Reminder to complete the Planon user experience survey!
The survey is anonymous and is open to those that regularly use Planon to receive, plan, and complete work. It is important that we receive as many completed surveys as possible so we can gain a better understanding of what improvements should be prioritized.
Please complete the survey by June 2, 2023
Link to survey: https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_01xqFImEn2OrcX4
We are the VPFO: Join VP Frank Laezza tomorrow
Join us tomorrow at 1:00 pm at the Great Hall in The Nest to hear from our Vice-President Frank Laezza and connect with your VPFO colleagues. Cookies, coffee, and tea will be available. Hope to see you there! Learn more
Building Operations Mechanical team's second annual BBQ
Building Operations' Mechanical team held their second annual team BBQ over two events to accommodate the large number of staff on Crews 12, 22, 22S, 31 and 31S — totaling 90 including the managers and our new Vice-President of Finance and Operations, Frank Laezza. Both BBQs were a success with great weather. Looking forward to next year's team events!
If other crews/teams are interested in utilizing the BBQ usage, it can be reserved as a tool from Stores through Planon and guidelines have been developed for use.

People in motion
- Frederick Kwok will be joining Facilities Information and Inventory System within Infrastructure Development as a CAD Technician on June 5. His proficiency in CAD software and ability to create accurate drawings will greatly contribute to our efforts in maintaining precise and up-to-date facility information.
Job openings
All positions at UBC are available on the UBC HR Careers website, or through the career application in your Workday account. Please note that applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the posting end date. The following VPFO positions are currently open:
- Student Litter Picker-2 (JR12974) – 06/02/2023
- Day - Full-Time Service Worker (JR12991) – 06/02/2023
- Trades 2 - Carpenter (JR13061) – 06/03/2023
- Assistant Civil Engineer (JR12802) – 06/09/2023
- Manager, Mechanical Utilities (JR12801) – 06/16/2023
- Truck Driver Medium/Labourer (JR12981) – 06/08/2023
- Auxiliary Service Worker (10 Positions) (JR13035) – 06/10/2023
Don't forget to apply as an internal candidate! Please review Apply for an Internal Job Posting in the Workday Knowledge Base for instructions on how to apply. Reminder to attach a copy of your resume when you apply for a career opportunity in Workday.
VPFO EDI: Contribute to creating an inclusive work culture
The VPFO EDI Committee would like to hear your suggestions on how we can help promote inclusion, equity and celebration of diversity within your team or within the portfolio at large.
Complete this 5-minute survey
Building Safety Capacity: Personal Protective Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is an equipment (e.g. hard hat, safety glasses, work gloves, respirator, etc.) worn by a worker to reduce or minimize exposure or contact to hazards. In the hierarchy of controls, PPE is the worker’s last line of defense against hazards.
I-B-11 UBC Facilities Personal Protective Equipment Program provides information on various types of PPE, its intended application, limitations, etc. To learn about the specific types of PPE required for your job, speak with your Supervisor for details.
For more information about PPE, click on the following links:
Should you have any questions regarding PPE, please contact, UBC Facilities’ Safety Advisor, Lori Takenaka at lori.takenaka@ubc.ca.
Weekly Emergency Tip: Footwear by your bed
Did you know that one of the most common injuries that emergency departments had to deal with during the 6.7 Northridge earthquake that hit Southern California in the early morning hours of January 17, 1994, was removing broken glass from people’s feet?
This week's tip is about making sure you keep a pair of shoes by your bed at all times in case of a nighttime earthquake.
For more information on Personal Emergency Preparedness, visit the Safety and Risk Services' Emergency Preparedness website.
Managing your mental health
HR has collected mental health resources to help you manage your ups and downs.
As a manager or leader, you play an important role in supporting your mental health and that of your teams. Complete the new required training: Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace for Managers and Supervisors.
Representatives are always available for a confidential conversation:
- Monica Haab (monica.haab@ubc.ca): Building Operations, Energy & Water Services, Customer Services & Informatics, and Infrastructure Development
- Gregor MacDonald (gregor.macdonald@ubc.ca): Custodial Services and Municipal Services
Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) offers an extensive suite of services to support you – from providing wellness coaching or advising on family issues to offering legal support. Access the EAP confidential services through LifeWorks, by calling 1-866-424-0770.
In case you've missed it
In case you've missed it Here is a quick recap of key events and information that you may have missed. For more details, please click on the links below or refer to our weekly portfolio newsletter, VPFO Update.