Health and Wellbeing
Wellbeing is a fundamental part of belonging, growth, and thriving—both individually and as a community. Systemic inequities—shaped by factors such as race, disability, gender, income, as well as other aspects of identity and lived experience —profoundly influence who has access to care, how it’s experienced, and whose wellbeing is prioritized. At the University of Waterloo, building a culture of care means removing barriers to health and wellbeing supports and resources; challenging inequities within these areas; and creating space for everyone to access care and support with dignity and trust.
Childcare
The University offers a variety information, resources, and support for faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars, and students who have additional commitments within the realm of childcare and child caregiving.
The Faculty Association at the University of Waterloo (FAUW) has put together a comprehensive site of key details, logistics, and information related to childcare both at the University and within the Kitchener-Waterloo (KW) region. Acknowledging the long wait that often comes with finding and enrolling in childcare, FAUW not only outlines how waitlists are managed within the Region of Waterloo but also outlines the types of childcare options that are available, along with their costs and other considerations.
Additionally, the main campus hosts Bright Starts daycare, which is a useful option for on-campus childcare. Further, FAUW has established a Childcare Working Group to report on “current services and capacity, and recommendations for the future of daycare services” for all members of the campus community, including faculty, staff, and students. For more information on how to be a part of this working group, please contact the Chair, Nasser Mohieddin Abukhdeir.
Alongside this holistic childcare resource created by FAUW, the University provides support for faculty, postdocs, and students who are engaging in breast- or chest- feeding. Understanding the challenges involved in balancing breastfeeding or chestfeeding with other responsibilities, the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism (EDI-R) supports individuals in finding a private, clean, lockable space on campus to breast or chestfeed, as well as finding a safe, reliable means of storing breast or chestmilk while being on campus. For support and/or more on what accommodations may look like, contact the Office of EDI-R here.
Lastly, the Office of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs outlines numerous on-campus tips and tricks that, though directed towards Graduate Students, provide multiple points of guidance to faculty, staff, and students on navigating childcare and child caregiving at the University of Waterloo.
Counseling and wellness
Balancing the demands of academic and personal life can be tough. Taking care of your whole self—mental, emotional, and physical—is important for managing stress and staying balanced. By prioritizing well-being, individuals are better equipped to face challenges, grow personally, and contribute meaningfully to the community.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential counseling services and a wide range of work-life resources to support employees and their dependents in managing personal, family, and work-related challenges. Available at no additional cost, the program offers professional assistance with issues such as stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, addiction, and more. Beyond counseling, the EAP also provides valuable work-life resources, including child and elder care support, homecare services, legal and financial advice, and guidance on workplace challenges. Employees can access wellness coaching and career support to improve their overall well-being and maintain a healthy work-life balance. All services, offered by Homewood Health, are designed to help individuals thrive both personally and professionally, ensuring they have the tools and resources they need to succeed.
For more information on the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), contact hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca.
Accommodations
Everyone deserves an environment where they can succeed and feel valued. At the University of Waterloo, accommodations are in place to support diverse needs and remove barriers, helping all individuals fully participate and thrive in their academic and work life.
The Office of Employee Health and Accommodations (EHA) serves as a central resource for facilitating and managing employee accommodations, health, and well-being, with a strong focus on fostering inclusive participation and engagement in the workplace. The office offers timely support to faculty in securing workplace accommodations for various disabilities, including temporary, chronic, episodic, and trauma-related conditions. Additionally, the EHA provides essential information regarding sick leave and medical absence, especially in guiding employees on how to communicate these leaves to their employer. Their website features a comprehensive overview of required documentation and forms for accommodations, as well as a detailed Information Hub showcasing the programs, services, and resources offered by the EHA. In sum, the EHA Office plays a pivotal role in empowering employees by delivering robust support and resources, creating an inclusive and equitable environment where everyone can succeed.
