Oct 18th, 2022

News Release: OCHC Wins Workplace Benefits Award for its Health and Wellness Support Programs

(OTTAWA, ON) – October 18, 2022 – Ottawa Community Housing Corporation is proud to announce that the organization has been selected as a winner in the 2022 Workplace Benefits Awards, in the category of Health and Wellness (Fewer than 1,000 employees). 

The Awards are hosted by Benefits Canada, a national publication that covers issues related to benefits, pensions and investments The publication is managed by the Canadian Investment Review. 

Over the years, OCHC has demonstrated its commitment to its employees’ health and well-being by integrating various support programs. In 2020, the Human Resources team began proactively working on expanding programming in areas such as mental health leadership training, virtual counselling services, personal leave and health benefits.  

In addition to strengthening the support for health and well-being, OCH is currently launching a Peer-to-Peer Support program aimed at helping staff access the resources they need to address social, emotional or mental health concerns. Human Resources collaborated with managers, front-line employees and the wellness committee to better understand the needs of OCH staff, which helped to develop supports and programs. 

Quotes 

“We are honoured by this recognition. At OCHC, we are showing innovation and leadership in support of employee health and wellness. We believe these investments enable staff to keep making a difference every day.” Stéphane Giguère, Chief Executive Officer, OCHC 

“Our C.A.R.E (Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence) values start with our employees. We use a proactive and holistic approach to support employees’ health and wellness – with a combination of tools, resources and expanded benefits. This recognition shows we are heading in the right direction.” Shaun Simms Chief, People and Communications Officer. 

Quick facts 

• OCHC has 412 permanent, full-time employees between the head office and five districts.  
• Additional support for employee health and wellness contributed to a reduction in workplace injuries and sick time.  
• OCHC has implemented a Leadership Mental Health Certificate Program for management.  
• New virtual counselling options for staff have yielded a 98.2% satisfaction rating among staff who have used the service.  

About Ottawa Community Housing Corporation
Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCHC) provides approximately 15,000 homes to about 32,000 tenants, including seniors, parents, children, couples, singles and persons with special needs, within many communities across the City of Ottawa. OCHC houses a diverse population of varying languages, ethnicity and cultures. OCHC is the largest social housing provider in Ottawa, managing two-thirds of the City’s social housing portfolio, and is the second-largest in Ontario. OCHC was selected as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

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Media Contact:
Jennifer McIntosh
Communications and Marketing Specialist
613-914-9953
media@och.ca