Develop a Sustainable, Healthy Workplace

UBC has a responsibility as an organization to support the growth of an employee-centred sustainable healthy workplace. By promoting health and wellness in the workplace across our campuses, we demonstrate that we support a productive and progressive work culture.

What have we accomplished?

During the first two years of the Focus on People initiative, we have taken some first steps in developing a sustainable, healthy workplace. We have created the Healthy Workplace Initiative Program Fund, which has helped over 58 campus groups to develop their own healthy workplace programs.

We’ve implemented a comprehensive medical surveillance program through Workplace Health Services to monitor work environments that may have potential occupational exposure to hazardous agents, in order to safeguard the health of faculty and staff.

We have a Respectful Environment Statement for staff, faculty and students. The university is dedicated to providing the best possible conditions for learning, researching and working, including an environment that is dedicated to excellence, equity and mutual respect.

We have fostered a breastfeeding-friendly environment at the Vancouver campus. UBC Okanagan has designated seven breastfeeding areas on campus for staff, faculty, students and visitors.

We have started the conversation on awareness and education on mental health issues affecting faculty and staff. Visit http://thrive.ubc.ca to learn more about what we are doing.

What are we doing?

We are working to:

• Develop a policy and code of practice on violence in the workplace at UBC.
• Support faculty and staff wellness through access to university recreational facilities.
• Increase access to our community-based healthy workplace initiatives.
• Develop a health and well-being resources plan for faculty.
• Expand the scope of Workplace Health Services at the Vancouver campus, and adapt the program for the Okanagan campus’ Medical Surveillance Program.