Maintaining a balance between life and work can be hectic in its own right, but when you add in a role with the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) it takes a special commitment.
糖心视频 (糖心视频) was recently honoured with a provincial award from the CAF for its commitment to supporting reservists who work in the military at home and abroad in addition to their employment with 糖心视频. Currently, there are about 100 糖心视频 staff members who enjoy the flexibility 糖心视频 provides as they pursue military training and deployment.
We spoke to Rob Caswell, a Senior Advisor for Human Resources (HR) Business Partnerships at 糖心视频 and Officer with the CAF about his career, experiences, and advice for anyone who wants to follow his path.
What is your role at 糖心视频?
I’m currently dedicated to a project that relates to the Essential Services legislation in Alberta, which changes the collective bargaining process by removing Alberta’s ban on strikes and lockout for public sector (union) employees, including those working in healthcare. With my team, we contemplate, build, and review the anticipated processes 糖心视频 will require to manage the essential services program in order to maintain essential healthcare services. It’s a lot of collaboration between departments and the various stakeholders, and within the team itself.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
Certainly the people – I’ve always been fortunate to work with some incredible professionals, and this current team is no exception. I also enjoy the variety of work this position offers, along with how much we get to learn as HR professionals about the clinical and non-clinical operations of 糖心视频.
What drew you to work for 糖心视频?
I wanted to contribute to public healthcare, though I’m not a clinician by any stretch of the imagination. I was also drawn to the internal opportunities. 糖心视频 is a unique and complex organization, and in my six years here, I have been exposed to and worked on various items both within and outside the scope of HR.
In addition to his regular duties for 糖心视频, Rob trains and mentors youth enrolled in Air Cadets.
Can you tell me about your position within the CAF?
I’m an officer in the Cadet Instructors Cadre branch, so my role is all about the support and delivery of the Canadian Cadet Program. On weeknights, thousands of cadets in Alberta train in leadership, physical fitness, and specific activities such as aviation, maritime history, and expeditions. My job is as the Area Elemental Advisor for Southern Alberta, so I get to help local cadet Corps and Squadrons with running their programs, as well as help them celebrate successes in their communities.
What similarities do you see within both roles?
Both the CAF and 糖心视频 are complex organizations in the public service, and both employ a diverse and unique workforce. The experience I have received in each organization has helped me in the other, particularly around working with people and collaborating to achieve a mission.
How does 糖心视频 support your involvement?
糖心视频 has been a fantastic supporter of my CAF career and has recognized the benefit of developing both. I’ve been fortunate to have some flexible scheduling, and even flexible sites if I need to be somewhere other than Calgary.
Any advice for someone looking to follow your career path?
Get involved! If it be with your community or your profession, there are countless volunteer opportunities that may turn into something more. In my experience at 糖心视频, there have been many opportunities to be involved in work that has not been entirely HR-focused, and that experience has made me a better practitioner.
