Want to make your workplace a healthier place for you and your colleagues?
Applications are now being accepted for the Healthy Workplace Initiatives Program (HWIP) until 4 pm on Friday, April 19, 2024. Units and departments can access up to $3,000 of HWIP funding for various health initiatives to create and maintain healthy work environments.
The average worker in Canada spends 30-40 hours a week in the workplace, making the workplace a great place to promote wellbeing! The HWIP funds are available to departments that want to receive seed fund funds to support their healthy workplace initiatives—that could look like mental health training, learning about nutrition and making healthy food choices, and fitness classes—to name just a few ideas. To date, the program has provided more than $800,000 in funding for over 500 initiatives.
More than bringing pizza to a meeting or booking a massage, this program encourages faculty and staff to get creative and apply for funding that will support the wellbeing at UBC through:
- Healthy skill-building and development
- Opportunities for team building and social connection
- Encouraging sustainable behaviour change
- Embedding wellbeing at all levels of the university
- Reducing individual health risks
NEW! Inclusive Wellbeing Funding Category
We’re excited to include a new funding category this year focused on supporting initiatives that advance health equity and wellbeing in the workplace.
Need some inspiration? Here are some examples from previous rounds of funding
The Student Experience Office laces up their skates
The Student Experience Office at UBCO decided to use the HWIP funding to secure four ice times at the Ultimate Training Rink and take their team out on the ice for an unforgettable experience.
Check out their story here: Ultimate Training Rink
The Aquatic Center takes on a team health challenge
The challenge included individual and group activities and targets for hydration, sleep, healthy eating, mindfulness, physical activity, and aquatic activity. Team members self-tracked reported, and earned
points for their progress and both individuals and teams were awarded wellness-related prizes such as cookbooks, resistance bands, and water bottles, that could be used to maintain healthy habits.
Now it’s your turn
Have a great idea? Want to boost team-building and the wellbeing of your colleagues? It’s easy to apply and the benefits to your department or unit can be far-reaching.
Applications close at 4 pm on Friday, April 19, 2024.
Full details, including regulations, funding toolkits, and the application form can be found on the HWIP page.
*Please note the fund is based on a reimbursement model. All successful departments will need to cover the cost of the initiatives upfront and then submit receipts for reimbursement.
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