NORTHERN COMMUNICATIONS:
EMPLOYEE SUGGESTIONS
Total Suggestions Received to Date
Total Resolutions To Date
Humidifier - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: April 5, 2020
Suggestion:
Dear Management,
I would have a suggestion that could be beneficial to all calltakers and supervisors in the station. Can we have a dehumidifier placed in the station? The station is very dry and muggy and causes many calltakers and supervisors to cough, sneeze, runny eyes and drink a lot of water. Thank you!
Status: RESOLVED
Management Response Date: April 6, 2021
Management Response: We had a humidifier in the past but it became an issue with cleaning it and filling it with water. After a short period of time nobody was using it anymore. Also I am unsure if it would be beneficial to have during the pandemic. What if the person handling it has covid? With our past attempt at implementing this, plus concerns with covid, we are not moving forward with this.
Doctors Referral/Osteopath Benefit Addition - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: December 1, 2020
Suggestion: Regarding our benefits through RBC is it possible to look into removing the requirement for Doctors referrals for paramedical services and brace’s as we sit for long periods of time and require the services to readjust our posture and muscles as well as looking into adding osteopath into the paramedical services as it is a less abrasive of a procedure.
Status: RESOLVED
Management Response Date: 12/01/2020
Management Response: The new benefit plan is structured by RBC Insurance in a way that doctor referrals for paramedical services are requirements, with this we are unable to change our benefit providers processes to accommodate this request.
Pizza Day - WAITING REVIEW
Date Submitted: September 25, 2020
Suggestion:
Pizza day: plus funds that are raised over the costs can go to charity. This would improve team morale and our community involvement.
Status: WAITING REVIEW
Management Response Date: TBD
Management Response: TBD
Separate Admin Area - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: October 9, 2020
Suggestion:
To have a separate area for admin: it would benefit the team by improving the morale; giving them a better team dynamic, allowing us to be able to discuss issues amongst our team freely. For example moving the admin team into the sales office.
Status: RESOLVED
Management Response Date: 11/02/2020
Management Response: Management has decided not to move forward with this suggestion.
Water Cooler - WAITING REVIEW
Date Submitted: November 2, 2020
Suggestion:
Wondering if it would be possible to have a water cooler set up somewhere on the main floor of the building (maybe in Data Entry or in the hallway just outside of the ESR room)? I think staff would really appreciate that so that if we needed to have a quick drink of water or fill up our water bottles during our shift, we could do that without having to go downstairs to the new lunch room. Just an idea, thanks for considering!
Status: WAITING REVIEW
Management Response Date: TBD
Management Response: TBD
Benefits Referral Process - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: October 23, 2020
Suggestion:
Adjustment of referral process for paramedical based benefits, such as chiro, physio & Massage due to the nature of our work; such as sitting for extensive periods.
Status: RESOLVED
Management Response Date: 10/27/2020
Management Response: The new benefit plan is structured by RBC Insurance in a way that doctor referrals for paramedical services are requirements, with this we are unable to change our benefit providers processes to accommodate this request.
Data Entry Door - IN PROGRESS
Date Submitted: March 10, 2020
Suggestion:
Please replace the door going into Data Entry with a door that has glass/window so we can see who is coming/going.
Status: IN PROGRESS
Management Response Date: TBD
Management Response:
Amanda Legault to re-investigate the cost to have the door replaced. An update will be provided once available. There will be delays to receive a quote due to COVID-19
Signs on Fridges - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: March 3, 2020
Suggestion: Since the fridges have cleaning days, we should name each fridge after its day. With signage that also means less confusion when staff share food.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: March 10, 2020
Management Response:
Each fridge has been clearly labelled with the individual date that they will be cleaned.
More Staff Bathrooms - ON HOLD
Date Submitted: March 10, 2020
Suggestion:
I believe we should find a way to provide more bathrooms for staff. I have personally waited hours (checking every 30min or so) without finding an open bathroom. I believe call-takers may be running into this issue as well which may cause them to be late or waste their break waiting for a bathroom.
Status: ON HOLD
Management Response Date: March 10, 2020
Management Response:
Phase 1: We are currently starting a large renovation project in the basement to move the main floor kitchen downstairs with a lounge. Once this is complete, we will proceed with
Phase 2: converting the current main floor lunchroom and quiet room into office space. The goal after this is complete is to move onto
Phase 3: converting an existing office on the main floor into two bathrooms.
