Live Well @Work celebrates faculty and staff health and wellness
Free events at Fort Garry and Bannatyne campus, June 24 to 28
If you find yourself curious about meditation and spirituality, interested in Indigenous teachings, or would like to explore nature and creativity through hands-on terrarium building, you should plan to attend this year’s Live Well @Work Week.
“There are so many resources at U of M,” says Arlana Vadnais, employee wellness specialist and campus mental health facilitator, human resources and student support.
“We have designed a week of events that is both fun and informative. We hope to provide the opportunity for staff and faculty to meet new people, while taking some time out of their usual work schedule to learn strategies to improve their wellness.”
This year, the annual Live Well @Work Week takes place from June 24 to 28, and celebrates mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and social well-being. The event draws on educational and health and wellness resources available at the U of M and is open to university staff and faculty.
All are encouraged to participate in lunchtime workshops and learn about topics such as healthy eating and Canada’s new food guide; safety and security on campus; U of M pension plans; and exploring ways to improve work-life balance.
The office of sustainability will lead three different lunch-time walks to enjoy the outdoors with co-workers, while learning about campus architecture, sustainability or riparian forests.
A wellness fair at both campuses will feature booths from external stakeholders and U of M departments. Also featured are prize draws, such as two tickets to a Jets game, along with coffee and refreshments. Visitors to the Fort Garry fair will have the opportunity to create bohemian wall hangings and discover the art of paper marbling.
The Active Living Centre and Joe Doupe Recreation Centre are offering staff and faculty free classes all week, including an exclusive Live Well referrals program. Any faculty or staff member who refers a colleague, friend or spouse who purchases a membership during Live Well @Work week will receive a month extension on their membership. As a bonus, their friend will also get an extra month on their new membership.
Live Well @Work Week was created to acknowledge the ‘whole selves’ that faculty and staff bring to work each day at U of M. This is the fifth year of the event, which has grown in popularity, last year attracting over 600 participants.
Live Well @Work also ties into the overall Live Well initiative, a web hub that gathers health and wellness resources at the U of M, and the 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.
“Each year, we hear back from employees who have learned a new way to take care of themselves, and build healthier habits,” Vadnais says. “The success of Live Well is the new friendships that are formed, and in building awareness of resources and skills to improve our well-being.”
“We look forward to seeing you at the Live Well events!”
Events run Monday, June 24 to Friday, June 28 at the Fort Garry and Bannatyne campus. Please note that some events may change and new events may be added: check the website for the latest information!
For guidelines on attending U of M sponsored events as part of a regular workday, download the Guidelines on Development and Engagement Opportunities.
If you have any questions, please contact Arlana Vadnais at 204-474-8323 or Arlana [dot] vadnais [at] umanitoba [dot] ca