HR info RH Bulletin

Update to application of Leave with Pay for Other Reasons (699)

The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's Chief Human Resources Officer recently provided updated guidance on the use of Leave with Pay for Other Reasons (699) in effect since November 9, 2020. Details of the guidance are located in the "If you need to take time off because of COVID-19" section of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Employee illness and leave site.

As a result, the Practical Guide for Managers - Use of Leave with Pay for Other Reasons (699) has been updated to reflect the new guidance. The guide provides valuable information on the application of 699 leave, and includes speaking points for managers. Other tools and resources will soon be available and Lunch and Learn sessions will resume.

Managers should continue to be sensitive to personal circumstances employees face during the COVID-19 pandemic, and must continue to discuss the impact these circumstances may have on their ability to work.

Questions

Managers should contact Labour Relations via the Human Resources Service Centre prior to approving, denying, and continuing to approve Leave with Pay for Other Reasons (699), or should they have any other questions/concerns on this matter.

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Lunch and Learn with ESDC's Labour Relations

Join a Lunch and Learn with ESDC's Labour Relations on the updated Leave with Pay for Other Reasons (699) guidelines that came into effect as of November 9, 2020.

The Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat's Chief Human Resources Officer has recently provided updated guidance on the application of Leave with Pay for Other Reasons (699). The Lunch and Learn sessions will help inform whether this type of leave is appropriate based on an employee's individual circumstances.

The following topics will be discussed during the session:

• What are the changes in the application of 699 leave?
• In what circumstances does 699 leave apply?
• What are management responsibilities and obligations in regards to the use of 699 leave?
• What other leave options are available/appropriate when 699 leave does not apply?

If you have managerial responsibilities, the upcoming COVID-19 – Leave with Pay for Other Reasons (699): Moving forward Lunch and Learn sessions have been designed with your needs in mind.

The sessions will be offered from November 17 to December 17. Interested participants can register for a session through SABA.

Managers are encouraged to contact Labour Relations via the Human Resources Service Centre should they have any questions about Leave with Pay for Other Reasons (699).

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Updated Labour Relations Resources to Help Guide You

Managers seeking helpful information and tools to assist in supporting and managing their employees will now be able to quickly and easily access services (including, union-management relations, performance management, probation, discipline, etc.) on the recently updated Labour Relations page.

We will continue to review and update the content on this page, and encourage you to consult it regularly for the most up to date resources.

Managers should contact Labour Relations via the Human Resources Service Centre should they have any questions or concerns that require advice and guidance.

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Second Language Evaluation Options at ESDC

In March 2020, the Public Service Commission (PSC) put in place temporary measures to provide organizations with flexibility in relation to the assessment of second language qualifications in the context of COVID-19.

• PSC temporary measure: Exemption from the requirement to use PSC Second Language Evaluation (SLE) tests, and the use of alternate tests.
  • ESDC's response: ESDC implemented this PSC measure by creating standardized "in-house'' SLE tests to assess reading comprehension and written expression.
• PSC temporary measure: Extension of the validity period of expired SLE results.
  • SLE results that are more than five years old are valid for appointment/deployment to a position requiring a proficiency equal to or lower than the person's SLE test results.
  • For all appointments/deployments over 12 months, second language results must be confirmed with PSC SLE tests within 24 months of the appointment/deployment.

The PSC recently announced its decision to extend the aforementioned SLE temporary measures until March 31, 2021.

To assist departments in filling bilingual positions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the PSC also released three tests for assessing second language remotely.

• The PSC's unsupervised tests of reading comprehension and written expression, which are administered online, without supervision, allow candidates to be assessed from home. At this time, these tests are only available for new job advertisements posted on GC Jobs.
• The PSC's second language interviews have temporarily replaced the traditional SLE Test of Oral Proficiency.

Sub-delegated managers can find out more about SLE options currently available at ESDC by consulting the Reference Chart available on iService.

For further questions related to these temporary measures, managers are encouraged to contact their HR Staffing Advisor via the Human Resources Service Centre.

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Mental Health Resources during Movember

Movember is the month when men put aside their razors and let their mustaches grow to shine a light on health, healthy habits and lifestyles in Canada.

According to the Canadian Men's Health Foundation (CMHF), the statistics around men's health are alarming. Two-thirds of Canadian men are overweight or obese, nearly half are inactive and many of them engage in unhealthy choices that can lead to severe health problems.

Unfortunately, the health issues men face have been exacerbated throughout the pandemic, especially when it comes to their mental health. While men experience similar levels of mental health disorders as women, research tells us that men do not focus on their own wellbeing and are less likely to ask for help. Although we may not all be impacted directly by mental health issues, we may notice that our partner, parent, sibling, child, friend, or colleague is struggling.

Take time this month to learn about the changes you can make for yourself and how you can support the people in your life. Start by consulting the My Wellbeing: Guide An Employee Guide During COVID-19, by reading articles such as New men's health studies reveal COVID silver lining: Stronger father-child connections, and by participating in one or more of the upcoming live sessions:

• November 26: Guest Speaker – Joshua Alcor (Understanding Substance Use) (English session)
• November 27: Guest Speaker – Les Escobar (Mental Health for men and families in the COVID-19 era) (Bilingual session)
• December 1st: An introduction to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (French session)
• December 16: An introduction to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) (English session)

If you or your family members would like further support, please remember that the EAP is a free and confidential counselling service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call 1-800-268-7708. Immediate assistance to all Indigenous Peoples across Canada is also available through the Hope Listening Well-Being Line at 1-855-242-3310.

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ESDC is one of Canada's Top Employers

It is with great pride that we announce that ESDC has been named as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for the 2nd year in a row. This national competition recognizes employers from across Canada that offer exceptional workplaces for their employees. This recognition reflects what we, as a department, have worked so hard to be: a safe, respectful, diverse, and innovative workplace that retains and supports employees, and attracts new talent.

Mostly though, this award recognizes the passion and commitment of our employees and the care they put into their work on a day-to-day basis. This was especially true over the past year as we found ourselves at the forefront of the Government of Canada's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The dedication, creativity and diverse talents of our employees are the real reason ESDC won this award, and why we are seen as one of the best places to work in Canada.

The award was announced publically in a special magazine feature in the Globe and Mail on November 13, 2020. In the coming weeks, you will be able to access some creative tools and methods that will allow you to demonstrate your pride as ESDC employees! These products will be shared with you using a variety of channels. We encourage you to take full advantage of all celebratory activities. This is your award!

Congratulations to all of you on this important achievement!

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Participate in the Pulse Survey on employee wellbeing

Our Deputy Ministers recently launched the latest Employee Pulse Survey. This time, the survey is about employee mental health and wellbeing.

This survey is short, concise, and like previous Pulse Surveys, it gives you a voice on important issues in our organization.

Your opinion matters! Fill out the survey before it closes on November 27, 2020. It will only take a few minutes to complete and it is confidential. Note that the link is available outside the ESDC network.

For help with any technical issues in completing the survey, please contact the Human Resources Services Branch's Employee Survey Team.

For more resources and supports on mental health and employee wellbeing, please visit the Workplace Mental Health page.

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