UPDATE May 12, 2020: No construction happening now and it is unclear if the project will move ahead at this time. Will provide an update once it is available.
Add Lighting Behind Alder Hall - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: December 5, 2019
Suggestion:
Put lights in back parking lot behind Alder Hall. It is very dark in the winter & potentially dangerous
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: March 10, 2020
Management Response:
A motion solar light was purchased & installed in the back parking lot in July 2019. Due to this suggestion, it appears the batteries are no longer working or the solar motion light is broken. I have forwarded this request to the Maintenance Department to have it rectified. For any further updates on this, please see our Building Maintenance Manager, Laura Stewart.
Air Quality Test in Station - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: January 10, 2020
Suggestion:
Conduct an air quality test in the station.
Status: RESOLVED
Management Response Date: 05/25/2020
Management Response:
We will be performing a 24hr test in the Monitoring Station and in the Emergency Services room. It is currently being scheduled for completion. We will provide an update once one is available.
UPDATE:
- Blue Room: Tests all came back green.
- Northern 911 operations area: two test results are green and one result is yellow. Upon further research the yellow result at 517ppm is completely normal of occupied indoor spaces with good air exchange.
Levels of 600-800 ppm are typical in office environments. Guidelines suggest CO2 levels do not exceed 1000 ppm. Currently, the readings are fluctuating between 385ppm (green) and 550ppm (yellow) and we have not seen any readings in the Red. Based on the results and the acceptability levels, Management feels it is a reasonable work environment
Free Items in Lunchroom - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: November 15, 2019
Suggestion:
Can an empty box be placed in the lobby for people who want to donate items from their homes that are no longer needed? This would leave the kitchen table available for staff to use as it is a kitchen table and not a “free to a good home” shelf.
Status: RESOLVED
Management Response Date: TBD
Management Response:
Our reception area is where we have our customers & potential customers come into our office, therefore this is not where we want to place these types of things. Going forward, they will be kept in another location of the building and a company email out to all staff will be sent with pictures of the items as well as where they will be available.
Change soap from Antibacterial to Antiseptic - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: November 5, 2019
Suggestion: Change soap from Antibacterial to antiseptic. Antibacterial removes good and bad bacteria. Antiseptic doesn’t – better chance of not getting sick.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: November 18, 2019
Management Response: We currently use GOJO Pink & Klean Skin Cleanser. This is a general hand soap that is neither an antibacterial or antiseptic soap. Please see the attached information from IPAC (Infection Prevention & Control Canada) explaining the reasoning for using general hand soap in our washrooms.
Should you want to see this information from IPAC online visit: https://ipac-canada.org/
Label Food In Fridges - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: July 8, 2019
Suggestion: Staff label their food in the fridge. Whatever is not labeled can be tossed out on a weekly scheduled task. One staff member to throw out all non-labeled items – possible have a hanging label thing easily available?
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: March 10, 2020
Management Response:
Going forward, the fridges will be cleaned out weekly.
Lighting in Back Parking Lot - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: June 4, 2019
Suggestion: Install lighting in the far back parking lot behind Alder Hall. I work afternoons frequently and don’t smoke so I don’t think to move my car. Since it is very dark in those parking spaces it is pretty intimidating to walk back there at night. A solar motion light can be purchased at Costco and installed on a pole.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: July 24, 2019
Management Response:
A new solar motion light will be purchased and installed in approximately 2 weeks.
UPDATE: July 25, 2019 – Mike purchased and installed a solar motion light on the back fence with permission of the owner of the apartment building..
Replace Kettle - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: June 4, 2019
Suggestion: Please replace the kettle in the main floor kitchen as it does not seal properly anymore.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: July 24, 2019
Management Response:
Mike purchased it today and put it in the lunchroom
Dress Code - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: June 4, 2019
Suggestion: It would be nice to see all other departments follow the dress code in the company handbook. Often admin staff wear jeans during the week, some of which have rips.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: July 25, 2019
Management Response: Department Managers will reach out to their direct teams to discuss this and gather their comments and concerns. This will then be potentially discussed at the next Employee Suggestion Box meeting if necessary.
An Hour Lunch Break - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: June 4, 2019
Suggestion: an hour lunch
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: July 25, 2019
Management Response: Some staff have an hour lunch and some staff have half an hour. Please speak with your direct Manager to see if alternate arrangements can be accommodated should you choose/need to.
