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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Events, Initiatives and Training for Health and Well-being

Healthy us. Healthy campus. Rise and thrive at Ontario Tech!

Your Human Resources health and wellness supports and services, including the Healthy Workplace Committee are committed to providing the university community with opportunities to engage in activities that promote employee optimal health and well-being. Check out this web page often for updates on offerings that support a holistic approach to building a healthier workplace. The events and initiatives page will be updated as offerings are confirmed.

Do you have an idea for an event, speaker, initiative etc? The Healthy Workplace would luv to hear from you! Please email wellnessatwork@ontariotechu.ca !

Upcoming:

  • Plan for Resilience - September 28, 2023

    This session will help you move from surviving to thriving by helping you build resilience and plan for successful situations.  Developing a plan to get through potentially stressful situations, via the Plan for Resilience workbook, can have a positive impact on both your personal and work life.  This is a facilitated working session.  Snacks will be provided.

    Date: Thursday, September 28,  2023
    Time: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
    Location:  In-person, SHA-018
    Target Audience: All faculty and staff

    REGISTER FOR PLAN FOR RESILIENCE – SEPT 28, 2023

  • Resiliency for Working Parents - October 4, 2023

    Today’s working parent needs to build resiliency in order to prevent burnout. This class will give you the tools to manage stress while maintaining a sense of work and family life balance.  This session is provided by TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks) and will be delivered by Liz Eustace. 


    Date: Wednesday, October 4, 2023
    Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    Location:  Virtual 
    Target Audience: All faculty and staff

    Register for Resiliency for Working Parents – Oct 4, 2023 via TElus health

    Note: After registering via TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks), you will be sent a meeting link to the session.

  • The Working Mind Training - Employee - Oct 12 & 25, 2023 and Nov 21, 2023

    Gain knowledge to identify shifts in mental well-being in yourself and others while learning coping skills to manage stress. Increasing our awareness about mental health will help reduce stigma associated with mental illness. Participants will receive a certificate of completion from the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC). Register today!

    A minimum of 8 participants to run a session. Participants will be notified if the session is cancelled due to low enrollment.

    Session #1:
    Date: Thursday, October 12, 2023
    Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
    Location:  Virtual via Google Meet
    Target Audience: Employees

    REGISTER FOR THE WORKING MIND TRAINING - EMPLOYEE ON OCT 12, 2023

    Session #2:
    Date: Wednesday, October 25, 2023
    Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
    Location:  Virtual via Google Meet
    Target Audience: Employees

    REGISTER FOR THE WORKING MIND TRAINING - EMPLOYEE ON OCT 25, 2023

    Session #3:
    Date: Tuesday, Novemeber 21, 2023
    Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
    Location:  Virtual via Google Meet
    Target Audience: Employees

    REGISTER FOR THE WORKING MIND TRAINING - EMPLOYEE ON NOV 21, 2023

  • Campus Connected - October 24, 2023

    Join the movement of over 300 faculty and staff with Campus Connected!

    Campus Connected is a workshop for staff, faculty and students to learn how to engage with others with an attitude of caring and kindness, as well as listen with empathy and without judgement.campus connect, five hands hold the wrist of another to form a circle

    • Attend a Campus Connected session.
    • Display the Campus Connected symbol. 
    • Be available to listen, care and help others.

    Date: Tuesday, October 24,  2023
    Time: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
    Location:  In-person, SHA-018
    Target Audience: All faculty and staff

    REGISTER FOR CAMPUS CONNECTED – OCT 24, 2023

  • Health, Safety & Wellness Fair - October 26, 2023

    The Healthy Workplace Committee and the Health and Safety department welcome you to take part in Ontario Tech University's annual Health, Safety and Wellness Fair to promote and support the health, safety, and well-being of those who study and work at our University. 

    The Health, Safety and Wellness Fair will take place on October 26th, 11 am - 1 pm, UA Main Floor Atrium. Please plan to stop by and visit the various booths and enter your name in a draw for a chance to win one of several prizes, including a FitBit Versa 2!
    Additional give-aways include: Tim Horton's gift card, Amazon gift card, and indoor plants!

