The ‘Burgers and Bisons’ festivities will kick-off at 4:30 PM with a bite to eat at Degrees before heading over to the court to cheer on our Bison athletes.  Attendees will receive 10% off at Degrees and have the option of attending all three Bison games that evening; women’s basketball at 6:00 PM, men’s hockey at 7:00 PM, and men’s basketball at 8:00 PM.

Tickets to attend the Bison games are $5.00 per person and faculty and staff are encouraged to bring their friends and family. The first 30 people to sign up will receive a free Bell Let’s Talk toque.  Children 12 and under are free to attend.

You must register for the event to receive your tickets at half price.

“We are thrilled to be offering this event for faculty and staff at the University,” says Lynn Bohonos, learning & development assistant. “It’s all about UM employees coming together to support our students and community.”

“It’s going to be such a fun, family-friendly event – I encourage all to attend!”

For more information about the event, contact Susan Ducharme at susan[dot]ducharme[at]umanitoba[dot]ca or Melinda Sasek at melinda[dot]sasek[at]umanitoba[dot]ca.

The Live Well initiative is a collaboration between Active Living, Human Resources, Student Affairs and the Office of Sustainability and is closely aligned with our university mental health strategy, Success through Wellness. Dedicated to building personal and community health, Live Well provides accessible information about the many resources available to students and employees on our campus.

The Live Well @Work week takes place every June, and features a wellness fair along with many workshops and activities, from outdoor yoga to lectures to Medicine Wheel teachings. Last year’s Live Well @Work at the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses attracted nearly 650 faculty and staff.

Health and wellness initiatives are also supported by the Respectful Work and Learning Environment (RWLE) policy, which promotes diversity and inclusion.

Recently, the U of M established Success through Wellness grants to fund student, staff and faculty projects that foster positive mental health and wellbeing for the campus community. Read more about the initiative in UM Today. 

“Wellness is about our whole selves — our mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and social well-being,” says Arlana Vadnais, U of M’s employee wellness specialist and campus mental health facilitator. “So we think broadly when developing new programs and initiatives.”

“Our wide range of wellness programming is meant to provide community members with opportunities to focus on well-being, maintain positive, professional relationships, and be engaged in our work,” she adds.

“Ultimately, we want to continue to move forward as a strong and healthy community.”

A list of health and wellness resources for faculty and staff (each title is a link to a U of M webpage):

Live Well @ U of M
This cross-campus initiative promotes health and wellness resources through informational campaigns, activities and an online hub, recognizing the “whole selves” that faculty and staff bring to work each day. The website includes supports for employees’ mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and social well-being. 

Live Well @Work week and year-round activities
The Live Well @Work week takes place every June, at both the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses, and features a wellness fair along with many workshops and activities, from outdoor yoga to lectures on topics such as mindfulness to Medicine Wheel teachings. Watch for additional programming year-round. 

U of M’s Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
The 24/7 program provides a free and confidential range of services, including personal counselling, tools to manage stress, and a variety of wellness resources. It is managed by an outside supplier.

U of M’s Psychological Service Centre
Did you know the university has a dedicated professional to provide advice and consultation for faculty members about mental health and well-being? Contact Harold Wallbridge, director, Psychological Service Centre, 204-474-9069 or harold.wallbridge@umanitoba.ca

Office of Human Rights & Conflict Management (OHRCM)
The OHRCM promotes a respectful working and learning environment in which individuals are treated equitably and diversity is valued and inclusion is fostered. They provide conflict resolution supports including one-on-one coaching, mediation, conciliation and facilitated group dialogue, as well as support in situations of harassment, discrimination and sexual assault.

Learning and Organizational Development (LOD)
This spring, LOD will host a new workshop on self-care that will cover simple ways we can take of ourselves in our daily lives. Among the many offerings are workshops on mental health first aid, managing conflict and creating a respectful work and learning environment.

Human resources consultants
The team of specialists provide coaching and advising services, engaging with community members to maintain a respectful and fulfilling work environment. Consultants work at both campuses and look forward to collaborating with colleagues.