Ice Machine - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: June 4, 2019
Suggestion: Can we get an ice machine for the lunchroom
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: July 25, 2019
Management Response: This is a great suggestion, however we will decline this request at this time.
New Toaster - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: April 29 2019
Suggestion: Can we get a new toaster for the main floor kitchen as this one is slightly broken, disgusting and takes forever to toast
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: May 2, 2019
Management Response:This has been purchased today and placed in the main floor kitchen.
Stand Up Desks - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: April 29 2019
Suggestion:All desks should have the option to bring the desk higher to workers can stand and still do their work properly. This would benefit with staff not slouching, better for back pain, proven to help staff stay more alert
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: May 2, 2019
Management Response: This will be addressed on a case by case basis. Please speak with your direct manager to make the request. We are currently in the process of evaluating and testing one with N911
Clean Office Chairs - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: April 29 2019
Suggestion: The chairs in the monitoring station, blue room, data entry and training area all need to be cleaned due to odors and stains. Suggestion is to purchase a small steam cleaner to use as necessary.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: May 2, 2019
Management Response: The chair cleaning was completed April 26, 2019 for this area. As for purchasing a steam cleaner; it is something that we don’t wish to have our valuable staff using their time doing this task. We will bring a company in as needed to complete this.
New Microwave - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: April 29 2019
Suggestion: A new microwave for main floor kitchen. The replacement has a broken turntable and does not spin. It is a hazard
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: May 2, 2019
Management Response:A new microwave for the main floor kitchen has been purchased May 2, 2019 and installed.
Four Day Work Week - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: April 29 2019
Suggestion: Implement a 4 day work week for regular, full time Office /TSS/Warehouse/Helpline/Admin staff and/or give the option to work a 4 day at 10.5 hrs over the summer (or extend weekly hours and leave a bit earlier on Fridays). For example at noon (instead have the general office open from 8am – 5:30pm). I have always found that Fridays are usually a write off by the time you get home, make dinner, care for family, etc. If this is not feasible – what about a rotation? Rotating back and forth so the floor is always covered. Example: 1 week someone works Monday regular hours and their rotation person can work 4 days at 10.5 hrs and off Friday – then the following week they switch. I don’t know if this has ever been considered but it is a thought.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: May 2, 2019
Management Response: As we are a Federally Regulated company, any time worked over 8 hours per day must be paid at the Overtime rate. However, there may be circumstances that could be considered. This would need to be discussed with your individual manager and would also depend on the business needs.
Carpets on 2nd Floor - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: April 8 2019
Suggestion: Remove the carpets on the second floor – including offices. Or clean the carpets including in the offices. The carpets smell and dust rises from them.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: May 2, 2019
Management Response: Every spring, once the streets have been cleaned outside, the company has the carpets in the entire building professionally cleaned. This should be booked to be done within the next few weeks.
UPDATE: This was completed on July 9, 2019.
Soundproof Bathrooms - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: April 8 2019
Suggestion: Sound Proof the Washrooms, I can hear EVERYTHING
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: May 2, 2019
Management Response: Unfortunately, due to the physical construction that would need to take place in order to achieve this, it is something that we cannot accomplish.
Client Behaviour Policy - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: March 20, 2019
Suggestion: Kevin stated he had an employee yesterday come to him to inquire as to “how much verbal abuse should an employee have to take from a client before enough is enough”. Kevin discussed the issue with the staff member and said that they shouldn’t have to at all and to always bring a manager in to speak with them when it starts; however, he wanted to know if we ad a policy for these situations. He also stated that the employee suggested we have a sign stating our policy on this for customers to visually see.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: March 22, 2019
Management Response: Mike and Cindy stated they are sure we have a policy in place for this and asked Amanda to find and post it.
Mike doesn’t believe that having a sign would deter any bad behavior.
Tom suggested we add a panic button under the reception desk that would alert all management immediately via text and email that it has been pressed so that a manager in the building can respond right away to assist. Everyone agreed this was a great idea. Tom stated it would be installed within the next 4 weeks.
