Toronto Public Service Week Challenge of Champions winners

Thank you to everyone who joined in the fun of earning points for their divisions during the annual Challenge of Champions competition! Staff from across the City participated to win the title for their division and take home bragging rights. (Drum roll please…!) This year’s winners are:

Overall points:

1^st Place:       Customer Experience
2^nd Place:      Engineering & Construction Services
3^rd Place:      Strategic Public & Employee Communications

Per capita:

1^st Place:       Finance & Treasury Services
2^nd Place:      Internal Audit
3^rd Place:      City Manager’s Office

 Employee Engagement Survey – Help build a winning culture

The countdown is on to complete the employee engagement survey. This confidential survey is your opportunity to help shape workplace culture at the City while improving your own work experience. Help us reach a meaningful participation rate by having your say at http://haveyoursay2023.worktango.com and sharing your candid feedback about what matters most.

Did you know? Everyone has an important part to play in building a positive workplace culture and a great place to work. Tell us how we’re doing by October 18.

Supports for staff following violence in the Middle East

The news out of the Middle East over the past few days following the horrific attacks against Israel and subsequent counterattacks may be difficult for many staff. Read the City Manager’s message about the City’s response. The City of Toronto stands firmly against terrorism, discrimination, and antisemitism in any form.

It’s important to take care of your mental health and to seek support if you need it. City of Toronto employees and their immediate families can access free, confidential and 24/7 support services through the City’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The City’s new EAP provider, TELUS Health, has a dedicated team of counselors and professionals who are ready to listen, provide guidance, and help you cope with the emotional and psychological toll of the horrific events. Visit the dedicated crisis response web page or call 1-844-751-2133 for immediate and confidential EAP services.

Meeting of support for Jewish staff

The Jewish Staff Network invites City staff who identify as Jewish to a meeting to provide support in light of the horrific events taking place in Israel. The virtual meeting will take place this Friday, October 13 at 10 a.m. via Webex (Meeting Number: 2631 389 9696/Password: nsV92FEVY5v). The Jewish Staff Network is a new Community of Inclusion at the City to enhance the values of the Toronto Public Service as they relate to Jewish staff, including promoting workplace equity and inclusion, educating others and fostering awareness of Jewish culture, religion, significant Jewish holidays, the Holocaust and combatting antisemitism, as well as standing against all other forms of hate. For more information, please contact Ilona.lotto@toronto.ca.

Support and healing session for Muslim Staff – new

The Muslim Staff Network invites City staff who identify as Muslim to a meeting to provide support in light of the devastating human tragedy unfolding in Israel and Gaza. It will serve as a platform for Muslim staff to be heard, acknowledged and supported. This virtual meeting will take place on Friday, October 13 at noon via Webex (Meeting Number: 2631 652 7601; Password: 4nySHTTgW48). Click here to join. The Muslim Staff Network (MSN) is a new Community of Inclusion at the City. Our focus is to provide a supportive space for Muslim staff and allies, to foster understanding and respect, while enhancing personal and professional growth. To learn more, visit Muslim Staff Network on InsideTO or contact msn@toronto.ca.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation: Continue your learning and share your feedback

Thank you to everyone who participated in events honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. If you attended any of these events, either virtually or in-person, please complete this short survey to help improve future events. Recordings of the corporate-wide events from September 28 will be available soon. And thank you for supporting the vendors who were onsite at City Hall – in addition to supporting Indigenous businesses and sharing culture, you helped raise nearly $500 for SickKids Foundation.

As Elders and community members shared with us, it’s important to continue educating ourselves all year round. Many resources are available year-round on the intranet and at toronto.ca/TruthReconciliationDay. Staff are reminded that mandatory training and e-learning courses are required by the Reconciliation Action Plan:

• Equity, Reconciliation and Inclusion 101 (self-guided e-learning series) – must be completed by December 31, 2023 for non-union staff
• Introduction to Indigenous Learning (self-guided e-learning course) – must be completed by December 31, 2023 for non-union staff
• Indigenous Awareness Training (virtual instructor-led training) – must be completed by December 31, 2024 for non-union staff

Translate Toronto.ca into more languages!

Did you know that the City’s website, toronto.ca, can now be translated into 132 languages using Google Translate? This tool can be accessed from all web pages via the Translate button in the blue footer bar at the bottom of the page. It can also be found in the upper right corner on most pages next to the Print and Share buttons.

Learning & Development

Cyber Security Awareness Month: Using strong passwords

Online accounts should always have a unique password. And no matter the account, all passwords should be created with a few cyber best practices in mind. Visit the Cyber Security Awareness Month page to learn more.

Learn about circular procurement

Are you curious about circular procurement, an approach to purchasing products and services that focuses on keeping materials in use for longer? Do you want to learn how to reduce waste and maximize resources through City of Toronto program and service delivery? Then check out the Circular Procurement Curriculum modules on ELI or join us on October 24 at 1 p.m. to learn more about the modules. Register or email Emily.Marmoreo@toronto.ca.  No previous knowledge of circular economy is required.

Events & Days of Significance

World Mental Health Day

Today is World Mental Health Day, in which we spread awareness, education and promote actions to reduce stigma around mental health. Staff are encouraged to attend the World Mental Health Day Event-Living Well with Stress today at 2:30 p.m. Staff can show their support by setting their Webex background to the new “I support Workplace Mental Health” option, located in the virtual backgrounds section of Webex. Access to mental health and wellness resources are available on the City’s website and the intranet, as well as through the Employee Assistance Program.

Calling all music fans for Clamshell Radio!

On Tuesday, October 17 from noon to 12:45 p.m., join City Manager Paul Johnson and Mike Tanner, Manager, Music Sector Development, and other music lovers in the Toronto Public Service, for Clamshell Radio! Chat with fellow music lovers about the latest local artist you’re listening to, or share the shows and venues you’re keen to check out. Plus, don’t miss a Govfest sneak preview with a live musical performance by Matt Bentley from Parks, Forestry & Recreation. Attend in person at City Hall, Council Chamber or watch online.

TOnow presents: Self-Care for Caregivers

Save the date! Join the Toronto Network of Women (TOnow) on Wednesday, October 18 from noon to 1:30 p.m. for a virtual panel discussion on the importance of self-care. The signature wellness event, Self-Care for Caregivers, will touch on strategies to help you prioritize self-care, so you can sustain your own mental health and maintain a healthier balance between your responsibilities and personal needs. Learn more