As summer winds down, August offers a natural moment to pause, reflect, and reset. Whether you're working toward professional development, project goals, or personal growth, setting intentional goals can help you stay focused and energized.
But goal setting doesn’t have to live in separate silos. In fact, aligning your work goals with your personal wellness goals can lead to greater balance, resilience, and satisfaction, both on and off the job.
Here are a few ways to approach goal setting with wellness in mind:
Reconnect with Your Purpose
What motivates you in your role, and in your life? Aligning your goals with your values and strengths can make your work more meaningful and your personal growth more fulfilling.
Set Clear, Achievable Targets
Break larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps. Whether it’s completing a project or committing to a daily walk, small wins build momentum.
Prioritize Well-Being
Consider how your goals support your mental health, energy levels, and work-life balance. A healthier you is a more focused and productive you.
Stay Flexible
Life and work are dynamic. Give yourself permission to adapt your goals as needed. Progress isn’t always linear.
Celebrate Wins—Big and Small
Recognizing your efforts boosts morale and reinforces positive habits. Take time to acknowledge what you’ve accomplished—professionally and personally.
When you log into your GreenShield+ account, you’ll find a variety of tools and resources on the Well-Being page designed to support your health goals. From interactive activities and mini courses (like improving posture—perfect for those of us at a desk all day!) to a personalized health score that helps you track your progress, it’s all there to help you take small, meaningful steps toward better well-being.
The Benefits Centre is pleased to share information about new services available to Indigenous staff and ministry personnel. These services will provide culturally appropriate support and guidance, ensuring that Indigenous members of the church have access to resources that reflect their own needs and experiences.
Green Shield Canada is partnering with Noojimo Health, an Indigenous-owned organization, to offer culturally safe and timely virtual mental health services. Noojimo Health is the first all-Indigenous virtual mental wellness clinic for Indigenous people. The following services are delivered by Indigenous registered social workers through virtual sessions and phone calls:
The program can be accessed via GreenShield+, under Care Services > Mental Health > Indigenous Mental Health:
These services are available at no cost to members. Some individuals may be eligible to receive up to 22 hours of counselling each year through the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program.
Whether it’s stepping away from your desk, reading a book, or setting healthy boundaries in your personal life, self-care is about showing up for yourself in meaningful ways—big and small. This July, we’re celebrating the importance of self-care and friendship, with two key dates to mark on your calendar:
Caring for your whole self is essential to living your healthiest life. This includes your mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical self-care. Here are some examples – with resources from the GreenShield+ Wellness Hub and WorkHealthLife* – on how you can prioritize you.
*Enter The United Church of Canada to gain access to the site.
Mental Self-Care
Physical Self-Care
Emotional Self-Care
Spiritual Self-Care
Practical Self-Care
This month, let’s commit to nurturing ourselves and those around us, because when we care for ourselves, we’re better equipped to care for others.
As we step into June, we embrace a month rich with meaning, reflection, and celebration. It’s a time to honor our differences, uplift voices that have been marginalized, and recommit to building a more equitable, and sustainable world.
This month is a reminder of the importance of diversity in all its forms. It’s a time to reflect on how we can create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. Equity is not just a goal—it’s a practice we must embed in our everyday actions and decisions.
Pride 2025
June is also a celebration of the 2S and LGBTQIA+ community’s resilience, creativity, and contributions to society. It’s a time to honor the history of the Pride movement, recognize the ongoing struggles for equality, and stand in solidarity with those advocating for love, dignity, and justice.
World Environment Day
Don’t forget to mark your calendars on June 5 for World Environment Day – a global call to action to protect our planet. This year’s theme emphasizes the urgent need to restore ecosystems and combat climate change. As we celebrate our human diversity, let’s also remember our shared responsibility to care for the Earth, our common home.
Whether it’s attending a Pride event, participating in a sustainability initiative, or learning more about the United Church’s practices (Disability, Accessibility and Inclusion, Gender, Sexuality, and Orientation, and Equity, Accessibility and Privacy) there’s a place for everyone in this journey. Let’s celebrate love in all its forms and continue to push for a world where everyone can live authentically and safely.
Here are a few articles you can check out on GreenShield+:
Feeling stressed about finances? You're not alone. Economic hardships can make managing money feel overwhelming. But there's good news! By assessing your finances and creating a plan to achieve your goals, you can reduce stress and boost your financial wellbeing.
Our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provides numerous resources on the WorkHealthLife website. Search "The United Church of Canada" to gain access to articles and resources, such as:
Money and your mind: taking care of your finances and mental health
Financial health: how your finances affect your mind
Millennials: Your financial future is now
Mental Health Awareness Month
May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, a perfect time to focus on your overall wellbeing. Here are some important dates to keep in mind:
Let's make May a month of empowerment and positive change!
Connex is your newsletter that provides information about your pension, benefits, and payroll. If you were previously receiving an email about Connex and didn’t see it in your inbox, check your spam folder! If it’s still not there and you would like to receive Connex, please sign up for the latest news and updates by filling out the form below.
Previous editions:
As we approach the end of the year, it's the perfect time to reflect on our health and well-being. Teladoc Medical Experts is here to support you with a range of unique medical services designed to provide peace of mind and expert guidance. Stay healthy and informed this December with Teladoc's newsletter.
