Working from Home

This page was last updated on February 14, 2023

General questions

How long will I be working from home?

Our offices are currently open by appointment at 50% capacity. Employees who can do their jobs remotely will continue to do so. 

For Community Support Services employees who provide essential in-person support, we continue to implement all possible measures to protect you and your clients, as well as providing the Personal Protective Equipment you need. Note that, as of December 21, 2021, all MODC employees must be fully vaccinated.  

It’s also important to know that remote work has a place in MODC’s future. Details will be worked out with your manager according to specific job responsibilities and team needs. 

Please reach out to your direct supervisor with any questions or concerns. 

What if I have kids at home?

We understand that balancing work and child-care is particularly challenging right now. That’s why we continue to offer flexible scheduling where possible, and plan to offer long-term remote work options, so you can meet your personal and professional responsibilities while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. 

Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) may also be able to suggest approaches to help you deal with any challenges you might be facing. Don’t hesitate to reach out any time of day or night at 1-844-393-4980. 

Don’t forget to contact your provincial or territorial government, or visit their website, for details on what kind of supports are available to you. Also check the federal government’s website for supports available across Canada. 

Finally, please let your direct supervisor know if you need any support or accommodation – they’ll do their best to help. 

Questions about technology

What privacy and cybersecurity measures do I need to take when working from home?

While the current situation is unique and evolving quickly, we must be aware that we’re still required to observe all relevant privacy standards and requirements. Here are some important privacy practices to follow: 

  • Do not bring home client files with personal information or transfer any personal information off our secure MODC drives. 
  • Never connect to public wifi to conduct your work. Always use a secure network.  
  • Use a MODC-issued laptop if you can, or if your program requires it. Our devices are protected by corporate anti-virus software and hardware firewalls. Your personal computer may not be as secure. 
  • Work in a private space if you’re connecting with clients on virtual platforms, so your conversation remains confidential. 
  • Stick to a routine and designate a work area where you keep all your professional materials. Be sure to store any sensitive information in a locked drawer or filing cabinet. Don’t leave any devices or work-related information unattended in your vehicle or anywhere else. 
  • Be aware of email fraud and phishing scams at this time as people try to take advantage of the COVID-19 situation. Beware of unsolicited emails about COVID-19 and other topics and take all appropriate precautions, such as not responding or clicking on links. For information on how to protect yourself, visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre’s website or MODC’s cyber security training site. 

How do I contact IT?

If you have specific questions regarding privacy and working remotely feel free to contact Helpdesk. 

Work from home advice

For those of us who continue to work remotely, it’s important to maintain a comfortable workspace and connect regularly with our colleagues. 

What do I need to remember about working from home?

By now, you probably have your home office set up and a routine established. Don’t forget to: 

  • Pick the best chair available: Take note of the chairs available to you in your home. If you have an office chair with adjustable features, this should be your dedicated chair. If not, pick the chair type that provides the most back support and allows you to sit upright. 
  • Pick a work surface that is a comfortable height: When seated in your selected chair with your hands on your keyboard, you’ll want your elbows to be at 90 degrees and your forearms parallel to the floor. 
  • Make use of external devices: If your primary computer is a laptop, consider an external mouse and keyboard. Prop your laptop on books or anything available to bring the top of the screen height level with or just below your eyes. 
  • Find a footrest: When seated, your thighs should be parallel with the floor and your feet planted firmly on the ground. Stacks of paper or books can substitute an actual footrest. 
  • Move: It is important to get up and move and stretch every 30 – 60 minutes. Consider rotating between sitting and standing. 
  • Focus on goals: Set clear expectations about what deliverables your manager wants you to work on, and what the deadlines are. 
  • Communicate daily: Make sure you check in with your manager at least once a day to share how you’re progressing against your goals, and if you need additional support. 
  • Use technology: Phone, email, instant messaging, and videoconferencing are great tools to keep in touch and collaborate while working remotely. Collaboration platforms like Slack can also help if your team uses them. 
  • Be flexible: Make sure your manager and team are aware of your personal circumstances as they change. Your supervisors will be clear about what is expected of you when it comes to communication and responsiveness – but if your role allows for it, they will continue to work with you to accommodate your personal and professional responsibilities. 

How do I continue making the most of remote meetings?

We’ve all become more familiar with remote meetings, and you probably have a good sense of what works best for you. It’s still a good idea to review the basics, though: 

  • Test your tools – and have a plan B in case of tech glitches. 
  • Plan the agenda and share it in advance. Build in time for collaboration and feedback. 
  • Start with introductions so everyone knows who’s on the line. 
  • Allow for small talk at the beginning. 
  • Assign someone to record action items and send a recap of the main takeaways. 
  • Check in after the meeting on the status of action items. 

How can I keep up with my professional development?

Since in-person training is still on hold, please don’t forget about MODC’s online learning portal, Vubiz KMx. This platform offers more than 100 courses in English and French on topics ranging from health and safety to leadership, finance and communication. For staff with professional designations, all Vubiz courses are approved as continuing education credits by the College of Vocational Rehabilitation Professionals (CVRP) and the Vocational Rehabilitation Association (VRA). 
 
Community Support Services staff can contact their office administrators for details on how to access VuBiz. ES staff can contact their Program Assistant. All other staff can contact the People and Culture coordinator.