What SIRC learned in our first month of working from home

Across Canada, the spread of COVID-19 is forcing us to navigate new ways of working, relaxing, and spending time with family and friends. SIRC had been closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation. On March 13, 2020, CEO Debra Gassewitz implemented SIRC’s Pandemic Response Plan, developed to support risk management and SIRC’s obligation as an employer to…

Creating Inclusive Workplaces in Sport and Physical Activity

According to the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability, one in five Canadians (6.2 million) aged 15 years and older experience one or more disabilities that limited them in their daily activities. The Survey also reported that while 59% of working age adults with disabilities are employed, there are significant differences amongst those with mild disabilities…

Crisis Management

Sport organizations across Canada are feeling the impact of COVID-19 with the cancellation of programs and closure of facilities. Following extreme flooding in 2010-2011, community sport organizations in Australia faced a similar dilemma. Key learnings from their experience include 1. Find strength in numbers – continue to nurture relationships, and express gratitude to staff, volunteers…

Workplace Wellness

It’s cold season! According to research from the University of Arizona, commonly touched surfaces, like doorknobs, copy machine buttons and the office refrigerator, quickly become contaminated by sick people in the office. Simple interventions, such as hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer or wipes, can drastically reduce employees’ risk of infection.

Active Commuting

An analysis of 12 years of motor vehicle/bicycle crash data revealed that the motorist’s speed was the most important variable in whether a cyclist was seriously injured or not. At 60 km/h, 27% of cyclists suffered a severe or catastrophic injury during a collision. However, at 30 km/h, this risk was reduced to less than…

National Addictions Awareness Week 2019

With 1 in 10 Canadians experiencing substance use disorders, it is likely that a team member or colleague might experience or be affected by the misuse of substances. Unfortunately, stigmatizing language can prevent people from seeking help. Learn more about National Addictions Awareness Week and download the new “Overcoming Stigma Through Language” resource on the…

Volunteer Recruitment at AWG 2020

The 2020 Arctic Winter Games Host Society will rely on 1,800 volunteers for the successful delivery of the Games in Whitehorse. Learn about the importance of employer leave policies, community presentations and volunteer fairs as recruitment strategies in the SIRC blog.

Volunteer Recruitment at the 2020 Arctic Winter Games

This is the third blog of a series leading up to the 2020 Arctic Winter Games that will be hosted by Whitehorse, YT March 15-21, 2020. Check out the first blog, about the development of the Games; and the second about the incorporation of reconciliation in the Games. The Yukon might be large in size (the territory…

Unconscious Bias – Infographic

Unconscious biases are learned stereotypes that are automatic, unintentional, deeply engrained, and able to influence behavior. Within sport organizations, these biases can negatively impact diversity amongst staff and volunteers by undermining recruitment and retention strategies, and employee development. This infographic from Catalyst provides steps to combat unconscious bias as a leader in your organization.

Contagious Stress

While many professionals look forward to summer as a time for relaxation, for many in the sport sector, work demands are heating up! As stress levels increase, leaders and staff alike can take steps to ensure their stress isn’t “contagious.” These include pinpointing your true stressors, changing your reaction to the workload, creating pockets of…