    Confirmed Vendors:

    Therapeutic Paws of Canada (that's right, a furry friend will be visiting), TELUS Health (our Employee Assistance Program provider), SunLife (our Pension and Benefits provider), Grand & Toy, Campus Safety & Security, and Campus Library!  

    New for this year - Pumpkin Extravaganza

     Are you up for some friendly, potentially spooky, competition?  Join Ontario Tech’s Pumpkin Extravaganza during October’s Healthy Workplace Month!

    What is a Pumpkin Extravaganza?

    Staff/Faculty work together to carve and/or decorate a pumpkin for your chance of being crowned Pumpkin Extravaganza winners!

    How it works: 

    1. Form a group of participants with your colleagues.
    2. Have one colleague request a free pumpkin from the Wellness at Work team, by completing this eForm by Friday, October 6th.
    3. The Wellness at Work team will connect with you to arrange pick-up/delivery to your location the week of October 16th.
    4. Choose which category you’d like to enter: Carving or Decorating
    5. Work with your colleagues to create your pumpkin masterpiece
    6. Bring your pumpkin and pumpkin submission form to the UA Atrium on October 26th (no later than 11am), to be displayed at the Health, Safety & Wellness Fair on October 26th from 11-1pm.
    7. Pumpkins are yours to keep - please remove your pumpkin from the UA Atrium by 5pm

    Judging:

    Pumpkins will be viewed during the Health Safety & Wellness Fair and then pictures shared with the Ontario Tech Community to vote on the best carved and best decorated pumpkin from each category. 

    For more information:
    Please email wellnessatwork@ontariotechu.ca

    Health safety and wellness save the date poster.

  • The Working Mind Training – Manager - Nov 2 & 9, 2023

    Gain knowledge to identify shifts in mental well-being in yourself and others while learning coping skills to manage stress.  Increasing our awareness about mental health will help reduce stigma associated with mental illness. 

    Managers will receive The Working Mind for Employees plus additional content about supporting your team including:

    • Having healthy conversations,
    • Return to work & accommodation, and
    • Helping your team through crisis management

    Participants will receive a certificate of completion from the Mental Health Commission of Canada. 

    Thursday, November 2 & 9, 2023
    Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
    Location: Virtual, via Google Meet

     REGISTER FOR THE WORKING MIND TRAINING- MANAGER on Nov 2 & 9, 2023

     A minimum of 8 participants to run a session. Participants will be notified if the session is cancelled due to low enrollment.

  • safeTALK: Suicide Prevention Training - Nov 1 & 28, 2023

    Develop suicide alertness through in-depth skills to recognize signs of suicide, engage someone, and ensure a connection to safety. This session is facilitated by the Canadian Mental Health Association.

    A minimum enrollment is 10 participants. Participants will be notified if the training is cancelled due to low enrollment.

    Session #1:
    Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2023
    Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
    Location:  In-person, Campus Corners, 2nd floor, Room 2214
    Target Audience: All faculty and staff

    REGISTER FOR SAFETALK ON NOV 1, 2023


    Session #2:
    Date: Tuesday, November 28, 2023
    Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    Location: In-person, SHA-024
    Target Audience: All faculty and staff

    REGISTER FOR SAFETALK ON NOV 28, 2023

  • Overcoming Burnout - November 16, 2023

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of everyday work and home life, then this workshop focusing on the issues of burnout will help bring your life back into balance. Learn to identify the symptoms of burnout and explore strategies for coping with and avoiding burnout.  This session is provided by TELUS Health and will be delivered by Liz Eustace. 

    Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023
    Time: 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.
    Location:  Virtual
    Target Audience: All faculty and staff

    Register for Overcoming Burnout – November 16, 2023 via telus health

    Note: After registering via TELUS Health (formerly LifeWorks), you will be sent a meeting link to the session.

Reoccurring

  • Wellness Wednesdays - Starting September 13, 2023

    Wellness Wednesdays

    Wellness Wednesday logo.

    Campus Coffee Break is now Wellness Wednesdays!  Drop-in to these virtual sessions, to connect with colleagues, pick-up a wellness tip/resource, and be entered into a random draw for a prize.  Prizes will be distributed at every session, so don’t miss out – save the below dates from 2:30-2:45pm every other Wednesday.

