Stay at Work/Return to Work

We’ll work with you, your department and your treatment provider to facilitate a safe, sustainable return to the workplace or create a plan to help you remain at work while you recover. 

If you are based in the Okanagan, please visit the Work Reintegration and Accommodation Program (WRAP) on the UBCO HR website. 

What to expect

Every situation is unique and we’ll work with you to determine the next steps to support you in the workplace. Generally speaking, the Stay at Work / Return to Work process will include: 

  1. Introductions: Meet your advisor virtually or in person. We can discuss your job, the tasks that you perform, and how your medical condition may be impacting you in the workplace.
  2. Visit your doctor: We may ask you to take a form to your doctor so that we can begin planning ways to support you in the workplace.
  3. Share your ideas: Tell your advisor about the tasks you think you can perform and what you need to support you at work. Be open and willing to discuss the ideas of others, including your advisor and your manager.
  4. Your plan: We’ll put together a formalized plan detailing your return to work or your workplace accommodations to help you remain in the workplace.
  5. Work according to your plan: Your plan is designed to help you come back to work or remain at work safely. As you continue to work according to the plan, we’ll check in with you and your manager to see how you’re doing. We may have to adjust your plan if challenges arise, which may include input from your healthcare provider.
  6. Plan completion: Once your plan is complete and you are working successfully, we will close your file. You can contact us anytime in the future if your ability to continue working changes. 

Contacts

ContactStay at Work / Return to Work, and disability-related accommodations advice for the following units:
Grace Wang
Manager, Return to Work & Accommodations
604-822-8766
grace.wang@ubc.ca
  • Faculty of Education
  • Faculty of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies
  • Sauder School of Business
  • Office of the President
  • Office of the University Counsel
  • VP Human Resources
Muddasir Najar
Return to Work & Accommodations Advisor
604-827-1939
m.najar@ubc.ca 
  • Faculty of Applied Science
  • Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences
  • VP External Relations
  • VP Health
  • VP Research & Innovation (except Animal Care)
  • VP Students - Athletics & Recreation
  • VP Students - Student Housing & Community Services (except Child Care, see below)
Michael Penney
Return to Work & Accommodations Advisor
604-822 -1451
michael.penney@ubc.ca
  • Faculty of Forestry
  • Faculty of Medicine
  • VP Development & Alumni Engagement
  • VP Students - Student Affairs
  • VP Students - Student Careers
  • VP Students - Student Health & Wellbeing
Sacha Oddstad
Return to Work & Accommodations Advisor
604-822-0970
sacha.oddstad@ubc.ca
  • Faculty of Land and Food Systems
  • Faculty of Science
  • Peter Allard School of Law
  • VP Academic & Provost
  • VP Students - Child Care Services
Susan Lebrun
Return to Work & Accommodations Advisor
604-822-3162
sue.lebrun@ubc.ca
  • Faculty of Arts
Wylie Chan
Return to Work & Accommodations Advisor
604-827-2052
wylie.chan@ubc.ca
  • Faculty of Dentistry
  • VP Finance & Operations
  • VP Research & Innovation (Animal Care only)

Centre for Workplace Accessibility (CWA) 
604-822-8139
workplace.accessibility@ubc.ca 

 

Can't find what you're looking for? Contact the CWA and we’ll connect you with the appropriate Advisor.
Kelly McIntosh
Director, Workplace Health Services
604-827-3182
kelly.mcintosh@ubc.ca
Responsible for continuing to ensure that Workplace Health Services provides programs and advice to support safe, inclusive, and healthy workplaces.

Ergonomics Program

UBC offers a range of resources and services to promote optimal working postures and practices to reduce workplace musculoskeletal injuries.

Why is ergonomics important?

Ergonomics play an important role in our safety, well-being and productivity. The proper ergonomic design of our workspaces can minimize the risk of a wide range of injuries – from eye strain and carpal tunnel syndrome to persistent neck or back pain. Tasks that involve awkward postures, high force, frequent repetition can lead to ergonomic overexertion and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), errors and inefficiencies. For example, working with your arms away from the body not only strains the shoulder muscles it also reduces hand-eye coordination resulting in an increased risk of spilling.

