June 2025: Shift Bidding Update, Vacation Time and Unmasking Mental Health
Posted on Jun 17, 2025
Shift Bidding
We’re pleased to share some good news— the technical issue with Dayforce notifications for Shift Bidding has now been resolved.
As a result, the temporary process requiring managers to text staff about bids will be removed. Moving forward, staff will be responsible for checking push notifications and logging into the Dayforce app or website to view available bids and notifications about awarded shifts as per our policies and procedures. If you notice any additional issues with Shift Bidding or Swapping, please inform your manager.
A big thank you to everyone for your patience and cooperation while we worked on this issue.
Vacation Time
Heartland Housing Foundation recognizes the importance of personal time off for the health and well-being of its employees. That means HHF encourages employees to take time off for the purpose of rest and relaxation.
All permanent full-time employees (working 30+ hours each week) will accrue paid vacation days at a rate reflective of their years of service. All other employees who do not fall under full-time will be paid out vacation pay on each cheque in accordance with HHF policy. Regardless of what group you may fall in, vacation is required and encouraged for all employees.
Vacations must be approved by your Manager prior to the employee making any vacation commitments, such as flights. Employees will submit a vacation request form to their manager. You can ask your manager for this form. If approved, your manager will confirm the acceptance and note your time away in Dayforce. In the summer, vacation requests longer than 1-2 weeks, may cause a strain on our staffing complement as all employees like to enjoy the beautiful weather. Some vacation requests may not be approved depending on each site's requests and needs. Please work with your manager when trying to schedule your vacation time.
Closing Message – Unmasking Mental Health
Now that we wrapped up our May wellness campaign, we want to thank everyone who took part in conversations and activities focused on unmasking mental health. Inspired by the CMHA’s campaign, this resource and activity was all about taking off the “mask” and getting real about mental wellness—for ourselves, our teams, and the residents we care for.
Unmasking mental health means being open about how we’re really doing, supporting one another, and reminding ourselves that it’s okay not to be okay. By talking more openly about mental health, we help break down stigma and create a culture where people feel safe, understood, and supported.
Here are some of the ways our staff shared they plan to unmask and support themselves or others during times of poor mental health:
- Having honest ‘check-ins’ with myself when they are feeling off
- Not projecting my anger or sadness onto others
- Practicing active listening and authentic compassion to others
- Remember to breathe
- Remember to listen fully before responding or ‘helping’
- Be aware of others’ feelings and treating them kindly as I would want from them
- Take a break when feeling overwhelmed and encourage coworkers to do the same
- Reach out to talk to someone I trust instead of bottling things up
- Practicing self-care through activities like walking, journaling, or quiet time
- Reminding myself and others that it’s okay to ask for help or admit I’m struggling
Thank you for helping us shine a light on mental health this May. Let’s keep the conversations going—because wellness is something we all deserve, all year long.