BACK TO HOMEIn a nation-wide survey conducted by BrandSpark in 2023, Canadians selected LifeLabs as the most trusted brand in health diagnostic services. Of course, delivering high-quality services that Canadians need is the foundation of our brand, and our employees are regularly recognized for their talents, achievements and contributions. But we believe that it’s the inclusive quality of our teams that really inspires Canadians to trust LifeLabs.
The diverse lived experiences of our team members reflect those of our customers. Our team members value and appreciate each other’s differences, while sharing a common passion for health and customer care. By living a culture of diversity, mutual respect and caring, our teams create a welcoming space for customers. So, at LifeLabs we work hard to foster and recognize these values.
Stronger Together – Supporting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
The LifeLabs Stronger Together Program is multifaceted and rooted in respect, willingness to honestly confront bias, and a commitment to learning. In addition to embedding diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in every aspect of management, including succession planning, the program supports employee-led activities to foster diversity awareness and education.
Initiatives like our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are the backbone of this program. In 2023, the Pride ERG launched a 2SLGBTQ+ Allyship Toolkit to provide LifeLabs’ people with resources and tools to become effective allies for the community. The toolkit introduces the diverse spectrum of identities within this community, fosters understanding of the lived realities and intersections of 2SLGBTQ+ community members and empowers allies with tools to support 2SLGBTQ+ colleagues and friends. Reinforcing the theme of allyship, the Pride ERG celebrated International Pronouns Day by making thousands of pronouns buttons available for frontline employees. The Pride ERG also sold t-shirts and provided all LifeLabs laboratories in Ontario, B.C. and Saskatchewan with a Pride flag, to be raised at events celebrating Pride month.
[I’m] very lucky to have a team in the LifeLabs I go to who are kind and who gender me correctly… because being trans and going into any medical space is scary, but they make it so cozy because they all know me.
LifeLabs customer on Facebook
LifeLabs’ Multicultural Employee Resource Group (MERG) was also very active in 2023. MERG members created a Celebration Fund to support employee-generated cultural events and activities at work. Employees applied for funding for events that promote multiculturalism, cultural education, and awareness of historically underrepresented groups. The Food & Fashion event hosted by the Microbiology team at our lab in Ontario is just one example of an event that brought people together to learn about the culture of diverse team members representing India, Thailand, Iran and the Philippines. Sharing traditional clothing and food sparked conversations about culture that raised awareness and deepened understanding among the team. MERG also launched an “Around the World” educational series for the employee newsletter, providing informative and interesting insight into a particular culture represented in LifeLabs’ employee mix.
MERG’s Around the World series complements our LifeLabs Spotlight program, which recognizes and highlights employees’ accomplishments and contributions throughout the year. For important cultural events or holidays, the Spotlight focuses on employees who are willing to share more about their cultural backgrounds, values and their thoughts about creating a welcoming and safe space for all.
Celebrating employees for what’s important to them
Every year LifeLabs recognizes the major milestones in employees’ longstanding commitment to the company and to the health of Canadians.
This year we had the rare and special opportunity to recognize an employee whose LifeLabs career has lasted 50 years. Facility Specialist Bob Maracle, started his career as a courier in Thorold, Ontario in 1974 and since then has held a variety of positions including Team lead and Facility Specialist.
One particular employee, Cora Burnett, a Client Services Supervisor, was recognized and presented with the BCLS Honourary Achievement Award. This award recognizes those with more than 10 years of service in the Medical Lab profession and celebrates Cora’s longstanding commitment, dedication, mentorship, and contribution to the field.
LifeLabs participates in the Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science’s National Medical Laboratory Week every year. Med Lab Week is a cherished opportunity to recognize the role laboratory professionals play in the health of every Canadian. This year, Med Lab Week centred on peer recognition and local team celebrations.
