This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to collect information about how you interact with our website and allow us to remember your browser. We use this information to improve and customize your browsing experience, for analytics and metrics about our visitors both on this website and other media, and for marketing purposes. By using this website, you accept and agree to be bound by UVic’s Terms of Use and Protection of Privacy Policy.  If you do not agree to the above, you can configure your browser’s setting to “do not track.”

Skip to main content
People Departments Maps Buildings Rooms A-Z
University
of Victoria
Apply Library
Sign in Online tools Sign out
Human Resources

Workplace wellness

Workplace wellness

UVic is committed to supporting the physical, mental and social wellbeing of employees. In addition to benefits and off‑campus services, employees have access to proactive, on‑campus wellness resources that support healthy, sustainable work lives.

Creating a Culture of Wellbeing

Wellbeing at UVic is supported through shared responsibility across the campus community. Employees are encouraged to:

  • Take regular breaks and use vacation time
  • Stay connected with colleagues and campus communities
  • Participate in on‑campus programs that support health and wellbeing
  • Seek support early when challenges arise

Check the Employee Learning Calendar for workshops and sessions.

Mental Health & Emotional Wellbeing

The TELUS Health Total Wellbeing platform features a comprehensive health assessment, self-paced wellness programs, and resources on a wide array of topics. This platform is included in the UVic Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP).

Supporting someone in need

If someone you work with may be experiencing difficulty, there are resources available to help you recognize concerns and provide appropriate support:

It can be difficult to know what to do when a colleague or friend is dealing with mental health concerns. Possible signs include:

  • significant changes in behaviour or performance (e.g. decreased interest or involvement in work, tardiness, increased absences, lethargy, agitation, confusion, outbursts, excessive anger, changes in physical appearance, etc.)
  • social withdrawal or isolation (e.g. uncommunicative, avoidance, not showing up for meetings, lack of cooperation, etc.)
  • signs of excessive drug or alcohol use
  • difficulty concentrating, remembering things or making decisions
  • expressed feelings of hopelessness, despair, or behaviours that indicate a likelihood of harm to self or others (e.g. suicidal ideation, verbal or written communication that includes self harm or harm to others, etc.)
  • preoccupation with or expressions of violence or persons who have engaged in violent acts

Some ways you can support someone in distress include:

  • ask them how they are doing
  • pay attention to changes - notice when someone is acting differently
  • express concern without making assumptions or judgements or diagnosing
  • offer a listening ear
  • ask how you can help and respect their wishes
  • suggest resources on campus and in the community
  • depending on your relationship, keep in touch even when they take time off
  • when a colleague returns to work after a leave, make them feel welcome and appreciated

Additional tips and free resources for supporting troubled co-workers available at the Workplace Strategies for Mental Health website.

The Student Mental Health web pages have resources and services available to assist you in responding to students who may be struggling with mental health concerns.

These resources offer guidance on responding with care and connecting individuals to appropriate supports.

Physical Activity & Recreation

The Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA) offers programs and facilities that support physical activity, stress management and overall wellbeing. Regular staff and faculty are eligible for discounted memberships, with options designed to accommodate different interests and schedules.

Learn more about memberships: Vikes Recreation Memberships

Everyday Movement & Outdoor Spaces

UVic’s campus offers natural spaces that encourage movement and restoration throughout the workday. Employees are encouraged to incorporate informal activity such as:

  • Walking meetings
  • Lunchtime walks through Mystic Vale or campus pathways
  • Using outdoor stairs and open spaces when possible

Regular movement can support physical health, focus and overall wellbeing.

Primary care options

Urgent and primary care centres (UPCCs) provide access to same-day, urgent, non-emergency health care. Find an urgent care clinic near you on the HealthLinkBC website.

Other urgent care resources:

Virtual health options (BC Care Card required):

Tips for primary care in BC:

  • Ask your family or friends to introduce you to their own primary care provider (PCP). Sometimes a PCP may take you on as a referral from an existing patient.
  • If you are visiting another health care provider, such as a specialist, ask them if they know of any PCP that is accepting new patients.
  • If you are visiting a health care provider at a walk-in clinic, ask them if they know of any PCPs that are accepting patients.
  • If you live in British Columbia and need a family doctor or nurse practitioner, register for the Health Connect Registry.