Virtual Breakfast Forum – Sep 14, 2023
In today’s Virtual Breakfast Forum, we focused on updates from Victoria, Vancouver and Kelowna.
In Victoria, it was reported that it is encouraging to see that demand from customers has risen to nearly pre-pandemic levels, although retention and recruitment are still challenging. We have all tried creative ways to retain staff and are still struggling with certain skill sets. The high cost of living on the island presents challenges to attracting skilled workers. Evaluations are done to determine if workers need to come into the office, and whether or not they can work remotely is based on their role. Having hybrid work opportunities helps to attract a more diverse workforce. Supply chain continues to be an issue on the island.
In Coquitlam, one member shared that the organization had an incident of COVID, tested positive and then 3-4 others phoned in as well. People seem to be more casual about getting vaccines. There are still issues with supply chain, and the team are exhausted trying to get ETA on delivery parts. During a recent hiring process, there was a very positive response, with more applications than expected, and it seems that the demand for higher salaries isn’t as prevalent as before.
The wildfires was the hot topic today, in Kelowna. The fire started on August 15th, on the West Kelowna side. Initially it was up in the hills, but on the 2nd day the wind spread across moutainside, down the back of the mountains and then directed towards the lake. Evacuation orders started, and then the fire jumped 2.5 km over the lake. At its height, there were 35,000 people on evacuation order, and 30,000 people on an evacuation alert. There were 189 structures/homes lost. For workers, this caused a lot of nervous work days, but the community came together to help each other through it. The Tourism industry in Kelowna took a real hit. Kelowna is in a recovery period now, and the trickle down effect is interesting: there is an even further shortage of home or rentals, which impacts recruitment, when trying to bring skilled workers in. The mental health toll has been hard, with days off needed.
It was recommended that employers consider putting together some emergency packs to offer to workers who might be dealing with evacuation orders and may not be able to get home. F.A.S.T Limited was identified as a resource to source emergency kits at many different levels.
Coming down the pipe is an event with KPMG “Private M&A Outlook and Strategies for Success”.EHSCBC Members have been invited to attend, more information and the registration link is included in the regular eblast.
WorkSafeBC has announced changes to occupational first aid, taking place in 2024. Also they are restructuring training on the Bullying and Harassment policy, with more info to come.
We are looking forward to a very well attended Round Table in a few weeks, and our next Virtual Breakfast Forum will be in October, date TBD.
