Workplace Assessment Office - FAQ

  • Who can contact us?

    ESDC management team, employees, work teams and human resource partners.

  • When should you contact us?

    Our unit is here to respond in the following situations, among others:

    • a deterioration in the workplace due to multiple problems (e.g. unresolved interpersonal conflict, lack of trust, incivility, negativity, gossip, or employees gathering into cliques or isolating);
    • human resource instability (e.g. high turnover, absenteeism or presenteeism);
    • one or more formal or informal complaints brought to the attention of management;
    • an investigation into a newly filed complaint;
    • the presence of a work culture that negatively impacts the health of individuals; or
    • a need to correct specific problematic situations in a work team.

    We assess each situation and determine whether our involvement is justified. If necessary, we will look after referring you to the appropriate resource.

  • What do we actually do?
    • We use various mechanisms to collect information to assess the health of the work environment.
    • We evaluate and offer strategic and other advice to resolve identified issues.
    • We act as strategic partners by liaising with all HR partners (one-stop-shop).
    • We develop strategic plans and/or a structured framework adapted to resolve the identified issues;
    • We regularly follow up with the parties involved regarding the progress of plans underway and the health of the workplace.
    • We evaluate the results and effectiveness of the services provided and make adjustments as needed.
    • We act as a neutral point of contact for all employees.
  • How do I get a consultation?

    You can simply email us our generic email address at: edsc.dgsrh.ceh.rest-rest.hce.hrsb.esdc@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca and an advisor will respond within 48 hours for an initial consultation.

    Managers also have the option of sending a request through the Human Resources Service Centre.

  • Do I need to be directly involved in a situation to call on your services?

    Not at all. You can call on us if you simply witness or have thoughts about aspects of your work environment that require adjustments. Following the initial information gathering, we will determine what type of intervention may be necessary, if any.

  • What are the implications of reaching out to our team?

    Your involvement depends on the nature of the issues and your role in the situation reported. To promote the success of the workplace assessment process, we encourage the proactive and constructive participation of everyone concerned.

  • Are the services confidential?

    Confidentiality related to sharing concerns, issues and conflicts is generally protected. However, if your safety or that of another person is at stake, we must take the necessary steps, and the principle of confidentiality cannot be maintained. Also, depending on the unique circumstances of each situation and the employer’s obligations to ensure a healthy, safe and respectful workplace, we may have to disclose confidential information.

  • Is it possible to remain anonymous?

    Yes. However, if you want the employer to be able to explore a set of solutions adapted to the situation reported, you must be prepared to provide sufficient details.

  • What distinguishes us from other human resource partners?

    Our team differentiates itself by evaluating and restoring work environments using multi-level interventions. We also liaise with all human resources partners using a one-stop-shop principle for our clients and act as a neutral point of contact for all employees.

  • Who are our partners?

    The following is a list of our key human resource partners:

  • Who else can help me if I encounter an issue at work?

    Depending on the issue, you can also ask for help by contacting the following resources:

  • What other resources are available?

    The following is a list of additional resources available to you:

    The College@ESDC (Saba) and the Canada School of Public Service (GCCampus) also offer a variety of courses that provide tools for creating and maintaining a healthy workplace, such as team building, dealing with difficult personalities, improving communication, conflict resolution, etc.