Ergonomic regulations and employer responsibilities

The Ergonomic Requirements under WSBC relate to musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) which are regulated under sections (4.46 to 4.53) of the BC Worker’s Compensation Act. The purpose these requirements is to eliminate or, if that is not practicable, minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injury to workers. 

Tips, resources and support to help managers and supervisors

The Ergonomics Program at UBC can assist Supervisors and Managers to ensure that not only our regulatory requirements are met but to also support a healthy and productive work environment.  We have developed a number of online resources, checklists and guides that are available for you to use when needed. Feel free to contact us at ergonomics.info@ubc.ca for additional or customized support.

 

Contact us: ergonomics.info@ubc.ca

Occupational & Preventive Health

Occupational & Preventive Health (OPH) for UBC faculty, staff and student employees.

UBC’s OPH unit provides confidential and free programs and services to help protect the health and safety of staff, faculty, and paid students working both on and off-campus, including UBC-Okanagan and hospital sites.

Contact OPH

Email: oph.info@ubc.ca

Telephone: 604-827-4713

Clinic Location:

David Strangway Building

311-5950 University Blvd.,

Vancouver BC,

V6T1Z3 Canada


Supports for staff

Let your staff know about OPH services available for them, and the common OPH topics and resources they have access to — share the Occupational & Preventive Health webpage with them.

Academic Leadership Development Program

ubc-image

A nine-month cohort-based leadership development program for new Department Heads, Associate Deans, Directors and those in related academic leadership roles at UBC 

ALDP is designed to enhance and contribute to the personal fulfillment of new academic leaders at UBC.  

ALDP Offerings 

The program takes place between September and May, and is delivered through workshops, studios and one-on-one leadership coaching. 

Key benefits to cohort members include:

  • explore your roles and responsibilities as an academic leader
  • learn practical information about how the university operates
  • develop awareness of your leadership style through strengths and values assessments
  • develop your leadership capacity through problem-based learning, coaching support, and peer mentoring
  • explore leadership topics including managing staff and faculty, difficult conversations and conflict resolution
  • grow your network and meet academic leaders and other colleagues across the university

How it works

Our ALDP leadership team works closely with academic units to identify potential candidates who are then contacted in early summer regarding admission.

The Academic Leadership Development Program is co-sponsored by the Office of the Provost, Vancouver, in partnership with UBC's Human Resources.

For questions or inquiries, please email aldp.program.manager@ubc.ca.

 

Frequently asked questions for faculty and senior management

The following questions and answers provide additional information about how to apply the Relocation policy.

 

Moving forms and resources

Find the forms and resources you need to apply for reimbursement for relocation expenses.

Several of the following forms and resources are specifically for QMM moves, but may be used as a general guideline for other moves. If you have any questions, please contact your hiring department administrator, your relocation coordinator for the moving company you select, or contact the Relocation specialist for your campus.

Moving forms

QMM relocation contact and information form

Shipping method

Relocation Reimbursement Claim Form

Tips and processes

Take a look at our Moving tips page for a detailed list of helpful suggestions. We also have two printable moving tips documents available to download. These general-use documents include a range of ideas to help you navigate the moving process. 

Relocation process

Moving companies: options, contacts, and claims

Find out about the designated moving companies that can relocate eligible faculty and senior management, who are moving to UBC.

Under Policy HR6 – Relocation, the University has designated relocation and moving companies that must be used if relocating eligible faculty and senior management wish to have eligible expenses reimbursed by UBC’s Central Relocation Fund, the fund that supports the policy. 

The only exception is if new hires move themselves without the help of a moving company. They can also be reimbursed by the Central Relocation Fund for eligible expenses.

Moving company options

There are three moving vendor options available to eligible relocating faculty members and senior management staff and hiring departments:

Requests for quotes/estimates

You may request quotes/estimates from one or each of the three available moving companies. It is often helpful to request more than one quote to ensure you have the best rate for your move.

