One-hour tutorial: Ergonomics for the Office: July 19
Do you or your employees need help in up a computer work space? We invite you to join UBC’s ergonomics team for a one-hour tutorial that combines a presentation and a practical session with hands-on experience adjusting typical office equipment. By the end of the tutorial you will know how to set up your chair, keyboard/mouse and monitor to promote neutral working postures.
This session is free and open to all UBC staff and faculty.
Ergo Your Office Tutorial
July 19, 2018, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tech Enterprise Facilities III, Room 604, 6190 Agronomy Road [map]
Register for this session
Can’t make the session?
UBC Ergonomics has an online Office Ergonomics assessment that you can take at any time, with visuals to assist you in setting up your office equipment to fit you. Visit http://www.hr.ubc.ca/wellbeing-benefits/workplace-health/ergonomics/office-ergonomics/ to get started.
For Managers/Supervisors: Preview “The Working Mind”: June 20, 2018
Human Resources will be holding a preview of the new training Working Mind session for UBC managers/supervisors on June 20 (9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.). All members of the distributed HR community of practice in Vancouver are invited to attend for free.
About the Working Mind
The Working Mind is a Mental Health Commission of Canada, evidence-based workplace training program aimed at increasing mental health literacy for both supervisors/managers and employees. In advance of rolling out this program to the campus community, UBC managers and supervisors are invited to see how it aligns with UBC’s employment policies and procedures.
The session on June 20 is the the manager/supervisor version, and will include information related to duty to enquire, accommodations, return to work, along with the other program elements.
To register, please email Miranda Massie, UBC Health Promotions Coordinator.
Read more about the program goals and objectives under the cut.
Next Office Ergo Rep Training: June 19, 2018
The Ergonomics program at UBC strives to have an Office Ergonomics Representative for each department. Office Ergo Reps are trained by the Ergonomics Advisor in simple computer workstation set-up, signs and symptoms of injuries from poor ergonomic set-up and control strategies to reduce or prevent symptoms.
At this training, Office Ergo Rep participants will learn:
- Basic ergonomic risk factors
- Proper computer workstation set-up
- How to conduct ergonomic assessment for minor issues as well as a quick screen for new hires
Participants will also be provided with training material to share with their colleagues
Course Information
Office Ergo Rep Training
June 19, 2018, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Tech Enterprise Facilities III, Room 610 [map]
Register online
Questions? Please contact our Ergonomics Advisor.
Summer Wellbeing Opportunity: Learn to Meditate, July 5, 10 & 18, 2018
UBC Health Promotions is bringing back the three-part Learn to Meditate course this summer. These sessions, designed for the working environment, are for those both new and experienced in the world of mindfulness meditation. Participants will learn to cultivate personal resilience, discover techniques to reduce and manage stress and gain confidence to practice meditation and mindfulness.
Course information
Learn to Meditate
July 5, 10& 18, 2018, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $35
Room 610, TEF III, 6190 Agronomy Road [map]
Register online
Last Call to Register for “The Working Mind” Session on June 20
We have a few spots still available for “The Working Mind”, a new training session being previewed by Miranda Massie (Health Promotions).
This evidence-based workplace training program aims to increase mental health literacy for employees. Anyone in HR is welcome to register for this free session.
Visit the post from May 17 for more information about the training session.
New HR Training Opportunity: Preview “The Working Mind” Session on June 20
Miranda Massie (Health Promotions) is holding a preview of her new training session, “The Working Mind”, on June 20 and invites anyone in HR who is interested to attend. The session will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at TEF III (Room 610) and only 25 spaces are available. Please email her by May 31 to save your spot.
About the new training
The Working Mind is a Mental Health Commission of Canada, evidence-based workplace training program aimed at increasing mental health literacy for both supervisors/managers and employees. In advance of rolling out this program to the campus community, all HR staff are invited to preview the training to ensure that it aligns with current UBC policies and procedures.
The manager/supervisor version of the training includes information related to duty to enquire, accommodations, return to work, along with the other program elements.
Please note: Miranda will be presenting the manager/supervisor version on June 20, but all HR staff are welcome to attend. Read on for more info about the program, including details about the employee and manager/supervisor course content.
To register, please email Miranda Massie.
