Health

APEX, in partnership with the University of Ottawa, recently conducted its third workplace survey of executives.  Descriptive findings were presented at the APEX Symposium in the summer of 2008 and are available at the following link. Survey respondents are representative of Executives across the Public Service on all factors e.g. age, gender, location, years of service etc.  The margin of error for the survey is 1.6, 99 times out of 100.  

During the annual, fall cross-Canada consultation process, APEX followed up on the survey by asking executives their opinion on priority areas for improving executive health. See (link) for a summary of suggestions collected.  During these consultations it was agreed that APEX should move as quickly as possible on selected short term survey follow-up support to executives on clearly defined issues (e.g. fatigue), while an APEX Health Summit (by invitation) involving key public service leaders, outside experts, health associations, etc will be held in March of 2009 to discuss some persistent, system-wide issues and consider recommendations for action related to, for example:
  • stress and burn-out;
  • work-life balance;
  • recognition;
  • re-entry to the work force after extended absence;
  • helping remove the stigma of mental health.
APEX is pleased to report that it is already responding to short term needs identified by executives by, for example, organizing a national videoconference series on executive health. The first event addressed fatigue; a serious issue identified in the survey. The second event will address stress in the workplace. Planning for the March health summit is well underway and a full 2009-2010 work plan is being developed in support of improving executive health and well-being.  APEX remains committed to this issue.

Research into the survey findings is ongoing in partnership with the University of Ottawa. Additionally, departmental data is now available upon request from APEX and the University of Ottawa on a first come, first serve basis. The Visiting Executive in charge of the EX Health and Well-Being dossier is Kathy Jordan. Kathy may be reached at 613.943.5865 or by e-mail at kathyj@apex.gc.ca.


2007 Study on the Health and Well-being of Executives

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