UPDATE: Panic Button installed on June 4, 2019
Free Coffee - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: March 18, 2019
Suggestion: Free coffee for all shift-workers. Regular coffee, nothing fancy or Keurig related.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: March 22, 2019
Management Response: This is something the company used to previously offer, however there were too many issues and complaints from staff to make it feasible to maintain. It was decided at that time that the company would have a coffee machine vendor offer discounted coffee/hot drinks to staff at a fraction of the cost of going to Tim Hortons. Cindy advised that she has a Keurig on the Main Floor in the Training Area that any staff member can use – just bring your own coffee. Cindy also volunteered to bring in a reusable coffee pod that you can use regular coffee in and staff can share it.
Building Signage & Access - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: March 14, 2019
Suggestion: Recv’d via Email from Cindy: Many times me being outside I get asked by customers if this is the correct building for True Steel and Helpline.Get some big Helpline/TRSS stickers and put them in the front of the building. On Client Engagements window. Got lots of room there. Also attempt to build a ramp for that front door where customers access. Its already really hard for the elderly to attempt that big step walking into the building. Build a ramp or fix up a step for the elderly/disabled who come pay there bills. Also there should be some type of handicap buttons to press there / electronic door system to help customers(the elderly open the doors) I am constantly helping people into the building when arriving to work on afternoon shift. One old lady actually told me that the doors are really heavy and shut quickly. She mentioned that the one door startled her.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: March 22, 2019
Management Response: Mike Shantz will discuss with Grant Dussiaume the additional options available and what would be required in order to make a physical change to the entrance. Mike stated that he is the process already regarding signage as the lighted sign on outside of the building needs to be updated and have the light bulbs replaced with LED’s or have the light box replaced. Mike stated he is going to survey all the managers to suggest what they would like to see up in the light-up sign on the building and what to add or change to the outside window/awning. Mike will also arrange to have the inside door step re-painted yellow.
Update (May 1, 2019): We will also be cleaning up the front entrance and removing the old window signage and replacing it with new list of all companies and office hours. It has also been determined that due to the age of the building and physical proximity to the street we cannot change the entrance to the building’s layout.
Update (September 25, 2019): New company signage was installed and light bulbs replaced.
Candy Machine in Lunchroom - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: February 13, 2019
Suggestion: More candies actually dispensed from the candy machine. (25cents for 5 Mike & Ikes) Perhaps add a fresh batch? These ones hurt my mouth!
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: February 14, 2019
Management Response: The candy machine is not taken care of by Northern, it is a local business called Wendy’s Handy Candy. I will reach out to them today with the concern raised and post an update once I speak with her.
UPDATE: Feb 25, 2019 – The gentleman from Wendy’s Handy Candy came in today. He checked to ensure the machine was not clogged and together we checked the candy freshness. As for the Mike & Ikes he tested to see how many were dispensing, and it was between 8 – 10 candies as a time, which is correct. He also explained that when the candy is 25cents, it’s a smaller portion received. He replaced the berries with Peanut M& M’s as well. He also let me know that if there are any additional issues we can reach out to them.
Carryover of Sick Days - IN PROGRESS/UNDER REVIEW
Date Submitted: February 13, 2019
Suggestion: Allow employees to carry over up to 4 sick days per year
Status: IN PROGRESS/UNDER REVIEW
Management Response Date: March 22, 2019
Management Response: It was stated that many of our valuable staff would greatly benefit from a change in the sick day’s renewal date as our sick days are paid out at the end of the year and from January – March is when people actually get sick, and no one has any available sick days. Mike will speak to Grant Dussiaume & Francine Poirier to discuss the possibilities and the logistics for tracking and implementing. There is another suggestion of just changing the year end date for sick days from January 1st to June 1st. This will be discussed further at the next Management Meeting (not scheduled at this time)
Update Allergy Alert Posters - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: February 13, 2019
Suggestion: Put the food item(s) on the Allergy Alert posters in the International Strike Through Symbol for more immediate visual clarity.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: February 14, 2019
Management Response: Amanda Legault re-created the banana allergy poster for the main floor kitchen on February 14, 2019
Bigger Garbage Cans - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: February 13, 2019
Suggestion: Bigger garbage cans in the bathrooms by the lunch room please
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: March 14, 2019
Management Response: These were purchased by Grant Dussiaume and installed on March 12, 2019
Filtered Water Quality - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: February 7, 2019
Suggestion: The filtered water upstairs seems to have an off taste and is constantly warm. Is it possible to bring in a water cooler with the top jug as it is always kept cold and tastes fresh?