Program goals:
• To reduce stigma and negative attitudes towards those struggling with poor mental health
• To provide learners with a broad understanding of mental health and wellness
• Help participants maintain mental health and improve resilience
• To promote mental health and wellness in the workplace
• To provide managers with the confidence, tools and resources to manage and support employees who may be experiencing mental health problems or illness
Objectives
To give employees/managers the practical knowledge of mental health and mental illness so they can:
• Use the mental health continuum to recognize changes in their mental health and that of others
• Be prepared to use skills to improve their coping and resiliency
• Reduce both public and self-stigma
• Be willing to be a part of a supportive workplace
The employee version includes:
• A focus on dispelling the myths of mental health problems and mental illnesses, aiming to reduce associated stigma
• An overview of the Mental Health Continuum Model
• Self-assessment of one’s own mental health along the continuum
• Strategies one can apply at each point along the continuum
The managers’ version includes additional course content, such as:
• Workplace accommodations and return to work
• How to observe changes in employees along the continuum
• Appropriate actions to take
• How to communicate with employees about mental health illness in a workplace context
Questions? Ask Miranda Massie.
Reminder to register: Pick Your Peak Stair Challenge
May 23 is the deadline to register for this summer’s Pick Your Peak Stair Challenge (May 28 – June 22, 2018.)
Open to all UBC staff and faculty, this four-week challenge is a fun and inclusive way to keep fit with your colleagues. Weekly prizes draws, including overall prizes for the top team and top individual. Step on up and register today!
New UBC Accessibility Shuttle: On Campus May 1, 2018
A new pilot project has been launched to promote accessibility on UBC’s Point Grey campus. The UBC Accessibility Shuttle is a free, shared ride service available only by reservation, to people with conditions that impact their mobility from designated stops to and from the central pedestrian areas of campus. The Accessibility Shuttle serves areas that can otherwise only be accessed by foot (i.e. areas with limited vehicle access and parking). Each UBC building in the service area is within 100 meters of a shuttle stop.
Pick Your Peak Stair Challenge Begins May 28, 2018
Staff and faculty are invited to join the 4th annual Pick Your Peak Stair Challenge. This four-week challenge is a fun and inclusive way to encourage our community to keep fit by taking the stairs.
The challenge will include weekly participant prizes, photo challenges, and an overall prize for both the top team and top individual. Teams are encouraged, to build spirit and to stay motivated. Everyone, of all ability levels, is invited to participate.
Visit the Pick Your Peak webpage to learn more and to register. The registration deadline is May 23.
Health & Wellbeing Workshops: May – June 2018
We have a number of health and wellbeing workshops in May and June, free for UBC staff and faculty. Registration is open for all courses.
Please visit the Healthy UBC Newsletter for more information about these courses, or click to register.
- Eldercare 101: May 10, 12:00-1:00 p.m..
- Wellbeing Series Part 1: Self-Care 101:May 17, 12:00-1:00 p.m..
- Wellbeing Series Part 2: Bouncing Forward, Building Resilience: May 30,12:00-1:00 p.m..
- Wellbeing Series Part 3: Workplace Wellbeing: June 12, 12:00-1:00 p.m..
- Sit-Stand Desks & Platforms: May 22, 1:30-2:30 p.m..
- Ergo Your Office Tutorial: May 24, 1:30-2:30 p.m..
- QPR Suicide Prevention Training: June 13, 1:30-3:30 p.m..
Après Sports Day: May 4, 2018, 3-6pm
After Sports Day on Friday, get together with your friends and colleagues at the all-new Après Sports Day after-party featuring a beer garden, food, and live music. You don’t need to have registered for Sports Day to take part – just swing by after work to enjoy and relax on a Friday afternoon.
What to expect: Free healthy snacks, outdoor beer garden, food from Dog House (for purchase), live music, friends, games.
When: May 4, 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Where: East of the new Life Building (check in near Booster Juice inside the building).
Who: Everyone is welcome! Sports Day registration is not required.
Don’t Forget to Bring: ID and cash, debit or credit to purchase beverages, or food from the Dog House.
Brought to you by Human Resources and UBC Recreation.
Faculty Pension Plan Forum: May 16, 2018
On Wednesday, May 16, the UBC Faculty Pension Plan (FPP) will host its annual Pension Forum. This annual event is a great opportunity for members to hear the latest news about their pension plan and to meet the plan’s trustees, management and staff. There will be a presentation on the plan’s 2017 investment performance and a review of the 2017/18 initiatives. We will also offer a live webcast of the presentation for members who are unable to attend the event in person.
Date: Wednesday, May 16, 2018
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (doors open at 10 a.m.)
Location: Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre (Jack Poole Hall, second floor), Vancouver Campus [map]
Visit faculty.pensions.ubc.ca/pensionforum for event details and registration information. Registration is required for attendance in person but not for the webcast.
Benefits Info Session: Understanding Your Travel Benefits: April 30
Summer is just around the corner and many staff and faculty are preparing for vacation. Join UBC Benefits Specialist, Stephanie Mah, in a one-hour session, Understanding Your Travel Benefits on understanding your travel benefits and ensure that your vacation is as stress-free as possible.
