Workplace Health & Wellbeing at UBCO
The UBC Human Resources Workplace Health & Wellbeing team is actively involved in the creation of a safe community that encourages employee health and wellbeing.
Our commitment to employee health is part of the large university goal to create an outstanding work environment as outlined in the UBC Strategic Plan, as well as the UBC Focus on People strategy to develop a sustainable, healthy workplace. In addition, our work is informed by the Wellbeing Strategic Framework and the Okanagan Charter. Our benefits plans are designed with the continuing health and wellbeing of our staff, faculty and their families in mind. In addition, UBC is proud to offer a wide range of workshops and programs to help keep you working and living well. UBC is also part of the Canadian Post-Secondary Community of Practice for Workplace Wellness which is a group of Canadian Universities and Colleges who are interested in working together to solve common problems in our areas of work which includes but is not limited to workplace health promotion, disability management, psychological health and safety issues and accommodation.
New
- For FALL 2022: Monthly transit passes for UBC Okanagan faculty and staff are now discounted by 50%!
- UBCO employees are eligible for a discounted transit pass through the ProPASS program for the Fall 2022 Pass Period (September – December).
- UBCO ProPASS provides a 50% discount on monthly adult transit passes.
- Enrolment for the Fall 2022 ProPASS Period opens August 1. Faculty and staff must enroll by the end of August 2022 to receive discounted transit passes for September – December 2022.
- Visit the UBCO ProPASS webpage for more information on the program and to enroll.
- New dedicated EFAP number for faculty and staff
- Faculty and staff now have a dedicated phone line to access the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) confidential services, through LifeWorks, by calling 1-866-424-0770.
- Expert Medical Services through Teladoc
- Teladoc is a confidential service that provides clarity, confidence and understanding if you or your eligible dependents have any concerns or doubts about a diagnosis, need for help deciding on a treatment option or question the need for surgery. Learn more here.
- Planning for a Child
- ALAViDA
- Available free for a limited time to faculty and staff at is a one-stop-shop for any level of substance use – alcohol and drugs. In as little as 5 minutes a day on the ALAViDA TRAiL app, become aware of your patterns, triggers, and how you cope. The ALAViDA TRAiL is 100% confidential and you can access it on any device. Learn more here.
Wellbeing Events and Opportunities
See our up-to-date health and wellbeing workshops, self directed and recorded learning opportunities here.
Resources for Coping with Difficult Events
Ukraine: Crisis Support Hotline
24/7 free crisis hotline now available to those in need: 1-844-751-2133
When calling the crisis line available through LifeWorks, individuals receive crisis counselling support and/or referral to community resources. Anyone affected by this event can reach the free crisis support line at 1-844-751-2133.
Mental Health:
Tools and Resources to Support Managers, Heads and Deans
Equity and Inclusion (from UBC Equity and Inclusion Office):
Tools for Leaders: Responding to Collective Tragedies and Hateful Incidents
LifeWorks:
The UBC Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) LifeWorks Care Access Centre available 24/7 1-866-424-0770. Professional and confidential counseling services. Learn more here.
Emergency Counselling Services: If you are experiencing an emergency or crisis and require immediate counselling services, call 1-866-424-0770 and select the emergency option to speak to a crisis counsellor.
Coping in Times of Political Uncertainty (LifeWorks article)
Coping with Feelings of Fear and Anxiety about Violence (LifeWorks article)
Taking Care of Yourself After a Traumatic Event (LifeWorks article)
Crisis Support for Residential School Survivors
Please see the below resources dedicated to assisting Residential School Survivors:
- Indian Residential School Survivors Society or Toll-Free Line: 1-800-721-0066;
- Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310 or online chat;
- Resources for students;
- 24hr National Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419;
- Other Supports
Quick Links
- UBC Mental Health and Workplace Wellbeing
- Return to Campus mental health supports
- Working during COVID-19
- Mental Health Tools and Resources
- Finding Same Day Care
- UBC Wellbeing
UBC Wellbeing is a collaborative effort to make the University a better place to live, work and learn through a systems-wide approach to wellbeing across our campuses - Ergonomics
Ergonomics play an important role in our safety and wellbeing. The proper ergonomic design of our workspaces and minimize the risk of a wide range of injuries – from eye strain and carpal tunnel syndrome to persistent neck or back pain. - Working with an Injury, Illness or Disability
The Work Reintegration and Accommodation Program (WRAP) provides support for UBC faculty and staff who are dealing with an injury, illness, or disability. - Substance Use and Addiction Support Resources
For people who struggle with substance use and addictions, it can sometimes be difficult to seek out help and support. If you are looking for help, or you want to support someone you know in finding assistance, learn more about available resources here. - Helping staff and faculty in distress
Everyone plays an important role in creating healthy and respectful work environments. In your role as a UBC staff or faculty member, you may be the first person to see signs that a colleague is in distress, or they may come to you specifically for help. Use this guide to familiarize yourself with commons signs of distress, and the steps you can take to offer assistance. - Legislated 5-day leave for an employee coping with domestic violence