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: March 22, 2019
Management Response: Tom Bennett confirmed that Brian Martin just changed the filters in both the upstairs and main floor kitchens. Since they have been changed, the quality of the water has improved significantly. We have implemented a filter change schedule, so we don’t run into this issue in the future.
Move of Office Equipment - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: January 18, 2019
Suggestion: A employee personally spoke to Cindy Schroeder – Move the Scanner & Shredder to a separate office.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: January 24, 2019
Management Response: Cindy agreed it was a great idea and they moved them into the old Telephone Room in the Data Entry area.
Ofer CPR Course - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: January 18, 2019
Suggestion: Please offer the CPR course again
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: March 22, 2019
Management Response: Management is in the process of making arrangements for First Aid & CPR Training for staff. Management is currently finalizing the details on availability, cost, etc.; then it will be formally announced to all.
Cleaning Wipes in Bathrooms - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: December, 2018
Suggestion: Recv’d Mid December 2018 personally by Melanke Kennedy. Please add/have Lysol Wipes or Anti-bacterial wipes to the bathrooms. There have been many times that I have gone to use the bathroom and there is either blood or excrement on the toilette seat; and there is nothing to clean it with.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: January 21, 2019
Management Response: When this initial suggestion was received, Melanie Kennedy immediately added a container of Vioxx wipes to all bathrooms to address the immediate concern. 1 Wipes Dispenser purchased and installed in Monitoring Station for a “test run” on March 12, 2019.
Amanda to follow-up to confirm its effectiveness – and if all is well, order the remaining dispensers for the rest of the building and advise Steven to stop ordering the Viroxx ones.
UPDATE July 11, 2019: Wipes dispensers were installed in all bathrooms and common area’s for staff
Treadmills for Staff - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: January 16, 2019
Suggestion: Add 2 Treadmills for Employees
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: January 21, 2019
Management Response: Northern Communications has a great staff incentive for discounted gym memberships with Goodlife Fitness for our staff to enjoy. There are several reasons as to why we cannot add treadmills to the office (space, maintenance & upkeep, insurance and liability, etc) therefore it was decided to offer the discounted gym memberships instead. Should you wish to take advantage of one, please see your direct manager and they will be happy to help you get set up!
Add a Feminine Hygiene Disposal - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: December 13, 2018
Suggestion: Please add a Feminine Hygiene Disposal Box to the second bathroom on the main floor
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: January 21, 2019
Management Response: We have ordered a new Feminine Hygiene Disposal Box for this bathroom. Once it is received it will be mounted in the washroom.
UPDATE: Disposal Box purchased & installed March 12, 2019.
Desk Location - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: December 14, 2018
Suggestion: The window behind Melanie Portelance’s desk should be frosted as you can see right through it and potentially read her computer.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: January 21, 2019
Management Response: Management all agreed this is a great idea. Amanda Legault will purchase the window film and install it within 2 weeks.
UPDATE 2/1/2019: Melanie Portelance has had her desk moved in a way that you cannot see her monitor anymore. Therefore we will not be adding the window frosting.
Change Door in Data Entry - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: December 14, 2018
Suggestion: Replace the door coming into the data entry area from the side entrance door with a window door like the one going to the second floor. This can be quite dangerous when a staff member is reading the suggestion board as I was almost hit by the door by the cleaner tonight..
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: January 21, 2019
Management Response: Amanda Legault had The Handyman service come in on March 18th. They measured the door and were going to go and price one out for us. Once Amanda receives a quote, she will provide it to management for review.
UPDATE March 10, 2020: Management has decided not to proceed at this time.
Clean Fridges - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: December, 2018
Suggestion: Please clean the fridges
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: January 21, 2019
Management Response: Management feels this should be a joint effort by all users of the fridge(s). We all have to be responsible for the cleanliness of our Kitchens and Refrigerators and remember to clean-up after ourselves.
PJ Day - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: December 6, 2018
Suggestion: PJ Day on Christmas Day for ALL Shifts
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: January 21, 2019
Management Response: Northern Communications has a required Dress Code Policy; therefore we cannot approve this request.
Private Suggestions - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: December, 2018
Suggestion: If a suggestion cannot be published, why are we posting it on the board? This feels like a waste of paper when we could save a tree
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: January 21, 2019
Management Response: If a suggestion comes in through the Suggestion Box that is “Personal/Sensitive in Nature” we will never post it on the Suggestion Board. The reason we post that a “Personal/Sensitive in Nature” suggestion was received is that so the person who submitted it is aware that it was received, that it is taken seriously, and to whom it was given to should they want to follow-up. This will remain this way so this can always be an anonymous process for all staff.