Expert Medical Opinion
Have you ever felt uncertain about a diagnosis or treatment plan? With Teladoc's Expert Medical Opinion service, you can receive an evaluation of your diagnosis and treatment plan from a carefully selected expert. This ensures you have the confidence and clarity needed to make informed decisions about your health.
Personal Health Navigator
Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming. The Personal Health Navigator service empowers you to make informed decisions about your care. Whether you need help understanding your options or connecting to valuable resources, their navigators are there to guide you every step of the way.
Finding a Doctor
Finding the right specialist can be challenging. Teladoc offers access to an extensive network of experts, ensuring you can find the specialist you need in your local area. Their network is designed to connect you with top-tier medical professionals who can address your specific health concerns.
Care Finder
For those seeking specialized care outside of Canada, the Care Finder service is invaluable. With a global database of over 50,000 expert physicians across more than 450 specialties and subspecialties, Teladoc can help you locate the right specialist no matter where you are.
You can access Teladoc Medical Experts by calling 1-877-419-2378 or visiting their website. You'll be connected to a Member Advocate, a Registered Nurse, who will assess your needs and provide the services designed to help you confidently move forward with your care.
As part of GreenShield’s commitment to delivering an exceptional member experience, they will be modernizing their compound policy. This will be implemented in several phases, focusing on specific reimbursement conditions and compound categories. Phase 1 is projected to be implemented on September 3, 2024.
Biosimilar transitioning British Columbia
In May 2019, the British Columbia (B.C.) government implemented a biosimilar switching policy under its public prescription drug insurance plan. In December 2023, BC PharmaCare announced it would provide a six-month transitional period to allow those using Humalog (insulin lispro), used to treat diabetes, with an Omnipod, Ypsomed, Tandem, or Medtronic pump to transition to the biosimilar, Admelog by May 30, 2024. Health Canada has approved Admelog for use with these pumps, and it is a regular PharmaCare benefit. Patients with new approvals for insulin pumps are expected to use Admelog. Details can be found on the BC PharmaCare website.
In accordance with provincial coordination policies, GreenShield will expand their standard Biosimilar Transition Program in British Columbia to include Humalog for those using an Omnipod, Ypsomed, Tandem, or Medtronic pump. Unless an exception applies, the program will transition on July 22, 2024.
GSC have notified plan members that they must transition to Admelog by July 22, 2024. Plan members claiming Humalog and coordinating benefits with the BC PharmaCare Drug Plan will receive letters advising them of the upcoming transition. They also recommend consulting with their prescriber for transitioning support, including obtaining a new prescription for Admelog, if necessary. However, if BC PharmaCare grants an exception to allow a plan member to remain on Humalog, GreenShield will follow suit and pay for Humalog to enable continued coordination of claims.
Biosimilar transitioning Quebec
In April 2022, the Government of Quebec implemented a biosimilar switching policy under its public prescription drug insurance plan. On December 12, 2023, Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) announced as of December 13, 2023, the biologic Lucentis (ranibizumab), used to treat various eye conditions, will no longer be listed on the List of Medications and RAMQ patients being treated with Lucentis were required to transition to the biosimilar, Byooviz by May 22, 2024. Details can be found on the Infolettre RAMQ (available only in French).
GreenShield will also expand their standard Biosimilar Transition Program in Quebec to include Lucentis. Unless an exception applies, the transition date will be August 22, 2024.
GSC have notified plan members that they must transition to Byooviz by August 22, 2024. Plan members claiming Lucentis (including those coordinating with another drug plan) will receive letters advising them of the upcoming transition. They also recommend consulting with their prescriber or pharmacist for transitioning support, including obtaining a new prescription for Byooviz, if necessary.
Per RAMQ criteria, exemptions will apply to:
If you have any questions, please contact Benefits@united-church.ca
GreenShield has advised that their union represented employees have voted in favour of a new, 3-year collective agreement with Green Shield Canada.
The GreenShield contact centre will reopen on Monday, April 22, however, it is anticipated that call volumes may be higher than usual at this time.
GreenShield continues to encourage members to use the fully operational online services, including Web, mobile, providerConnect and all real-time submissions from pharmacies and dental offices. For support checking your coverage online, please visit their self-service page.
GreenShield’s self-serve phone system is available via the call centre number, 1-888-711-1119, to:
If you have any questions, please email the Benefits Centre at Benefits@united-church.ca
GreenShield's collective agreement with Unifor expired on Friday, March 1, leading to a strike. GreenShield has activated its contingency plan to ensure essential services continue during the strike.
GreenShield remains optimistic that a settlement can be reached through constructive and focused discussions.
Online services, including claim submissions, continue to be available and are not impacted by the Unifor strike, and there will be no interruption to the health and administrative services that GreenShield provides.
The GreenShield contact centre is closed during the strike, but you will still be able to use GreenShield’s online services or their self-serve phone system depending on your needs. Since 94% of claims are submitted online, online service claims continue to be processed; other online services that most members rely on also remain available with minimal disruption.
GreenShield’s self-serve phone system is available via the call centre number, 1-888-711-1119, to:
GreenShield encourages members to use the fully operational online services, including Web, mobile, providerConnect and all real-time submissions from pharmacies and dental offices.
If you have any questions, please email the Benefits Centre at Benefits@united-church.ca
