Today@Dal

This is the final in the series of profiles recognizing this year’s nominees for Dalhousie’s Healthy Workplace Award. This week we’ll learn about the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Health Professions.

The Dean’s Office, Faculty of Health Professions exhibits a healthy workplace on many levels. While many team members participate in lunch time physical activities together, lunch & learn sessions are also held such as one by Pete’s Frootique that introduced healthier lunch and snack options. Events are organized throughout the year to bring the team together to recognize birthdays, hold movie nights and annual spring flings and holiday gatherings for faculty, staff and students. This strong team approach allows employees to feel valued, supported, respected and gives them confidence to work beyond their limits.

Within the Faculty, flexible work arrangements help employees achieve better work/life balance, whether it means modified hours, teleworking, job-sharing, bringing pets to work, or working part-time. This in turns makes for a less stressed and more engaged team, which contributes to a happy and productive environment. The Dean’s office also encourages, supports and promotes learning, both personally and professionally, with an employee learning a new language and others challenging themselves as entrepreneurs and artists.

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The Faculty of Science often organizes events and socials that bring the faculty and staff together, encouraging camaraderie and team building. Recently, the Dean’s office staff held a soup and chili lunch in support of Feed Nova Scotia’s Adopt-a-Family program, which raised $453 from faculty, staff and students. In addition, some of the staff came together in early December to decorate the offices for the holidays. There is a lot of team spirit within the Dean’s office, and this helps contribute to a positive well-being and a sense of belonging that are important facets of mental health.

While formal health and wellness programs are supported by the Faculty, the team values a healthy workplace as one in which employees are comfortable, happy and relaxed. The work environment includes a casual dress code, listening to music while they work, taking lunch instead of eating at your desk, and regularly taking time to socialize and develop friendships within the team.

(Credit for photo, right: Dawna MacIvor)

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