link
  • Deepen your awareness of race issues with resources by The Kirwan Institute: Link
  • Develop cultural and diversity competence with training and online resources: Link
  • Invite a speaker from Passages Canada: Link
  • Learn about Asian history in Canada Link
  • Manage Unconscious Bias with training resource by Facebook: Link
  • Order Multicultural Calendar for your office: Link

CONNECTING TO RESOURCES

  • 211 Toronto Directory: http://www.211toronto.ca or Dial 211 to find services specific to deaf people and needs
  • Across Boundaries: An Ethnoracial Mental Health Centre: Link
  • Ethno-Racial People with Disabilities Coalition of Ontario (ERDCO): Link

UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUES

  • Campaigns on issues affecting women and girls, including poverty, housing, violence against women and childcare: Link
  • Measuring Violence Against Women: Statistical Trends – Key Findings: Link

PROMOTING EQUITY & INCLUSION

  • Download free posters and images promoting gender equality by the Canadian Women’s Foundation: Link
  • Use gender-neutral language: Link
  • Handbook on Sensitive Practice for Health Professionals: Lessons from Women Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse | Health Canada, 2011. Link

CONNECTING TO RESOURCES

  • 211 Toronto Directory: https://www.211toronto.ca or Dial 211 to find services specific to deaf people and needs
  • Canadian Women’s Foundation: Link
  • DAWN – Disabled Women’s Network Ontario: Link
  • Older Women’s Network: Link
  • YWCA Toronto – services and advocacy: Link
  • YWCA Canada – advocacy: Link

EXPLORING THE ISSUES

  • Diversity in Toronto: A Community Profile: Link
  • Immigration and Cultural Diversity – Statistics Canada Report: Link
  • Ethno-Racial Groups in Toronto, 1971-2011: A Demographic and Socio-Economic Profile: Link
  • Barriers to Health Service Utilization by Immigrant Families Raising a Disabled Child: Unmet Needs and the Role of Discrimination (2011): Link
  • Accessing community programs and services for non-status immigrants in Toronto: Organizational challenges and responses – Social Planning Toronto (2013): Link

PROMOTING EQUITY & INCLUSION

  • Engaging Syrian Refugees – taped workshop by Toronto South LIP and CCVT: Link
  • OCASI Positive Spaces toolkit and training for service providers Link
  • Removing the “Canadian Experience” Barrier: Link
  • Supporting Newcomers with Disabilities Source: AMSAA: Link

CONNECTING TO RESOURCES

  • 211 Toronto Directory: https://www.211toronto.ca or Dial 211 to find services specific to deaf people and needs
  • Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services: Link
  • Across Boundaries – ethnocultural/ethno-racial mental health services, serving people with precarious status Link
  • CERIS (Centre of Excellence for Research on Immigration and Settlement) Link
  • CultureLink Settlement Services: Link
  • OCASI (Ontario Council of Agencies Serving Immigrants): Link
  • Information, resources, statistics, news and links about refugee programs, policy and trends in Canada: Link
  • SettlementAtWork.org – Online library of resources, documents, events and workshops related to settlement and immigration: Link
  • Toronto Refugee Resettlement Program: Link
  • Trauma-informed approach and trauma-specific interventions | Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Link
  • TRIEC (Toronto Regional Immigrant Employment Council) Link

EXPLORING THE ISSUES

  • Languages in Toronto – stats by the City of Toronto: Link
  • Linguistic Characteristics of Canadians – report by Statistics Canada: Link
  • A Primer on Accent Discrimination in the Canadian Context, Munro (2003): Link

PROMOTING EQUITY & INCLUSION

  • Learn about human rights and discrimination related to language: Link

CONNECTING TO RESOURCES

  • 211 Toronto Directory: http://www.211toronto.ca or Dial 211 to find services specific to deaf people and needs
  • Deaf Culture Centre (ASL, LSQ, English and French): Link
  • Endangered Language Alliance Toronto Link
  • In My Language – information about services in Ontario in multiple languages: Link

EXPLORING THE ISSUES

  • What is Neurodiversity? Link
  • Educating a neurodiverse world – TEDx Talk by Brian Kinghorn: Link
  • The Forgotten Story of Autism – TED Talk by Steve Silberman: Link

PROMOTING EQUITY & INCLUSION

  • Autism: See the Potential – Video: Link
  • Autism Awareness Month: Why not be inclusive, instead of ‘aware’? Link

CONNECTING TO RESOURCES

  • 211 Toronto Directory: https://www.211toronto.ca or Dial 211 to find services specific to deaf people and needs
  • Autism Ontario: Link
  • Developmental Services Ontario: Link
  • NeuroTribes – book and resources by Steve Silberman: Link

EXPLORING THE ISSUES

  • Demographics of Toronto: Link
  • Religion – stats and reports by Statistics Canada: Link
  • Antisemitism – definition: Link
  • Hinduism in Canada: Link
  • Islamophobia – definition: Link
  • Islamophobia in Canada: Link
  • Sikhism in Canada: Link

