Five ways to engage your team with Thrive

Thrive is a time when the UBC community comes together to learn, talk and explore mental health and resilience. Thrive also provides an opportunity to engage workplaces and teams in discussions and activities that help build supportive workplace culture.

Consider gathering your team for Thrive in November. Here are some ideas to get you started: 

Thrive by saying hi  

• Make time for a non-work related gathering (virtually or safely in person). Plan a fun activity like a self- care bingo or attend a Thrive event.  
• Gather and share a video related to workplace mental health and spark a conversation. You can find a range of short, mental health in the workplace videos here. For a more sustainable approach to building safe and supportive workplace culture, consider implementing the Not Myself Today initiative in your workplace. NMT is a strategic way for UBC workplaces to engage with and contribute to Thrive. 

Thrive by giving back 

• Consider kindness in your workplace. Maybe it’s sending a card to everyone on the team, or kicking off a team pay it forward by treating colleagues to a coffee or tea. It could be as simple as a kudos board on Padlet where colleagues can recognize and appreciate one another. Whatever you do, just be sure that everyone is included.  
• Choose a UBC or community cause to support as a team. Consider the UBC United Way Campaign as a way to connect your workplace to giving back. Getting involved in social and community causes can help build strong, engaged teams and recruit talent in workplaces. 

Thrive by eating well 

• Organize a team lunch. Consider incorporating activities and games or sharing foods that represent special memories or cultural connections.  
• Gather favorite recipes and share digitally as a team “cookbook”. See the UBCO Cookbook for ideas and inspiration.  

Thrive by sleeping soundly 

• Start or close meetings with a mindfulness practice. Get started with some free, on demand audio recordings.  

Thrive by moving more 

• Implement movement breaks during meetings. Request the MoveU Crew for live movement breaks (Vancouver) or take virtual movement breaks. 
• Do a team scavenger hunt