In today's dynamic and fast-paced work environments, employee wellbeing is at the forefront of creating a thriving and productive workplace. This page serves as a comprehensive resource, offering insights, tools, and support to enhance your mental and emotional resilience. Here, we recognize the interconnectedness of personal and professional lives, striving to empower you with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the challenges of a demanding world. Join us on this journey to prioritize your wellbeing, foster a positive work culture, and build a foundation for lasting fulfillment in both your professional and personal spheres.
Mindfulness Programs
MindWell U. A full suite of evidence-based mindfulness resources is available for all VIU employees, for stress reduction, improved mental health, and better focus. Tune into:
- Training with Take 5 Daily, daily learning and habits to decrease stress and feel your best ever day – no matter what life throws at you.
- Classes with live weekly sessions and monthly programs
- Library of on-demand video resources that you can search by focus topic, session topic or your favourite mindfulness instructor!
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction
Online course: Learn to address everyday stress, chronic pain and illness more effectively. This evidence-based 8-week workshop is taught online via Zoom by Dr. Patricia O'Hagan. The MBSR program was developed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn. Course offered through VIU professional development and training, register online.
iCBT
Sentio is an internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy solution by Homewood Health. Sentio helps improve mental health and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety with the proven methods of cognitive therapy. Work through treatment goals such as stress management, managing depressive thoughts, improving sleep and coping with panic— at your own pace. View more information about this resource. Create an account with the VIU employee invitation code: BCI714 [Note: 3 capital letters, 3 numbers]
Empathic Strain
In recent years, we have seen an increase in frontline health-care workers reporting feelings of burnout, secondary trauma and empathic strain. While research on this topic focuses mainly on the general community, it is also reflected amongst staff at post-secondary institutions. This information sheet from the Centre for Innovation in Campus Mental Health describes common definitions, signs of empathic strain, and protective factors to consider.
Cultivating Resilience
Explore the nature of resilience with dr. Susan Biali Haas, an award-winning medical doctor, health and wellness expert, coach, speaker and author. She helps people worldwide to reduce stress, prevent burnout, improve mental health, and live with increased wellness and resilience.
Order Dr. Biali Haas' book The Resilient Life
Explore Dr. Biali Haas' perspectives on her blog, Learn to Thrive
Counselling and Coaching Services
Contact the Employee and Family Assistance Program for supportive, confidential and caring counselling support for any challenge. Here is what to expect when you Call 1-800-663-1142. Prefer to access support online? Homewood Health’s Pathfinder Suite is for all VIU employees and dependent family members. The Pathfinder Suite is your seamless and simplified online Employee and Family Assistance Program solution, delivering optimal and uniquely curated journeys. Access the Pathfinder Suite using Invitation Code: BCI714 [note: 3 capital letters followed by 3 numbers]. See the Pathfinder Fact Sheet and Pathfinder Brochure for full details.