For more information, contact occupationalhealth@uwaterloo.ca
Fitness
Staying active is a key part of maintaining physical and mental well-being. At the University of Waterloo, fitness and athletics programs provide opportunities for everyone to build strength, relieve stress, and connect with others, supporting an energized campus community.
The University of Waterloo Athletics department plays a key role in supporting the wellness and fitness engagement of faculty members and postdoctoral scholars. Beyond offering top-tier facilities and programs for students, they provide faculty and postdocs with access to a variety of fitness and recreational resources designed to promote physical well-being and work-life balance.
Individuals can take advantage of state-of-the-art facilities such as the Physical Activities Complex (PAC) and the Columbia Icefield (CIF), which offer opportunities for fitness classes, intramural leagues, personal training, and wellness programs. Additionally, the Athletics department organizes various initiatives and events that encourage faculty involvement in both competitive and recreational sports. These include, but aren’t limited to:
- Instructional Programs: Individuals can enroll in various instructional classes such as martial arts, dance, and skating, designed to accommodate different skill levels and interests. For instance, the Black Folx Swim program offers an opportunity for Black faculty, staff, and community members to engage in dedicated time for recreational and fitness swimming, as well as the learn-to-swim program at no cost. These programs are led by qualified instructors and run throughout the academic term. Similar programs are also available for women and 2SLGBTQIA+ community members.
- Fitness Classes: A diverse range of fitness classes are available, including yoga, Pilates, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). These classes are scheduled at various times to fit into faculty members' busy schedules.
- Intramural Leagues: Individuals can participate in intramural sports leagues, offering a fun and competitive environment to engage in sports like basketball, soccer, and volleyball. These leagues are designed to foster community and teamwork among participants.
- Personal Training: For personalized fitness goals, individuals can access personal training services. Certified trainers work with individuals to develop customized fitness plans and provide ongoing support.
- Wellness Programs: The Athletics department organizes wellness initiatives, including workshops and seminars on topics like stress management, nutrition, and mental health, aimed at promoting overall well-being.
- Membership Options: Individuals can take advantage of membership discounts for various services, making it easier to access top-tier fitness and recreational offerings, including the opportunity to access the gym, pool, and fitness classes.
- Physical/Athletic Therapy Options: Individuals can access the Athletic Therapy clinic by setting up an appointment at waterlootherapy@uwaterloo.ca. The Athletic Therapy team is focused on providing assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, sport-related injuries and concussion management. In addition, these specialists address the prevention of injuries and how to lead a healthy lifestyle. They are able to design goal-oriented therapeutic exercise programs to enhance strength and mobility and to maximize general wellness.
Through these offerings, the Athletics team aims to create an active, engaged, and healthy campus community, helping faculty members integrate physical activity into their busy schedules while fostering a sense of connection and team spirit across the university.
For more information, contact warriorsinfo@uwaterloo.ca.
Spiritual wellness
Spiritual wellness is a vital component of holistic well-being, inviting individuals to explore their sense of purpose, values, and beliefs in ways that are meaningful to them. At the University of Waterloo, spiritual wellness is recognized not only as a personal journey but also as a key element in fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive campus community. The University provides resources and programs that encourage reflection, dialogue, and connection across a wide range of spiritual and cultural traditions. These initiatives aim to create spaces where individuals from all backgrounds can engage with their spirituality, find balance, and contribute to the campus community.
For information on multi-faith spaces on campus, visit this link.
The Multi-Faith and Spirituality Resource Team at the University of Waterloo offers a welcoming and supportive presence for individuals from diverse spiritual and faith backgrounds. Comprised of spiritual leaders and mentors from various traditions, the team provides opportunities for reflection, community connection, and personal growth. They assist with exploring spiritual meaning, integrating beliefs with academic knowledge and life, and navigating challenges, while also offering ritual spaces and support during difficult times. The team strives to ensure that everyone feels included and supported in their spiritual journey within the campus community.
For more information on the Multi-Faith and Spirituality Resource Team, utilize their contacts page here.