Office of Human Rights & Conflict Management’s Respect Policy
The Respectful Work and Learning Environment (RWLE) policy promotes diversity and inclusion within the university community, and an overall climate of respect.

Success through Wellness: The University of Manitoba’s Campus Mental Health Strategy
Launched in 2014, Success through Wellness supports and promotes mental health and well-being and encompasses students, staff and faculty in fulfillment of the U of M’s strategic priority of providing an outstanding working and learning environment. The strategy focuses on building a community that is committed, caring, healthy, responsive, supportive and resourceful. It includes 67 recommendations that fall under six goal areas.

Explore the wide range of wellness programming, committees and groups at www.umanitoba.ca/livewell

For more information on wellness programming and mental health resources, contact Arlana Vadnais at arlana.vadnais@umanitoba.ca.

Any general questions can be directed to hrfeedback@umanitoba.ca or human resources contact us webpage.

Since 2010, the campaign dedicated to moving mental health forward in our country has raised close to $100 million to support mental health programs. The strategy is built on four pillars: anti-stigma, improving access to care, supporting world-class research, and leading by example in workplace mental health.

“Financial support, innovative learning environment and experiential learning opportunities are always top of mind when it comes to providing an outstanding student experience,” says David Barnard, President of the University of Manitoba. “But in order to focus on their studies, be present in class and explore new paths, students must have healthy, active minds. We applaud Bell’s efforts in this area and encourage students to seek out ways to maintain positive mental health through on-campus services.”

On January 30, #BellLetsTalk Day, for every text, mobile and long distance call made on the Bell network, tweet using #BellLetsTalk, social media video view, or use of the Facebook frame or Snapchat filter, Bell will contribute 5 cents more to Canadian mental health programs.

Join us and take part in any number of events have been planned on campus leading up to and on January 30:

January 25, 7 p.m.             

Bison men’s hockey at Wayne Fleming Arena

Bison men’s volleyball at Investors Group Athletic Centre

Mental health advocates and community members will be on site, fans will receive Bell Let’s Talk toques (while supplies last)

Fan activities and giveaways!

January 28-Feb 1

UMSU Students Let’s Act mental health awareness week

January 30

Bell Let’s Talk Day

Mental health advocates and community members in UMSU University Centre

Wellness Sharing Circle (International Centre & Spiritual Care),  3:30-4:30 p.m.

Bell Let’s Talk at Bannatyne, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Come meet the staff from Services for Students at Bannatyne Campus and get information, resources, and giveaways in the Brodie Atrium.

New format

This year’s Live Well @Work week format is new. Each campus will host a wellness fair and a one-day conference open to all staff and faculty.

The Live Well @Work conference will be held on Wednesday, May 30 at the Bannatyne campus and Thursday, May 31 at the Fort Garry campus. Workshops and times will be posted on the Live Well @Work website. The wellness fairs will run from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Monday at Bannatyne and Tuesday at Fort Garry.

The conference offers three streams, “Body,” “Mind” and “Life,” with corresponding popular sessions such as Medicine Wheel Teachings, mindful self-compassion or coping with stress.  New this year are some financial wellness sessions such as planning for your future and retirement. Conference participants can attend a single one-hour session, part of the day or the full day, depending on their schedule and needs of their unit.

For the first time, the Active Living Centre and Joe Doupe Recreation Centre also offers its free Staff Appreciation Week as part of the Live Well @Work week, so faculty and staff can enjoy free admittance and group fitness classes throughout the week.

The new format incorporates active living and fitness offerings and condenses workshop times to allow for coordinated presentations across both campuses.

Participating

Greg Juliano, associate vice-president (human resources), encourages everyone to participate in the Live Well @Work week. “Getting tips on health and wellness, feeling refreshed and recharged, and networking with colleagues is time well-spent in a workday,” he says. “The U of M is dedicated to supporting and engaging our faculty and staff to create a healthy and outstanding community.”

He notes that partnering with other units and community members has resulted in a fun and impressive line-up.