If you have any questions about your quote/estimate, please contact your hiring department administrator or the relocation coordinator for your respective moving company.

Contact your department administrator

The terms of relocation assistance are negotiated by the hiring department and the new hire in advance and should be outlined in the offer letter.

We encourage you to contact your department administrator to discuss your options. Every move and relocation is different depending on the circumstances, guidelines and budget set by each department. The administrator in your hiring department will be able to help you navigate the moving company selection process and ensure a smooth experience.

Policy and reimbursement information

Please visit our Policy: Relocation and Travel page for information on Policy HR6 – Relocation, which governs the relocation of faculty members and senior management staff. You will also find eligibility information on the UBC Central Relocation Fund.

For more information

Visit our Relocation Contacts page for full details on who to connect with when it comes to moving and relocation services available.

Moving tips

There are many steps that go into moving. Make sure you have considered all aspects and are prepared for what is involved. 

The busiest time of the year for relocation is usually between May and the first week of September, but it’s worthwhile to be prepared no matter what time of year you move. Below you will find important tips that will help you have an easier move. Note that when we say “you” within the tips, this may include you or an adult member of your family who will be living with you.

For additional moving tips including items of extraordinary value, pets, plants, vehicles and shuttles, please download Moving Tips – Within Canada or Moving Tips – Outside Canada(Note: The moving tips are for QMM moves, but may be used as a resource for other moves.)

Moving tips – outside Canada

If you are relocating from outside Canada, here are some additional tips to consider.

You can also refer to the Moving Tips – Outside Canada resource for more information on immigration and duties and taxes. (Note: The moving tips are for QMM moves, but may be used as a resource for other moves.)

 

Relocation process for faculty and senior management

Here are the essential steps to apply for reimbursement relocation expenses related to a new hire’s move to Vancouver or the Okanagan.

This guide includes all the steps an eligible faculty or senior manager needs to take when seeking reimbursement for relocation expenses.

Hiring departments

For more information about relocation, please visit the Relocation information for hiring departments page (CWL required).

Step 1: Discuss the terms of relocation 

Your Hiring Department will negotiate the terms of relocation funding with you, using the Central Relocation Fund Contribution Table and policies.

Action: New Hires: If you have any questions regarding the limits and the expenses that can be reimbursed, please follow up with your Hiring Department.

Step 2: Finalize and confirm the relocation terms 

The Hiring Department will confirm the terms of relocation funding by including it in the Offer Letter. 

Action: Please review the offer letter and the terms of the relocation process. If you have any questions or need to clarify anything, then this is the best time to do so. 

Step 3: Contact the designated moving companies to obtain quote(s)

With the confirmation of the terms, it is now time to gather the information to send to the moving company (or companies, you may want to obtain quotes from more than one of UBC’s designated moving companies). 

Action: If you choose to work with QMM the Hiring Department and New Hire will need to complete a Contact and Information Sheet. The Hiring Department will send you this document with their section completed.  

Please fill out the Information Sheet provided to you by your Hiring Department. You do not need to send this back to your Hiring Department.  

Once you have completed the UBC Contact and Information Sheet, send the document to the Moving Company’s Relocation Coordinator.  

If you choose to get a quote from one of the CAUBO vendors – which includes AMJ Campbell and Armstrong – you will need to contact their relocation coordinator for any required documents that may need to be completed. 

It is important to note that you must use one of the  moving companies designated by UBC or CAUBO in order to be successfully reimbursed from the Central Relocation Fund if you choose to use a moving company to help you transport your household goods.  

If you choose to coordinate the move yourself, without the help of a moving company, UBC can reimburse certain expenses through the Central Relocation Fund. Please discuss this arrangement with the Hiring Department. 

Step 4: Moving companies connect with New Hire to schedule a survey and provide quotes 

A relocation coordinator from one of the Moving Companies will connect directly with you as the New Hire, if you need some tips on preparing for the move, review Moving Tips for more information.  

