October Workplace Wellness Program Ideas
Many organizations provide free and credible resources to help you plan workplace wellness activities. We have highlighted some of them here, including our own, to help you develop and deliver a cost-effective program for your employees.
View Full CalendarHealthy Workplace Month
Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month is supported by Excellence Canada and includes a plethora of ideas and resources. Have each of your leaders subscribe to the Psychologically safe leader email series to learn strategies to support well-being all year round.
Women’s History Month
This is a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women and girls across the country. Consider promoting awareness within your workplace with information, ideas and shareables from the Government of Canada.
National Senior's Day & International Day of Older Persons
October 1
Find information and events from United Nations to help staff recognize and honour seniors in our workplaces and our lives.
Mental Illness Awareness Week
October 5 - 11
This week is an ideal opportunity to educate everyone in the workplace about mental illnesses, increase understanding and address myths or stereotypes. Making this part of your annual wellness strategy normalizes the topic, rather than addressing it only after an employee experiences a mental illness.
- One of the best approaches to busting stereotypes is to have someone who has recovered from mental illness talk about their journey.
- If you cannot hire a professional speaker to do this, consider hosting an event to show a video of real people who have had this experience. The free resource Working Through It can allow you to do this in a 3-hour session.
- • Another important activity is helping co-workers feel comfortable and safe when working with someone who may be experiencing a mental illness. In addition to the video session, you could share resources, such as Helping Troubled Co-workers.
World Mental Health Day
October 10
Find information, events and resources about mental health to share with staff from the World Health Organization or the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Featured learning materials
Guarding Minds at Work
Learn about Guarding Minds and how to use it to take action on psychological health and safety at work.
Featured work-life balance tip
Mindfulness stress reduction video
Having a high level of resilience won't make you immune to stress - stress is inevitable. Resilience gives you the ability to adapt to challenging moments and bounce back more quickly.
Finding solutions to stress can start with these videos.
Featured team building activity
Team activity: Relaxing break activities
Relaxing break activities improve physical and mental capacities and can reduce stress at work. Do these activities alone or with co-workers to improve health and feel better.
