Well-being Resources
We’re here to support you! For each dimension of wellness listed below, access strategies and resources to help you lead a happy, healthy life.
Note: Ontario Tech University's Employee Assistance Program (EAP), TELUS Health*, is more than counselling services, supporting multiple dimensions of wellness through financial, legal, and nutrition consultation, LIFT fitness videos, and much more! The EAP is available 24/7/365 to employees and their dependents by calling 1.844.671.3327, or by visiting workhealthlife.com.
*LifeWorks becomes TELUS Health:
LifeWorks, our Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP) provider, is now part of TELUS Heath and is being rebranded to TELUS Health by the end of August 2023. Moving forwards our EFAP, will be referred to as an Employee Assistance Program (EAP); however, you and your family will continue to have access to the same services. New URLs will be available to access our EAP Platform; however, the ones we are currently using will continue to work. Our EAP phone number, 1-844-671-3327, app, web platform, and your usernames and passwords, used to access your EAP, remain the same. The LifeWorks app and platform will be renamed to TELUS Health One with associated TELUS Health branding. Phone calls will be answered as TELUS Health and services, such as video calls, will be delivered under the TELUS Health brand. If you have any questions about this transition, please email wellnessatwork@ontariotechu.ca.
Essentials Platform Launched March 7!
All full time and limited term employees will have access to Essentials. Essentials is a digital wellbeing solution designed to assist you on your wellbeing journey. This add-on to our existing EAP program will help to create a healthier and happier you! Please watch for your email invitation to join. Bonus: You can invite up to 5 family members to use the Platform too!
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Physical
Physical activity is a key component of a healthy lifestyle and the need extends beyond the workplace. It is important to take breaks from sitting and being physically active is one of the most important actions that a person can take to improve or maintain their health.
- Move more, reduce sedentary time, and sleep well - make your whole day matter via Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines
- Visit the Wellness Walks webpage for dates, times, and where to meet for these free and fun walks.
- Explore the Flex Fitness Centre, personal training, group & virtual classes offered through the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre
- Eat a variety of healthy foods each day via Canada's Food Guide
- Healthy Eating & Nutrition Tips from the Campus Recreation Resource Library
- Aim to drink 8-cups of water daily
- Break up long periods of sitting as much as possible and take Time To Stretch
- Visit the Ergonomics webpage to ensure your workstation is a safe work environment
- Take a Body Break
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Social
Social wellness involves developing communication skills, building healthy relationships, and creating a support system of family, friends, and peers. Having good social wellness contributes to our resilience, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging.
- Have lunch with a colleague
- Join the Ontario Tech Book Club today! Bonus - the copy of the book is yours to keep!
- Visit the Engagement Opportunities webpage to learn other ways to connect
- Take advantage of Employee Perks and Discounts
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Vocational
Involves using your skills, talents, and gifts to gain personal satisfaction, happiness, and enrichment from your work to live a fulfilling life. Vocational wellness also refers to seeking out endeavors such as volunteerism and interests that are rewarding, provide meaning and enact positive change.
- Start a 'Thankful Thursday' routine by Sending a Thank you! eCard to welcome a new team member, send congrats to a colleague - there are 16 different card options to choose from!
- Achieve your goals via the Goal Setting Tip Sheet
- Attend a professional development course or leadership development program - learn more on the Learning and Organizational Development webpage.
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Environmental
Refers to how the environment impacts our wellness and involves learning about—and contributing to—the health of our workplace and our planet. Environmental wellness promotes connecting with nature, establishing a sustainable lifestyle, protecting natural resources, eliminating waste and reducing environmental triggers in the workplace.
- Sustainability at Ontario Tech
- Become a Green Office Program Ambassador
- Participate in Ontario Tech's Recycling and Reuse Programs
- Spend time outdoors exploring more than 350km of recreational trails in Durham Region
- Join Gretchen Rubin's 'Go Outside 23 in 23' Challenge to reap the benefits of the outdoors
- Learn more about Scent Sensitivity in the Workplace and how to avoid allergy triggers
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Financial
Involves the ability to meet financial obligations, feeling secure about your financial future and making choices that allow you to enjoy life. Financial struggles are a common source of stress and anxiety and can impact all aspects of wellness.
- Set finanical goals
- Establish weekly or monthly budgets
- Utilize your Benefits Plan
- Set-up a Financial consultation through our Employee Assistance Program, TELUS Health, by calling 1.844.671.3327
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Spiritual
Involves developing a set of guiding values, morals, principles, and beliefs that give direction to one’s life by providing a sense of meaning, and purpose. While spirituality may involve engaging in religious practice, it's not required to achieve spiritual wellness.
- Write in a gratitude journal
- Practice compassion & forgiveness of self and others
- Make time for reflection
- Engage in Professional Development Courses, specifically, Indigenous Programming
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Mental
Includes all aspects of mental health and emotional wellbeing. It includes how you feel, think and cope with challenges in your daily life. Mental wellness also includes the ability to experience a range of human emotions and to develop positive feelings about yourself. Mental wellness can impact all other dimensions of wellness.
- Practice self-regulation and grounding strategies
- Try this Box Breathing relaxation technique
- Mindful Meeting Starters and Mindful Self-Care Practices
- Use positive self-talk - You got this!
- Join the Campus Connected Movement
- Register for The Working Mind Training
- Mindsight - Become certified today!
- Learn more about resilience and self-care from Dr. Robyne Hanley-Dafoe
- Book an in-person, phone, video, chat or group counselling session through our Employee Assistance Program provider, TELUS Health, by calling 1.844.671.3327
- Attain complimentary access to Applying Mindfulness at Work an On-Demand, 4-Module Course
