Barak’s Let’s Talk Corner

There are important differences between experts and beginners that are well documented by research . One way research has been investigating “expertise”, is tapping into the thoughts of Maestro (expert) Chess players and comparing them to the thoughts of beginners. We know that the differences are striking.

Novice players (beginners) look at the Chessboard and ask, “What is the best move I can take right now”? They look at the immediate, dealing with momentary impulses, on a “take what I can” basis. They lack in experience and insight, see few options if any, fail to recognize patterns and often, feel overwhelmed when faced with challenges.

In contrast, the Maestros look far ahead. It is the enemy King they wish to overthrow. The Maestros are patient, wise and know the road to success is long, painful and treacherous. Read more

As a physical health instructor working with individuals overcoming addiction, I have seen first-hand how exercise can have a positive impact on mood and energy levels. Spending time with my clients everyday also provides me with the opportunity to see how they change as exercise becomes a bigger part of their daily routine. My clients appear to feel more connected and alive. They’re getting out and moving and realizing that by exercising and taking care of themselves, they’re also saying, “I’m worth it.” This in turn impacts their self-esteem and feelings of shame and isolation — feelings that once dominated their self-concept. Working in this role as I have for so many years, I can see how exercise and physical health can really benefit those who struggle with addiction.

The number of Canadians struggling with alcoholism and other addictions is staggering. Read more

In our previous post, we explored the topic of addiction in the workplace and safety-sensitive assessments. In this article we delve deeper – we examine the differences between regular addiction assessments and safety-sensitive assessments; how a safety-sensitive assessment is conducted; and finally the value-benefit for employers.

The Difference between Regular and Safety-Sensitive Addiction Assessments

A regular addiction assessment considers a wide range of information about an individual when identifying the presence of an addiction. The types of relevant information include the person’s history relating to: vocation; childhood; relationships and family; academics; medical issues; financial issues; substance use, etc. This type of assessment could be initiated following a history of documented behavioural problems in the workplace, suggesting a substance use problem, or it could be initiated in response to a personal or family incident.

On the other hand, a safety-sensitive or corporate assessment is usually triggered by a precipitating event in the workplace: a forklift is driven off a shipping dock; a chartered accountant’s miscalculation causes a major financial loss for a client; an electrician leaves live wires exposed; a nurse gives the wrong medication to a patient; a CEO arrives impaired at a shareholder meeting. Read more

From big rigs to balance sheets – Addiction and safety sensitive assessments know no bounds

Safety. Not many workplace issues have caught the attention of employers in the past few years, as has the issue of safety. This is not surprising given that workplace safety impacts employees, customers, and the general public. Corporate responsibility to employees and other stakeholders, as well as government regulations, have led to the creation of new policies, procedures, committees, and specialized fields within the human resources and occupational health professions. Workplace safety is now viewed as an indicator of a positive work environment. In fact, companies promote their track records of “accident-free work-days” and reward employees for their roles in maintaining a safe workplace.

For many people, obvious thoughts of workplace safety include hard hats, safety boots, safety glasses and hearing protection. Construction is often the first type of job to come to mind where safety is a priority, because our understanding of safety is frequently related to the dangers of heavy or falling objects, and hazards such as heights. Read more

We all lead pretty busy lifestyles in this day and age.  We juggle work, family, errands and a long ‘to-do’ list. Sometimes there are not enough hours in the day to do it all. So it’s no surprise that we start to cut corners in some areas of our lives.  Preparing breakfast seems like an impossible task when running out the door to be on time for work or dropping the kids to school. We may work through our lunch to meet deadlines.  Before you know it, it’s been hours since your last meal.  How do you feel when you’ve gone for a long period of time without eating?  Fatigued, irritable, anxious, unable to focus or concentrate with that searing headache?

What would you turn to, to remedy those symptoms?  To escape, and alleviate those feelings?  Some may recognize the need to eat.  Read more