Strengthening staff wellness and community connection through engagement

Strong care starts with strong relationships within teams and within the communities we serve. In 2024, Hearing & Speech Nova Scotia (HSNS) deepened its focus on engagement by taking a closer look inward and outward: supporting staff through the Health Standards Organization (HSO) Workforce Wellness and Safety Survey and strengthening external relationships through a renewed Engagement Plan. These initiatives are a key component of HSNS’s commitment to continuous improvement and Accreditation Canada standards.

The HSO survey invited staff across HSNS to share their experiences with workplace well-being, psychological safety, and leadership support. While results highlighted staff’s deep connection to their clients, support from their supervisors, and the purpose of their work, the survey also identified opportunities to grow: improving open communication, clarifying incident reporting, and expanding well-being supports.

“This was a chance to hear directly from our team about what’s working and what needs more attention,” says Marika Holmes, Professional Practice Development Officer. “The feedback helped us shape a clear action plan grounded in learning, safety, and support.”

That action plan includes launching Clearview, a new platform for incident reporting and feedback; embedding “Just Culture” principles into training and leadership development (a system that balances accountability with fairness and learning); and increasing visibility and communication from leadership across sites. It also emphasizes mental health, work-life balance, and tools that support wellness at the team level.

While the survey focused on the staff experience, the updated HSNS Engagement Plan outlines how the organization connects with external partners including clients, community groups, Dalhousie University, and underserved populations. The plan specifies engagement tools, timelines, and approaches based on partner needs—from information sharing to full collaboration.

“Our focus is on building relationships that last, rooted in mutual respect and meaningful dialogue,” says Greg Noel, Director of Adult & Mi’kmaq Hearing and Speech Services. “That’s how we ensure our work reflects the voices and needs of our communities.”

The plan is a key tool in advancing HSNS’s commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, reconciliation, and accessibility. It directly supports the Reconciliation Action Plan and helps guide culturally responsive partnerships with Indigenous communities. It also backs the work of the Best Practice Council by ensuring underserved clients have a voice in how services are designed and delivered.

Together, the survey and the engagement plan reflect a broader shift toward shared responsibility and connection at every level of HSNS. Whether it’s creating safer internal systems or meeting communities where they are, the focus remains the same: to ensure everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

“Engagement is about trust,” says Marika. “When people feel safe to speak up and see that their voice helps guide decisions and outcomes—that’s when progress happens.”