Information for Managers/Supervisors

Responsibilities of Managers and Supervisors

Managers and supervisors play a crucial role in representing the employer in the workplace and supporting the wellbeing of their employees. This includes:

  • Understanding our institution's legal duty to inquire and to accommodate 
  • Being respectful of our employees' rights to privacy and confidentiality 
  • Sharing information about our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
  • Connecting employees with Employee Wellbeing for additional support with medical leaves, return-to-work planning, or workplace accommodations, as needed
  • Guiding employees to complete the necessary leave forms and documentation as per the process in their Collective Agreement or Handbook
  • Collaborating with your employees, Employee Wellbeing and other key participants to identify possible barriers, supports, modifications and reasonable accommodations
  • Ensuring reasonable accommodations are provided in a timely manner 
  • Monitoring the progress of employee return-to-work plans and accommodation plans and discuss any concerns with employee (and Employee Wellbeing, where appropriate)
  • Regularly communicating and documenting clear expectations with your employees

For Supervisors/Managers Supporting Employee Medical Leaves

As a Supervisor or Manager, you have an important role in supporting employees who may need to take a medical leave. You can learn more about employee sick leave benefits, and other entitlements, in the applicable Collective Agreement or Handbook. 

  1. Ensure that employees requiring a medical leave submit the necessary leave forms and connect with UNBC Employee Wellbeing as soon as they are able (information above).
  2. Encourage open communication and make it clear that you are available to support employee needs. 
  3. Employees are not required to disclose specific medical information or diagnoses to their supervisors or managers when requesting a leave.  
  4. Employee Wellbeing will provide you with the necessary updates regarding expected timelines for return-to-work and workplace accommodations/supports once these details are known. 

Training and Resources