PROMOTING EQUTY & INCLUSION

  • Accommodate religious needs in the workplace: Link
  • Create a multifaith room in our agency: Link
  • Invite a speaker from Passages Canada: Link
  • Learn about world religions and their scriptures with a free online course from Harvard University: Link
  • Use “The Golden Rule” posters and resources to promote inter-faith inclusion: Link
  • An Employer’s Guide to Islamic Religious Practices Link

CONNECTING TO RESOURCES

  • 211 Toronto Directory: https://www.211toronto.ca or Dial 211 to find services specific to deaf people and needs
  • Canadian Associations of Muslims with Disabilities (CAM-D) Link
  • Faith and Culture Inclusion Network: Link
  • Scarboro Missions Interfaith Resources: Link

UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUES

  • Backgrounder on Gender Diversity: Link
  • Glossary of Terms from Rainbow Health Ontario: Link
  • Gender and Sexual Diversity Learning Module: Link
  • On My Planet – archive of LGBTQ stories: Link

PROMOTING EQUITY & INCLUSION

    • Download free Positive Space posters: Link
    • OCASI Positive Spaces toolkit and training for service providers: Link
  • Out and Proud Program Link
  • The International Day of Pink: Link
  • International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia: Link

CONNECTING TO RESOURCES

  • 211 Toronto Directory: https://www.211toronto.ca or Dial 211 to find services specific to deaf people and needs
  • Egale – organization fighting for “Equality for Gays And Lesbians Everywhere” and Trans rights: Link
  • LGBT Youtline – anonymous help and support line: Link
  • Out and Proud Program Link
  • Ontario Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (ORAD): Link
  • PFLAG (Parents, families, friends & allies of Toronto’s LGBTQ* community): Link
  • Rainbow Health Ontario: Link
  • Sherbourne Health Centre – LGBTQ Health: Link
  • Supporting Your Youth: Link
  • The 519 Church Street Community Centre: Link

UNDERSTANDING THE ISSUES

  • Poverty in Toronto: Link
  • Ethno-Racial Groups in Toronto, 1971-2001: A Demographic and Socio-Economic Profile (2006): Link
  • Growing Gap, Growing Concerns: Canadian Attitudes Toward Income Inequality (2006): Link

PROMOTING EQUITY & INCLUSION

  • Ontario Coalition Against Poverty: Link
  • Upstream – resources and advocacy promoting social equity: Link

CONNECTING TO RESOURCES

  • 211 Toronto Directory: https://www.211toronto.ca or Dial 211 to find services specific to deaf people and needs
  • Income Security Advocacy Centre (ISAC): Link
  • Wellesley Institute: Link

Sexuality, Relationships, Rights and Advocacy

Recorded at a Transition Planning training forum put on by The Toronto Networks of Specialized Care in partnership with the DSTO Shared Learning Forum and ConnectABILITY.ca This is one of 9 videos that were recorded during a 3 part Certificate Series for direct support professional’s to help meet the complex needs related to Transition Planning.

Presenters: Jennifer Paterson, Deanna Djos

Transition Planning Training – 2016

A three part series for direct support professional’s to help meet the complex needs related to transition planning

This training will provide participants with knowledge and skills to better prepare individuals with a developmental disability and those who support them to move through these transitions with confidence and with the resources they need. The series will also include information on supporting a system of seamless planning and implementation, as well as unique issues for different transitions (e.g., youth to adult, adult to aging, environment changes).


Day 1: Youth Transitions

Presentations:

Transition Practices: Transitioning Out of High School
Young Adult Health Transitions – Primary Care, Community Resources and Care Planning
Transition Planning: You’re 18 and You have Rights

Handouts:


Day 2: Adult Transitions

Presentations

Transition Planning in a Community Context: An Introduction to the CAIR Program
Sexuality, Relationships, Rights and Advocacy
Introduction to Person Directed Planning

Handouts:


Day 3: Aging Transitions

Presentations

After 65, You Still Have Rights
Grief and Bereavement for Persons with Developmental Disabilities who are Aging
Developmental Disabilities, Aging, Supports & Resources

Handouts:

Developmental Disabilities, Aging, Supports and Services

Recorded at a Transition Planning training forum put on by The Toronto Networks of Specialized Care in partnership with the DSTO Shared Learning Forum and ConnectABILITY.ca This is one of 9 videos that were recorded during a 3 part Certificate Series for direct support professional’s to help meet the complex needs related to Transition Planning.

Presenters: Angela Gonzales, Lindsay Wingham-Smith

Grief and Bereavement for Persons with Developmental Disabilities who are Aging

Recorded at a Transition Planning training forum put on by The Toronto Networks of Specialized Care in partnership with the DSTO Shared Learning Forum and ConnectABILITY.ca This is one of 9 videos that were recorded during a 3 part Certificate Series for direct support professional’s to help meet the complex needs related to Transition Planning.

Presenters: John Guido

After 65, You Still Have Rights

Recorded at a Transition Planning training forum put on by The Toronto Networks of Specialized Care in partnership with the DSTO Shared Learning Forum and ConnectABILITY.ca This is one of 9 videos that were recorded during a 3 part Certificate Series for direct support professional’s to help meet the complex needs related to Transition Planning.

Presenters: Sue Hutton, Peter Park