If the operational needs of a unit can still be met, supervisors are encouraged to release employees to participate as a professional development opportunity, and part of their regular workday.

Drawing on health and wellness resources available at the U of M, Live Well @Work week at the U of M has been created to acknowledge the ‘whole selves’ that faculty and staff bring to work each day.

Live Well @Work ties into the overall Live Well initiative, a webhub that gathers health and wellness resources at the U of M, and Success through Wellness: U of M’s Mental Health Strategy. Together, these efforts support the university’s goal to create an outstanding learning and working environment. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Live Well @Work week coordinator Erica Ominga at J.Ominga@umanitoba.ca

To read the guidelines on attending U of M sponsored events as part of a regular workday, download the Guidelines on Development and Engagement Opportunities.  

FORT GARRY CAMPUS

Monday to Friday: Staff Appreciation Day at the gym. Fitness classes will be posted on the Active Living Centre website.

Tuesday, May 29: Wellness Fair: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Marshall McLuhan Hall. 

Thursday, May 31: Live Well @Work Conference: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Conference workshops and times will be posted on the Live Well @Work website. Conference participants can attend a single one-hour session, part of the day or the full day, depending on their schedule and needs of their unit.

BANNATYNE CAMPUS

Monday to Friday: Staff Appreciation Day at the gym. Fitness classes will be posted on the Joe Doupe Rec Centre website.

Monday, May 28: Wellness Fair: 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in Brodie Atrium. 

Wednesday, May 30: Live Well @Work Conference: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Conference workshops and times will be posted on the Live Well @Work website. Conference participants can attend a single one-hour session, part of the day or the full day, depending on their schedule and needs of their unit.

“Because many people across the campuses are talking about and working on wellness initiatives, the University wants to support their efforts,” says Don Stewart, executive director, student support, student affairs and co-chair of the Champions for Mental Health. 

“We are excited to support new initiatives and enhancements to existing programs through this new funding.”

Grants of up to $10,000 are available to students, staff and faculty from all campuses across the University of Manitoba. Projects can be new initiatives or enhancements to existing programs with a proven track record.

Grant guidelines recommend that students be involved in the development and/or implementation of the proposal, and funding is to be applied to operating expenses or the development of the proposal rather than to capital expenditures.

“The grants are one way the University of Manitoba can foster an outstanding learning and working environment as prioritized in our strategic plan,” says Mark O’Riley, director, learning and organizational development and fellow co-chair.

“And we believe the Success Through Wellness initiative will help members of the campus community address diverse areas of wellness and build an exceptional community together.”

Launched in 2014, Success Through Wellness initiative includes six main goals:

• A committed community that values a comprehensive and sustainable approach to campus mental health
• A caring community that promotes positive mental health and strives to prevent mental health problems
• A healthy community that builds awareness of mental health and its relationship with academic and workplace success
• A responsive community that helps all members to respond to early warning signs of mental health problems and seek additional supports
• A supportive community that provides accessible, effective, and integrated mental health services
• A resourceful community that builds awareness of the signs of mental health crisis and the appropriate responses and resources

Apply for the Success Through Wellness grant by end of day November 14. Find background information and the complete guidelines and application form on the U of M website.  

For a complete listing of wellness resources, visit U of M’s Live Well Hub. 

Correction: this post originally noted November 13 as the deadline, but this has been changed to end of day November 14. 

Survey comments included:

“Live Well @Work made me feel like my employer cares about my well-being.”

“The events opened up doors of information I didn’t have before.”

“It was a bonus to have events during the work hours.”

“I was more relaxed after the meditation session and wish it could be a weekly thing.”

One hundred per cent of respondents said they want Live Well @Work to continue in the future.

This year’s Live Well @Work week was held June 19 to 23 at the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campuses, attracting nearly 650 faculty and staff to the 20 wellness events held over the lunch hour. Events celebrates and explores physical, emotional, spiritual and social well-being.

This year, there were UM Researcher Spotlights led by university professors, in addition to a nature walk, outdoor yoga and a workshop on integrating self-compassion into our daily lives.

