Taking workplace wellbeing from abstract to tangible: join the WWA program

Why did you decide to become a WWA?

I became a Workplace Wellbeing Ambassador because I care about creating a workplace where people genuinely enjoy being together. I've always loved finding ways to bring people together, whether through celebrations, shared meals, or creative activities. For me, wellbeing is often found in those moments of connection.

What’s one wellbeing idea or initiative you brought to your unit? What impact did it have?

I started a Creative Cupboard initiative, filling it with art and craft supplies and inviting staff to come together to make something beautiful. We paired our creative sessions with a shared meal, because I think there's something awesome about simply gathering around a table, sharing good food, laughing and spending time together.

What began as a series of activities (initially made possible by the Healthy Workplace Initiatives Program funding—thank you Wellbeing team!!) has become an ongoing tradition that the team continues to really enjoy. I've loved seeing people relax, be creative, chat with colleagues they might not normally spend time with, and leave feeling refreshed and uplifted. It reminded me that wellbeing isn't always about learning something new. Sometimes it's about making space for creativity, connection, and most importantly: fun.

What did you enjoy most about being a WWA?

I enjoyed creating opportunities for people to come together in ways that felt meaningful and also productive on some level. 

Some of my favourite moments were seeing colleagues share stories, make jokes, discover hidden talents, and connect with one another outside of their usual work routines. I learned a lot about my co-workers that I would not have had the opportunity to learn otherwise.

Drawing on your experience as a WWA, what would you recommend for other leaders?

Don't underestimate the value of providing the space for simple human connection, especially having a bit of fun together! Some of the best team-building doesn't happen in a workshop. It happens over a good meal, while making something together, or simply having the chance to talk and laugh with colleagues. Creating those opportunities can have a lasting impact on workplace culture and team morale.

If you could describe WWA in 3 words:

Welcome. Create. Connect.

I joined UBC Okanagan's Workplace Wellbeing Ambassador (WWA) program as part of its pilot cohort in early 2021. At the time, I saw workplace wellbeing as a collection of events and initiatives that happened throughout the year—something that happened to employees or was something HR did. While I’ve always valued the idea of wellbeing, I didn't fully understand the role individual employees could play in creating it. Since that first year, I have chosen to return to the program every year because of the lasting impact it has had on how I collaborate and lead, both in and out of the workplace.

The biggest change the program created for me wasn't simply learning about wellbeing, it was changing how I think about it. 

 

Through the ambassador community, practical toolkits, regular check-ins and the opportunity to learn alongside ambassadors from across the university, wellbeing became something tangible rather than abstract. The program challenged assumptions I didn't realize I held, gave me evidence-based approaches, and provided the confidence to advocate for ideas with leadership, apply for wellbeing funding, and intentionally create opportunities for connection within my own department.

One example that stands out began with a simple idea: a weekly whiteboard prompt in our staff kitchen. What started as light-hearted "This or That" questions quickly evolved into office trivia, book recommendations, local favourites, gratitude prompts and opportunities for colleagues to recognize one another. It cost nothing to implement, yet it became something staff genuinely looked forward to each week. The conversations it sparked helped colleagues connect outside of their day-to-day work and created moments of laughter, reflection and belonging. More importantly, I understood why those small interactions mattered because of what I had learned through the WWA program. I later shared the idea with other ambassadors, who adapted similar activities within their own teams.

That experience gave me the confidence to think bigger. I successfully applied for wellbeing funding to establish a Free Little Library in our office's staff room, inviting staff to recommend books focused on wellbeing, leadership and inclusion so everyone could see themselves reflected in the collection. I also secured a different grant that funded cross-department pickleball lessons and a tournament. What began as a one-time event has since grown into regular staff-organized lunchtime games. Inspired by the ambassador network, I also established an Events Committee that continues to create opportunities for connection through informal staff-led workshops, potlucks, learning events, traditions and seasonal activities.

The Workplace Wellbeing Ambassador program helped me realize that meaningful workplace wellbeing isn't created by one large initiative—it is built through consistent, intentional actions that build community, shape workplace culture and help people feel connected, supported and valued. It transformed me from someone who participated in wellbeing initiatives into someone who confidently champions them. That mindset continues to shape how I approach my work today, and it is one of the most valuable professional experiences I have had at UBCO.