Action: Please work with the Moving Company’s Relocation Coordinator to complete the survey.  

A Relocation Coordinator will contact you to schedule a survey.  They will send a local surveyor to do the estimate or perform a video survey remotely. 

Please discuss with the surveyor if you are moving any of your household items under different arrangements (e.g. self-moving clothes, books or other items), Or if there are any high-value items, and if some of your household items are stored in another facility. 

It is recommended that you allow the movers to handle the packing for you. Responsibility for damage to goods in a carton that you have packed is difficult to establish if there is no visible damage to the outside of the carton. Unless the carton shows obvious structural damage, the moving company won’t include these items in the Valuation of a claim for damaged items. 

You may need to work with the Relocation Coordinator on several scenarios (adding or removing items) for your move and you may obtain several revised estimate quotes from the moving companies. 

Please note you may require disassembly and assembly of some of your household items.  In these cases, the moving company may contract a third party to perform these tasks.  Please be aware that the cost of assembly/disassembly is not eligible for reimbursement from the Central Relocation Fund. 

Step 5: Select the moving company and authorize the estimated quote 

After the survey(s) is complete you can now select your preferred moving company. At this point, the Moving Company will now send an estimated quote to your Hiring Department.

Action: Once you have the final quotes from the moving companies, you may now select the moving company that best meets your desired schedule and budget. Please collaborate with your Department Administrator/Hiring Department to make the final decision.  

If the moving company hasn’t copied your department on the preferred quote, please forward it to your Department Administrator/Hiring Department. 

Continue working with the moving company’s relocation coordinator to ensure that everything is ready for the move. 

Step 6: Complete the move and the final invoice 

The moving company performs the relocation and sends a final invoice to UBC's Financial Operations for payment.  

ActionPlease ensure that any invoices sent to you have also been forwarded to your Department Administrator. 

Step 7: Claim other relocation expenses 

For other relocation expenses, the New Hire will need to submit original invoices and receipts to your Hiring Department for payment or reimbursement of your eligible expenses.  

Please note that some expenses (such as immigration, taxation or financial services) are considered taxable benefits and will be included on your T4 statement. 

Action: If there are additional expenses incurred during the relocation process, outside of the move itself, you will need to pay up front for any third-party service providers (e.g. accountants, airlines, hotels, private health-care insurance providers).  

For information about planning and booking UBC-related travel (air, lodging, and vehicle rental), quickly, conveniently, and cost-effectively, please visit UBC Finance's Travel information.

You will then be reimbursed for these eligible expenses from the department’s budget. You will submit expense reports through Workday with original receipts and invoices. Please charge these expenses to the spend category: Employee Relocation. Please contact the Department Administrator from your Hiring Department for instructions on how to submit this claim.  

If your Hiring Department pays up front for any relocation expenses that result in costs exceeding your total negotiated relocation allowance (including either the limit available from the Central Relocation Fund and/or any limit negotiated from the department’s own budget at the time the job offer was made), you are responsible for reimbursing your Hiring Department for the excess amount. 

Please discuss this issue with your Hiring Department. 

Final notes for eligible faculty and senior managers

 policies

Important forms and policies

Frequently Asked Questions 

Look at our Frequently Asked Questions section for more of a selection of the most common relocation questions and answers. 

Damaged or missing goods? 

Moving companies do their best to ensure that moves and relocations go smoothly; however, with all the complexities associated with moving, there are times when items may go missing or get damaged in transit. Learn more about the Claims process for damaged or missing goods. 

Original receipts 

The Hiring Department should include original invoices and receipts in their reimbursement claims. If original invoices and receipts have already been used for earlier reimbursement to you, then they may submit back-up copies. 

Leaving UBC 24 months after relocation 

Please be advised that if you voluntarily leave UBC before 24 months, you will be responsible for reimbursing the University for the Central Relocation Funds paid on a pro-rated basis as per the relocation policy. The Hiring Department is responsible for calculating and collecting the reimbursement on behalf of the university. 