At both campuses, the wellness fair attracted a crowd, showcasing wellness companies and organizations as well as U of M departments. Participants mingled and enjoyed coffee and refreshments.

“This is a fun week where we acknowledge our whole selves that we bring to work each day,” says Arlana Vadnais, employee wellness specialist and campus mental health facilitator at the U of M.

The survey highlights a demand for more physical and mental health workshops, as well as events that incorporate and feature Indigenous knowledge, says Vadnais. Respondents also suggested the types of wellness programming they would like to see year-round.

“On behalf of the planning committee, I want to give a heartfelt thanks to all the participants and presenters who embraced Live Well @Work and made it such a success!”

For more on the event, see the human resources website and previous UM Today article. 

To view the University of Manitoba’s broad range of wellness programming, visit the U of M  Live Well Hub.

Live Well @Work started as a weeklong event in June 2014 to celebrate wellness at work and the well-being of faculty and staff.  It has grown in popularity, last year attracting more than 500 university community members to over 25 wellness-related program and services.

Arlana Vadnais, Human Resources

“University community members told us they want to see wellness programming throughout the year,” says Arlana Vadnais, employee wellness specialist and interim campus mental health facilitator, human resources, who will host the events.

“It’s important to take care of our ‘whole selves’ at work,” she continues. “We need to carve out space for our mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and social well-being.”

The Live Well @Work initiative will now include the week in June, with additional workshops throughout the year. Topics are based on feedback from past participants.

On March 24, faculty and staff can learn about the benefits of mindfulness and tips on practicing mindfulness at work from facilitator Sylvia Massinon, public education and training coordinator, Klinic Community Health.

Then, on April 28, long-time U of M fitness instructor Ulla Liljegren will teach participants yoga stretches that can be incorporated on a daily basis at one’s desk or workspace.

Organized by human resources, both events are free for faculty and staff, but space is limited—so register early.

Register for Live Well @Work: Mindfulness (March 24)

Register for Live Well @Work: Yoga in your Office Chair (April 28)

For all Live Well resources, visit the U of M website.

If you have additional feedback, contact Arlana Vadnais, employee wellness specialist and interim campus mental health facilitator, human resources at 204-474-8323 or Arlana.Vadnais@umanitoba.ca

The EFAP is managed by a third-party provider that provides confidential and personalized support to all faculty and staff. The benefit is provided by the U of M in keeping with its goal to provide healthy living options to all staff and faculty, as outlined in its strategic plan Taking Our Place. There is no cost to use this plan.

“From the general information we receive from our provider Shepell, we know that faculty and staff are finding this tool extremely useful, requesting supports in the area of personal relationships, mental health and tools to manage stress. Some bring their children and teenagers to the sessions,” says Dave Muir, director, compensation and benefits, human resources.

In addition to wellness programming, EFAP includes legal support services, covering issues such as separation and divorce, wills and estate planning, real estate and landlord and tenant issues.

Financial well-being is also part of EFAP; users can receive advice on issues such as credit and debt management, budgeting, financial emergencies and changing circumstances.

“Our wellness programs are broad and cover a wide range of services,” says Muir. “Providing healthy living options and overall well-being are important to the U of M.”

Muir notes that all new and eligible employees should receive a package of information on the university’s group insurance during their onboarding process. All documents are online and it is recommended that faculty and staff review the benefits on a regular basis to maximize the programs and supports

Information on the Employee and Family Assistance Program can be found on the human resources website.

Group insurance booklets for full-time, part-time and retired faculty and staff can be accessed on the compensation and benefits website.

Check out the U of M Live Well website, which provides key campus resources related to personal and community well-being.

As the new year begins to unravel however, those well-intentioned goals can become frayed. Finishing assignments, studying and regular exercise will help to keep goals tethered to success; a number of other factors can untie one’s overall health.

