Health and well-being

To celebrate Indigenous Peoples History Month and Pride Month, the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) and the Keeping Well at Work (KW@W) program are excited to welcome Kai Potts for a special event on June 18.

Kai is a proud Two-Spirit community builder with a big heart and a lot to say. Whether he's sharing stories about Indigenous identity, queerness, fashion, or his favourite video games, Kai brings humour, insight, and authenticity to every conversation.

Format: In-person event

For a Keeping Well at Work special event, join us, in partnership with the Cultivating Talent: A Mentorship Collective, for an interactive morning with guest speaker Natalie Stuart from Connect2You to learn about building your personal brand, ways to invest in cultivating meaningful connections with others, and strategies to ensure you are gaining access to a diversity of perspectives throughout your personal and professional life.

Open to all Waterloo staff interested in learning about building their personal brand, cultivating meaningful connections, and leveraging diverse perspectives to grow professionally are invited to join this engaging and interactive session.

Format: In-person workshop

As life expectancy increases, retirement is no longer just about financial security - it's about preparing for a new chapter of life that goes beyond the traditional notions of rest and relaxation. Are you ready to start thinking about the non-financial aspects of your retirement?

Join Waterloo alumni Simon Chan (BA ‘98) from Adapt with Intent for or a 3-hour immersive retirement planning workshop on Tuesday, January 20. Spots are limited. Intended for Waterloo staff within 10-15 years of retirement or those supporting someone who is retired/retiring soon.

Format: Online session

Many of us face challenges setting appropriate boundaries when competing values, goals and priorities exist. This session will explore the benefits of setting and maintaining healthy boundaries and outline practical strategies for doing so with confidence, empathy and self-compassion.

Join us for this one-hour virtual session provided by Homewood Health.

Format: In-person workshop

Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just curious to learn more, this hands-on workshop invites you to explore how play brings people together in the new Warrior Esports and Gaming Lounge. From casual competitions to gaming nights, digital play spaces like gaming lounges on university campuses are helping build inclusive communities, and support mental wellness for students and staff alike. Now it’s your turn to try it out!

Join Greg Mittler and Anna Tian from Athletics and Recreation to explore how gaming and esports can contribute to well-being by offering opportunities for stress relief, identity expression, creativity, and community engagement while playing a range of games.

Format: Virtual keynote; In-person viewing room available

For a Keeping Well at Work special virtual event, join us for an interactive morning with guest keynote speaker Loretta J. Ross to learn about the concept of calling people in, from her recent book, as a helpful tool when conflict arises.

Participants will explore “how to start making change with those you’d rather cancel,” and ways we, as a society, can incorporate new practices of reducing harm through conversations focused on shared values and connection, rather than punishment.

Open to all Waterloo staff!

Format: In-person workshop

Join us for a beginner-friendly dot painting workshop designed to support your wellness through creative mindfulness. During this 90-minute session, you will get step- by-step guide to learn different dot painting techniques and create your own mandala designs on wooden coasters.

This hands-on session offers you a peaceful break from daily routines while encouraging self-expression and presence in the moment. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and enjoy the process.

Format: Online session

Back by popular demand, join chefs Mari-Beth Davis and Donna Shin for another fun-filled virtual lunch session—this time with a focus on sustainable recipes! In this interactive virtual cooking class, participants will make roasted broccoli soup and brunch casserole with day-old bread, eggs, and vegetables found in their fridge.  

Format: Online session

Many of us feel overwhelmed by competing work and family demands. This session will help participants identify their key work/life stressors, clarify their values, and develop skills and strategies to effectively prioritize their time and energy. Join us for this one-hour virtual session provided by Homewood Health.

Format: In-person workshop

Back by popular demand, GROOVE is a group dance experience where the moves are simple, the music is energizing, and no dance experience is necessary. It’s all about having fun in a space where everyone belongs. Cindy Howe, your facilitator, will UNITE everyone in simple movements and rhythms where you get to dance it your own way. You can’t get it wrong! Your way is the right way!