Today@Dal

During November, we'll be highlighting the departments who were nominated for Dalhousie’s Healthy Workplace Award. Information Technology Services took home the prize this year, but all of the nominees showcased impressive efforts in building and supporting a healthy workplace. This week we’ll learn about the Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick and the Atlantic Health Promotion Research Centre.

Dalhousie Medicine New Brunswick (DMNB) encourages a healthy workplace for faculty, staff and students through a number of initiatives – some physical, such as participating in Saint John Medical Society’s fitness challenge by exercising 30 minutes and eating an apple a day, or by paddling their way in the Saint John Dragon Boat Festival.

Others are more for the mind, and include mindfulness sessions for staff and students, as well as many of them coming together to share their musical talents as part of Music in Medicine as a way to reduce stress and promote well-being.

In addition to the many events, potlucks, cook-offs and even a gingerbread house decorating contest, the team fundraises for various causes throughout the year, including Plan Canada and St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation. The team also contributes to the fundraising efforts of students and individual staff members including CIBC Run for the Cure, Movember and Hestia House.

And last, but not least, the DMNB team is actively involved in Pink Day each year by donning their pink and reminding one another of the importance of a respectful workplace.

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The Atlantic Health Promotion Research Centre (AHPRC) is a research institute that sits across three Dalhousie Faculties – Health Professionals, Medicine and Dentistry. AHPRC has created an inspiring work environment, offering flexible work schedules, fitness classes at lunchtime, and fundraising for many charities including the United Way, Canadian Cancer Society, Doctors Without Borders, Heart and Stroke Foundation, to name just a few.

Recognizing the importance of a healthy workplace, this is a regular agenda item at staff meetings and a healthy staff potluck lunch is organized quarterly around these meetings.

The Centre celebrates successes, such as when a new research grant is awarded or a large project is completed, or when a staff member graduates or gets married. Staff members value the sense of community that has been created at AHPRC. Long after employees have left AHPRC to pursue other opportunities, they stay connected and return to participate in social activities.

To get some healthy workplace ideas for your department or unit, visit Healthy Dalhousie’s website.