A balanced approach to good health focuses on a number of areas, including mental, spiritual, environmental, social and cultural, and physical health. With so much to keep a grip on, dealing with any aspect of poor health can be difficult and perhaps, even confusing. Strategies, resources and information on keeping a balanced lifestyle are often separated.

Until now.

umanitoba.ca/livewell

Bridging the interconnected themes of active living, mental wellness, and environmental responsibility, the University of Manitoba has created a new online tool, organized into five domains that should help to orient the U of M community through the aspects of positive health. The intent is to provide quick and easy access to information and services that promote personal health and wellness and help the U of M community contribute to ecological, social, and economic sustainability.

Live Well was established on campus in August 2015 as a partnership among Active Living, Human Resources, Student Affairs, and the Office of Sustainability.

“It’s been exciting to be a part of the Live Well group, and to have a chance to work with the many great folks that came together to support healthy living within our community,” says Learning and Organizational Development director Mark O’Riley.

This portal opens the door to a tremendous range of activities, opportunities, and resources that U of M students, staff and faculty can access in each of the five areas.

Arlana Vadnais, an employee wellness specialist, in the U of M’s Human Resources department agrees.

“Live Well is an exciting new tool for the entire university community that provides quick and efficient access to the wellness related initiatives and supports available on campus. Our hope is that Live Well will facilitate the ability of students, staff and faculty at the U of M to learn about, enhance and maintain their wellness.”

Aligned closely with the university’s campus mental health strategy, Success through Wellness, and Wellness Works, a partnership among the university, the government of Manitoba, and Manitoba Chambers of Commerce, Live Well is devoted to building personal and community health

“Our campus mental health strategy, Success Through Wellness, takes a holistic approach that acknowledges the interconnections among students, staff, and faculty,” says Don Stewart, executive director, Student Support. “It also emphasizes the importance of having a healthy and supportive campus environment in which to study, live, and work.”

Since physical activity is integral to health, and even plays a huge role in individuals’ mental health, it was imperative that active living be brought into the overall strategy.

Gene Muller is the director of Active Living in the Faculty of Kinesiology & Recreation Management. “Active Living is excited to be part of the Live Well group. With our partners, the hope was to create a resource that informs the U of M community about all we are doing to support healthy living,” says Muller.

The strategy focuses equally on students, staff and faculty members, examining all aspects of the university and identifying ways in which we can be a community that is committed, caring, healthy, responsive, supportive and resourceful.

There are a number of programs and services that have been established to support students, staff and faculty. Promoting and supporting mental health and well-being will reap tremendous rewards, including a more positive work and learning environment, improved performance and productivity, enhanced student experience, greater staff retention and reduced absenteeism.

Support for students

University can be an exciting time, but along the way students may be confronted with stress, anxiety and other challenges. Programs and services have been established to help support students during these challenging times.

The Student Counselling Centre provides personal counselling as well as support groups and workshops to current U of M students. Professional counselors are available to provide support and problem-solving assistance for emotional difficulties, interpersonal problems, stressful life situations and career indecision. Groups and workshops are a great way for students to work through and take action on questions or challenges they may have.

The Health and Wellness program seeks to support students with a number of programs and events that promote healthy lifestyles. Not only are students asked to write scholarly papers and memorize ample amounts of information, they are also ensuring that they have adequate funds to cover tuition costs, rent and food expenses; trying to stay physically healthy by eating a well-balanced diet and exercising; maintaining healthy relationships with loved ones and perhaps enduring a pre-existing physical or mental health condition that may cause its own challenges.

Peers: Student Helping Students is a program jointly funded by UMSU and Student Affairs. The program is a volunteer-based, confidential resource for students who have questions, need to talk to someone about personal issues, want information on different issues or topics or have academic questions or concerns.

Support for staff

A healthy workplace is more than just a physically safe environment. Important elements of a healthy workplace are supportive workplace cultures and practices that promote good mental health and prevent mental injury.

To support the mental health needs of employees, the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP) was established to provide confidential and easy-to-sue resources to all employees and their family members. Through a number of channels (online, phone and mobile app) employees have access to the counseling and support that they require.