    Join Wellness Wednesdays on Google Meet

    meet.google.com/bky-tpkw-zic

    Or dial +1 778-735-9402 PIN: 328 437 081#

     

    Date Topic Prize
    September 13 National Online Learning Day Ergonomic Foot Rest
    September 27 Physical Activity Yoga mat & blocks
    October 11 World Mental Health Day Gratitude Journal & Pen
    October 25 October is Healthy Workplace Month Ontario Tech logoed tote bag and water bottle
    November 8 Stress Awareness Day The Little Book of Stress Relief by Dr. David Posen
    November 22 Financial Wellness  $10.00 Tim Horton’s Gift Card
    December 6 Surviving the End of Year Rush Journal & Pen

    Have questions or need more information?  

    Contact the Wellness at Work Team, wellnessatwork@ontariotechu.ca

  • Applying Mindfulness at Work: On-Demand 4-Module Course - Complete by Sept 30th to earn your Micro-credential!

    Back by Popular Demand!

    All Ontario Tech University Staff & Faculty have been granted Complimentary Access to the Applying Mindfulness at Work 4-Module Course until September 30, 2023!applying-mindfulness-at-work-4-module-course-image.jpeg

    To start your complimentary access today, please visit the Mindful Society Global Institute webpage to enroll. 

    Description:
    In this on-demand online course, you will learn the latest science-based insights and workplace practices to reduce stress, strengthen wellbeing and improve focus and performance. During four experiential and very practical modules over four weeks you will receive step-by-step guidance to apply 20 workplace mindfulness practices to help you deal with stress more effectively and develop the ability to be calm, clear and focused at work.

    What you'll get:

    • 47 micro-lessons on-demand in high quality video and audio + transcripts
    • 20 guided workplace mindfulness practices + transcripts
    • Access to a private course community
    • Learning Portal with guided practices, transcripts and course learning materials
    • Access to all of the above for 3-months from the time of enrollment
    • Note: The first 100 staff/faculty to complete the course will receive a micro-credential (in addition to the completion certificate)

    Weekly modules:

    • Module 1: The Science & Practice of Workplace Mindfulness
    • Module 2: Resilience & Reducing Stress
    • Module 3: Focus at Work
    • Module 4: Optimal Habits at Work & Sustaining Learning


    Who is the course for?

    • This course is for anyone interested in applying mindfulness to their workplace or day-to-day working lives, including coaches, corporate trainers, mindfulness practitioners and facilitators.


    Meet your instructors:

    Michele Milan MA
    Michele Milan MA is the former CEO of one of the top business schools in the world, Rotman School of Management, and has spent 20 years in leadership development designing and delivering leadership programs for organizations around the world. 

    Michael Apollo MHSc
    Michael Apollo MHSc is a leader in workplace mindfulness, executive development and mental wellbeing with 20 years of experience in mindfulness.

     

    What your Colleagues are Saying:
    “This course helps you take care of yourself in order to be successful, productive, and happy. By doing so, you also can become a support system for others to do the same and encourage them as well.”

    “The most helpful part of the course was the introduction of new practices and the explanation on how they specifically can enhance focus and presence at work.”

     “Great program with a good catalog of Mindful Practices for work.”

  • Mindful Meeting Starters and Self-Care Practices

    All Ontario Tech University Faculty and Staff will have 1-year (May 2023-2024) of complimentary access to the Mindful Society Global Institute's Mindful Meeting Starters and Mindful Self-Care Practices.

    • Mindful Meeting Starters
      • Reference Guide
      • 8 Guided practices you can use to start meetings.

    • Mindful Self-Care Practices
      • 2 Reference Guides
      • 8 Guided practices validated to support mental and emotional well-being.

    ENROLL NOW to receive complimentary access to this digital resource bundle!

  • How to Register for Employee Assistance Program Orientation Session:

    New to Ontario Tech or wanting to refresh your knowledge of the supports and services available through TELUS Health, our Employee Assistance Program?

    Register now for a live orientation webinar!

Learning and Development

Please contact Julie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist, with questions or if you should require an accommodation in order to participate in any of the events.