Health + Well-being Education

Man sitting crosslegged smiling

At the University of Alberta we are committed to supporting our people first because we know our success depends on it. We are committed to A Culture of Care where psychological, cultural and physical safety are at the heart of health and well-being.

By celebrating the diversity that exists in our community and creating inclusive environments that support deep listening, and help you map your own journey toward health, happiness and a state of well-being. Our approach to learning about health and well-being is guided by our Healthy University Strategic Plan that recognizes a holistic approach to encourage social, mental and physical well-being.

Learning Curriculum Framework*

Our new health and well-being learning framework focuses on human needs and the ways that the U of A can support a work environment that enriches the lives of the employees. The four pillars in the learning framework are employee centered, holistic and proactive.They highlight fundamental human needs on the path to leading a fulfilled life and are designed to help you feel:

  • Safe and secure protected from non-physical as well as physical harm that includes harassment, injury, discrimination and bullying.
  • Encouraged to develop social networks and relationships of support to experience a sense of belonging.
  • Supported to have a sense of control and autonomy in establishing what constitutes harmony in a life that includes work.
  • Cared about and that your work has significance to the organization as a whole.

Four pillars of health and wellbeing

Protection from Harm

  • Safety and protection from non-physical as well as physical harm including harassment, injury, discrimination, and bullying.
  • Security in their jobs and financial compensation.

Connection + Community

  • Supportive relationships and enhanced social networks reduce feelings of aloneness and disconnection.
  • Belonging and being accepted in a group encourages thriving at work.

Mattering at Work

  • Dignity is recognized through a workplace culture where care and respect are non-negotiable.
  • Meaning connects the individual to their significance in the larger picture of the organization and the community as a whole.

Life - Work Harmony

  • Flexibility for individuals to determine the correct personal mix of how, when, and where work responsibilities will be completed.
  • Autonomy to establish what life and work harmony means to them in their own lives.

*Adapted from U.S. Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being 2022

*Adapted from U.S. Surgeon General’s Framework for Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being 2022 .

Focus on Protection from Harm

Programming that supports the new learning curriculum framework will unfold in a phased approach. The 2023-2024 fiscal year will focus on the protection from harm pillar of the learning curriculum framework. Current research indicates that over three-quarters of the workforce can identify at least one personal mental health condition and want a work environment that supports employee well-being. The initial programming priorities will be an evidenced based curriculum focused on suicide intervention and mental health first aid training.

Identifying employee needs

Organizational Development will be conducting a needs assessment to develop a better understanding of the education needs of faculty and staff in their current context. Watch for more information in Working at the U to learn about how you can participate in this initiative.

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Take a Course

We know when we take the time and space to invest in the mental health of our employees they'll be more likely to succeed.

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We Care Toolkits

We must work in partnership to drive lasting change and enhance the well-being of our employees.

Your Benefits Plan

The Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) connects staff, faculty and their eligible dependents to registered psychologists or master-level registered counselors.