UBC receives Gold certification in Mental Health at Work from Excellence Canada

UBC achieved Gold certification for the Mental Health at Work® Framework at the 2022 Canada Awards for Excellence in Toronto on November 7, 2022.

The Gold certification was presented by Excellence Canada, an independent, not-for-profit corporation and a national authority on quality and healthy workplace practices. Excellence Canada assessed UBC’s approach to mental health in the workplace against their Mental Health at Work® Framework, focusing on certain drivers such as Leadership & Commitment, Planning & Risk Management, Implementation & Evaluation, and People & Well-Being. This framework aligns closely with the National Standard of Canada for Psychological Health and Safety.

“We are proud of the people, leaders, and teams that have brought these initiatives and work efforts to life,” said Deborah Buszard, UBC’s Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. “And of course, we are proud of all our faculty, staff, and leaders who have helped champion health and wellbeing across our campuses.”

Excellence Canada cited UBC’s long-term focus and commitment to wellbeing and mental health and resilience with the Focus on People, Wellbeing Strategic Framework, and UBC’s leadership role in first adopting the Okanagan Charter. In addition, UBC was acknowledged for its increased availability and awareness of mental health and mental health resources and training across the UBC, such as through the Employee and Family Assistance Program and extended health plan; the Healthy Workplace Initiatives Fund; and Thrive, UBC’s month-long mental health campaign, which is currently running till the end of the November.

“It is encouraging that our commitment to wellbeing, mental health and resilience has been recognized at the gold level through Excellence Canada’s Mental Health at Work framework benchmark assessment,” said Marcia Buchholz, Vice President, Human Resources. “This recognition is a testament to the university’s continued leadership in the areas of health and wellbeing. Supporting and enhancing the wellbeing of UBC faculty and staff remains a priority, and one that we take to heart.”

For more information about UBC’s Gold certification in Mental Health at Work® or any of the health and wellbeing resources and training available for faculty and staff, please visit hr.ubc.ca or contact hr.healthwellbeing@ubc.ca.