Process checklists 

If you would like to refer to a checklist as a summary of the process, please download the appropriate Relocation Process Checklist (PDF).

Note: The checklist is for QMM moves but may be used as a resource for other moves. 

Workday resources 

If you need help with processes related to Workday, visit the Integrated Service Centre.

Central Relocation Fund

The Central Relocation Fund supports eligible faculty and senior management moving to Metro Vancouver to work at the Vancouver Campus or to the Kelowna area to work at the Okanagan Campus.

The amount of reimbursement from the fund depends on where the individual or family is moving from and on the number of dependents relocating. The amounts in this table are the overall limits available to use towards eligible relocation expenses. Expenses that go beyond the overall limit won’t be reimbursed from the central relocation fund.

Note: “Designated Professional” is the term used in the relocation policy for the relocating faculty member or senior management staff.

Central Relocation Fund table

(Overall limit excluding additional allowance limits)

Number of People in Move Reimbursement to Department for Relocations Originating
 

Within Canada

Outside Canada

Designated Professional alone $7,000 $8,000
Designated Professional accompanied by Dependant(s) $7,000 plus $500 per Dependant $8,000 plus $1,000 per Dependant
Designated Professional and Spouse $9,000 $10,000
Designated Professional and Spouse accompanied by Dependant(s) $9,000 plus $500 per Dependant $10,000 plus $1,000 per Dependant

 

Additional Allowance Limits Reimbursement to Department
Travel $1,500
Tax and Financial Advising Services $1,000

The above Central Relocation Fund Table is in effect since December 21, 2017, and will be amended from time to time by the Vice President, Human Resources. Any revisions to the table will be in effect on the date of posting.

Aside from the overall limits listed in the table above, the relocation policy outlines limits on individual expense items. These limits are flexible within the overall limit and individual expense item limits are outlined below:

Flexible guidelines for individual expense items within overall limit

Automobile transport

Only expenses for personal passenger car, van or truck (up to 1/2 ton pickups) will be permitted. The rates are as follows:

Shipping:

  • <500km – 0$
  • 500km or greater, by rail or truck, only at market rates, not to exceed $2500 using the most appropriate service

Driven:

  • Rates as they apply under Policy FM8 - Business Expenses (formerly Policy #83) but not to exceed $2,500

Dependant care allowance

Only if authorized and then for no more than $25 per day per Dependant.

Customs and immigration related expenses

Provided UBC incurs the expense or specifically authorizes the expenditure in advance, which may include designating the service provider, UBC will pay for the listed expenses of the Designated Professional, Spouse, and Dependants to a cumulative maximum of $3,000 incurred within 3 years of the acceptance of the offer of employment:

  • Translation of documents where translation is required by UBC and/or the Canadian government.
  • Medical examinations required by UBC and/or the Canadian government.
  • Immigration, work permit, and residency visa fees levied by the Canadian government.
  • Police criminal record checks and fingerprinting.
  • Healthcare insurance premiums of the family or individual to be covered for up to 3 months immediately preceding that individual’s eligibility for coverage by the British Columbia Medical Services Plan.

Note: UBC doesn’t pay for:

  • Emigration or border fees levied by foreign governments
  • Passports
  • Legal services or documents
  • Duties and taxes on personal goods (e.g., vehicle).

Household and Personal Effects

storage

The maximum storage expenses for Household and Personal Effects is one month’s storage, if required, and one-time delivery into and out of the storage facility.

weight allowance

The maximum weight covered for Household and Personal Effects is as set out in the Household and Personal Effects Weight Allowance Table below.

Number of People in Move Weight Allowance
Designated Professional alone 2724 kg (6,000 pounds)
Designated Professional accompanied by Dependant(s) 2724 kg (6,000 pounds), plus
455 kg (1,000 pounds) per Dependant
Designated Professional and Spouse 4550 kg (10,000 pounds)
Designated Professional and Spouse accompanied by Dependant(s) 4550 kg (10,000 pounds), plus
455 kg (1,000 pounds) per Dependant
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