Northern (Timmins): HYBRID From Absent to Engaged: Tackling Absenteeism and Building Retention in Northern Workplaces


Date and Time

Starts:09/11/2025 5:30 PM

Ends:09/11/2025 8:30 PM

Registration Closes:09/03/2025 8:00 AM

Event Type: Professional Development

1.5 HOURS Hour(s)

Location:
The Porcupine Dante Club 162 Cedar St S, Timmins, ON

Price:

HRPA Members: Free

IN-PERSON: Non-Members: $70 + HST VIRTUAL: Non-Members: $35 + tax

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Availability

Additional Information

THIS EVENT WILL NOT BE RECORDED. REMINDER! Our cancellation policy has changed. Click here for more information.

Event Sponsor


This session will explore the critical connection between absenteeism and employee retention, with a focus on strategies that address root causes rather than just symptoms. Drawing on real-world examples from Northern Ontario, participants will examine how proactive policy, culture-building, and leadership development can reduce unscheduled absences and improve employee commitment. Attendees will leave with practical tools to create workplaces that not only retain talent but inspire consistent presence and performance. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Identify common drivers of absenteeism in Northern and rural workplaces and understand how geography, role demands, and organizational culture play a role.

2. Explore evidence-based strategies to reduce absenteeism through stronger onboarding, flexible policies, wellness initiatives, and performance support systems.

3. Develop a framework to strengthen employee retention by aligning engagement efforts with the specific values, needs, and motivators of today’s workforce.

AGENDA

5:30pm In-Person Registration and Networking  
6:00pm Dinner 
7:00pm Speaker Presentation - Virtual and In-Person
8:30pm Event Concludes

Registration Closes September 3, 2025 at 8:00am

NEW! Chapter Connectors Program - To foster connection, support, and engagement within the HRPA community, we wish to pair in-person event attendees with experienced member "Connectors". 

NEW! Ad-hoc Volunteer Opportunities - Interested in helping as a greeter, registration desk helper, speaker support and/or runner at an upcoming in-person Chapter event. 

For both of the above opportunities, you should check of the box during registration but you will also need to login to Volunteer with HRPA and sign up there. Thank you for volunteering to help! 

Registration Difficulties or Questions: Please reach out to Rebecca Lauzon our Specialist, Member Engagement at rlauzon@hrpa.ca

 

 

Speaker bio(s)
James Roach, Director of People and Culture

Jamie Roach is a seasoned Human Resources executive with over two decades of experience leading people-focused strategies in both the public and private sectors. Since April 2024, he has served as Director of People and Culture at Kunuwanimano Child and Family Services, where he oversees HR operations, drives organizational culture initiatives, and champions employee engagement and leadership development. Jamie’s previous roles include HR leadership at the Porcupine Health Unit and PAIB Insurance, where he led recruitment, performance management, and large-scale change initiatives, including IT and HRIS system migrations. His work is grounded in equity, inclusion, and long-term sustainability. In addition to his professional work, Jamie is an active community leader, currently serving as Chair of the Timmins and District Hospital Foundation. He is also the past Chair of The Living Space and the Timmins Downtown BIA, where he played key roles in community development and strategic plans