In this installment of our series highlighting TELUS Health team members, meet Patricia van Casteren; she’s an occupational health psychologist, and the Director of Clinical Innovation for TELUS Health in the Netherlands.
In her role as clinical expert, she advises colleagues on client cases and helps ensure the quality of our psychological services. Patricia also collaborates with occupational health researchers, develops new training programs, and leads workplace wellness training sessions for clients in the Netherlands.
Read on to learn more about Patricia, and how her work contributes to building healthier workplaces and communities.
Interview with Patricia:
Q: Thanks for sitting down with us today, Patricia. Can you tell us more about how you joined the TELUS Health team?
I originally joined Ascender in 2003 which was acquired by and later became TELUS Health. Throughout the years, there has been a lot of change and adjustment, from logistics to processes. But the “why” has always remained consistent - we’re in the business of helping people live their best and healthiest lives. It’s great being a part of a dynamic worldwide organization, and working alongside colleagues that inspire me on a daily basis.
Q: Collaborating with a diverse team of talented individuals certainly makes our work rewarding. What would you say your favourite part about your role is?
I enjoy the variety of my role - I counsel clients, supervise colleagues, conduct research and design new products. One day I'm designing a program for female entrepreneurs to help them become more confident and achieve a healthy work-life balance. The next day, I could be helping a colleague prepare for a meeting to discuss reasonable adjustments for a client to build a healthier and more productive workplace.
Q: How does your role contribute to our overall mission of creating healthier workplaces and communities and how does your role help support the health and wellbeing of individuals?
As occupational health psychologists, we not only counsel individuals to improve the quality of their work life and job satisfaction, but we also provide solutions and support to organizations. We do more than “fix the person”, we maximize the possibilities of long-term employability by involving the workplace. By providing comprehensive care through our dedicated team of psychologists and administrative staff, we can ensure every individual and workplace receives the support they need.
Q: That sounds very fulfilling. How do TELUS’ values resonate with you, and support your personal health and wellbeing?
I am proud to be part of a company that cares deeply about volunteering and giving back to the community. We are nothing without our communities, and volunteering is a great way to help strengthen them.
Q: Indeed, at TELUS, we believe in giving back to the community where we live, work and serve. We hear you are very involved as an advocate for the neurodivergent community. Could you tell us more about that?
In my spare time, I actively participate in the neurodiversity movement. I am the chair of the science committee of the Dutch Association for People with ADHD and/or Dyslexia. We advocate for our community and offer support, while also actively contributing to research. I also conduct research into neurodivergence at work (one day, I'll get that PhD). There is a lot of work to be done in that arena, as we are continually combating stigmas and prejudice; a neurodivergent individual should not have to spend their energy masking and fighting stigmas. It's amazing to contribute to this objective and be part of this incredible community.
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