Man Trap Door - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: December 6, 2018
Suggestion: Remove metal plate from 2nd door in man trap please, its sharp.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: January 21, 2019
Management Response: The plate has been removed from the door. A new plate has been ordered with curved edges and will be installed once received.
Science North Membership - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: November 22, 2018
Suggestion: A Science North Membership for Employees to borrow
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: January 21, 2019
Management Response: Management has decided to purchase a membership to Science North for staff to use. Management will be finalizing the details on how the passes will be fairly issued out between staff members; then it will be formally announced.
UPDATE April 1, 2019: Science North Passes will be handed out monthly and done by a monthly draw that staff enter. You can only win once per year.
Purchase AED - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: November 4, 2018
Suggestion: Install an AED in the 230 Alder St Building in the Main Floor Lunch Room, Upstairs Lunch Room, Monitoring Station and Basement. Also install one in the new TAS Office.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: January 21, 2019
Management Response: Management has decided to purchase 1 AED for the main office at 230 Alder Street. This will be kept in an Alarmed Security Box that is going to be installed once received.
UPDATE March 4, 2019: AED was installed on the wall above and beside the boot rack by the employee entrance on the main floor.
**Private Suggestion** - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: October 15, 2018
Suggestion: Amanda Legault was advised a confidential suggestion that involves a staff member was received, therefore so it can’t be published, it is confidential
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: October 18, 2018
Management Response: This confidential suggestion was provided to Cindy Schroeder by Mike Shantz.
New AC Unit - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: October 4, 2018
Suggestion: Add second AC Unit in the Monitoring Station, similar to big bertha
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: October 18, 2018
Management Response: As we are in late October 2018, we will re-evaluate this situation in the Spring of 2019. Scheduled for follow-up June 1, 2019.
UPDATE July 4, 2019: It has been decided that a new AC Unit will not be purchased at this time.
Corporate Santa's Village Membership - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: May 15, 2018
Suggestion: Santa’s Village corporate program for employees that is no cost to the company.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: August 7, 2018
Management Response: Northern Communication Services Inc. has registered to be a Corporate Partner with Santa’s Village. Each year our Company will be sent a new “secret code” to redeem on their website https://www.santasvillage.ca/corporate. Once redeemed, you will be sent a voucher which you can print off or show on your smartphone at the gate when you purchase tickets. Each voucher is good for $8.00 off each admission ticket up to a party of 6. These vouchers can be used at all 3 parks! Once you arrive at the park with your voucher, you may be asked to show proof of employment. A paystub, business card or simply your ID Badge or anything of the sort will be accepted.
Move Suggestion Box - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: May 15, 2018
Suggestion: Put the employee suggestion box somewhere where customers don’t see it.
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: July 24, 2018
Management Response: It was moved to the lunchroom on the main floor.
Purchase AED - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: May 15, 2018
Suggestion: Having an AED on each floor or a minimum of 1 in the building
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: May 29, 2018
Management Response: This was reviewed and discussed in detail. The AED units are very costly to purchase, maintain, along with certification requirements; therefore, it was determined we will not purchase one at this time.
Work Hours - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: May 15, 2018
Suggestion: 10 hour shifts. If some people preferred 8 hour shifts they could work those where as the others who preferred 10 hour shifts can worth those
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: May 29, 2018
Management Response: It was assumed it is from the Monitoring Station or TAS. This would involve Union and an agreement to work more than 8 hours in a day without incurring overtime. This is not something that we are able to further address at this time.
Paint Lines in Parking Lot - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: May 15, 2018
Suggestion: Paint the parking spot lines in the back parking lot
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: May 20, 2018
Management Response: This is difficult to address right now as we are still in the winter season. Will re-evaluate in the Spring
UPDATE March 14, 2019: We have received a quote to have this completed in 2019. We will be scheduling this once we are able to; weather permitting.
UPDATE May 14, 2019: Parking lot lines were painted.
Wages - RESOLVED
Date Submitted: May 15, 2018
Suggestion: Higher Wage
Status: Resolved
Management Response Date: May 29, 2018
Management Response: This is difficult to address as a department or position is not identified, therefore we do not know what job within our organization to look at. Please direct wage questions with your direct manager.