This session will also include a Q & A period and we encourage you to come with questions.
Course Information
Date: April 30, 2018, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Michael Smith Laboratories, Room 102
Cost: Free
Register online
Healthy Workplace Funding Deadline is April 18, 2018
Do you and your colleagues have a great idea for boosting the health and wellbeing of your team? 2018 applications are now being accepted for the Health Workplace Initiatives Program (HWIP), which provides funding for health-related initiatives such as yoga classes, mental health training and bike share programs.
The deadline for applications is April 18, 2018. Learn more at http://www.hr.ubc.ca/wellbeing-benefits/workplace-health/healthy-workplaces-initiatives-fund/.
Register ASAP for Staff & Faculty Sports Day, May 4, 2018
Registration for UBC’s Staff & Faculty Sports Day is nearly full! Be sure to register ASAP to make sure of your spot in this great team event on May 4, 2018.
Sports Day is a free, fun event for staff and faculty to build teamwork and celebrate the end of the school year by taking part in physical and intellectual challenges with colleagues.
See you at Sports Day!
Two Free Noon-Time Health & Wellbeing Workshops Next Week
We have two health & wellbeing noon-time workshops coming up next week:
Welcoming Change into Your Life: March 26, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Change is a natural part of life. While some changes can affect the very structure of your life, other changes can have subtle impacts on your day-to-day activities. Sometimes you may be aware that a change is imminent but are uncertain about what it will involve and how it will affect your life. Situations like these can create ambiguity, worry, or a sense of loss and sadness.
This session will address the emotional reactions that participants may experience when confronted with change, taking into account their personality and strength, and provide coping skills to enable them to manage change more effectively.
Debunking Diet Series – Part 2: The Superfood Showdown: March 27, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
In the story of the superhero, villains play a role too. Let’s define what makes a food a superhero and uncover misconceptions around villainous foods. Learn how to evaluate a superfood’s claim to fame. You will leave with three dietary suggestions to nourish yourself and to improve your nutritional health.
See all health & wellbeing workshops at http://www.hr.ubc.ca/wellbeing-benefits/events-and-workshops/.
Mindfulness@Work Six-Week Program Begins April 5, 2018 (at DHCC/VGH)
Mindfulness@Work is an in-person educational program modelling off Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). MBSR is an evidence-based training that reduces stress, cultivates physical & mental health and promotes wellbeing. Mindfulness is a basic human quality, a way of learning how to pay wise attention to whatever is happening in your life in the moment. The practice of mindfulness reduces reactivity and promotes greater connection inwardly and outwardly.
Mindfulness@Work specifically focuses on integrating the practice of mindfulness in the workplace to promote effectiveness, teamwork, and communication.
Participating in Mindfulness@Work requires an ongoing commitment to your wellbeing. You will be asked to:
- attend all classes, including the one-day weekend retreat, and
- to practice daily home assignments for 15-30 minutes a day.
Spring 2018 – DHCC/VGH
Sessions: Thursdays, April 5, 12, 19, 26 & May 3, 10, 2018, 9:00 – 10:15 a.m.
Mandatory Retreat: Saturday, April 28 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $100 registration fee (eligible for PD funding – contact Melissa Lafrance with questions on using PD funding)
Visit our Mindfulness@Work page for more information and to register.
Save the Date: Staff & Faculty Sports Day is May 4
Mark your calendars! Human Resources and UBC Rec invite all faculty, staff and graduate students to participate in Staff & Faculty Sports Day, a free, fun and inclusive event on May 4, 2018, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Each year, Sports Day brings together teams of employees who can choose physical and/or intellectual challenges in a competitive or just-for-fun format. Registration opens March 15 at http://www.recreation.ubc.ca/sportsday/.
Apply Now for Healthy Workplace Funding
Do you and your colleagues have a great idea for boosting the health and wellbeing of your team? 2018 applications are now being accepted for the Health Workplace Initiatives Program (HWIP), which provides funding for health-related initiatives such as yoga classes, mental health training and bike share programs. The deadline for applications is April 18, 2018.
30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge Starts Feb. 19 – Free for UBC Staff & Faculty
The 30-Day Online Mindfulness Challenge focuses on the core skills of mindfulness through evidence-based online training, teaching mindfulness-in-action for everyday life. Participants have found that the challenge helps reduce stress, while increasing joy and peak performance in all areas of life including leadership, interpersonal communication, conflict management, and decision-making in the workplace.
This year, the 30-Day challenge is free for UBC staff and faculty. The spring session runs Feb. 19 – March 20, 2018.
Register at https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0fhoXZec5qvyb6B.