Webinars support healthy, safe workplace at York University

wellbeing at work

The Health, Safety & Employee Well-Being (HSEWB) unit is offering 10 webinars in support of a healthy and safe workplace. The webinars, organized through the Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP), will be live hosted by qualified facilitators.

The webinar format has been selected to help maximize access to these topics by allowing staff, faculty and course instructors to participate from their computer. A list of the webinars can be found on the HSEWB YU Link. Sessions are limited to 40 participants and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

York’s EFAP provides numerous services that are completely confidential, including lifestyle coaching, financial and legal services, parenting and family supports, and many more. To learn more about the services available to you, visit workhealthlife.com.

2022 Wellness Learning sessions

Effective Communication at Work, Sept. 14 (10 to 11 a.m.)
In order to communicate effectively, individuals have to master the techniques of effective listening and self-expression. These skills involve verbal and non-verbal behaviours as well as the ability to speak with persuasion and confidence. This seminar will examine both of these essential sides of the communication equation. It will address key communication elements such as active listening and show participants how to present messages in a way that is more compatible with the receiver’s style.

At the end of this seminar, participants will be able to do the following:

  • Understand the three major communication styles.
  • Develop techniques to communicate assertively.
  • Speak effectively when conversing about conflict.

The Importance of Unplugging, Sept. 28 (10 to 11 a.m.)
In today’s world of remote work, the lines between work and home are more blurred than ever as technology allows us to be constantly connected. In this seminar we will discuss the impact of being connected 24/7 and the benefits of unplugging. You will get some tips on how to take action to unplug from work and reconnect to your life.

Dealing with Difficult Personalities, Oct. 12 (10 to 11 a.m.)
Workplaces can produce high achievers and dynamic team players. They can also be places where employees become regularly frustrated or annoyed with co-workers, be they bullies, people-pleasers, whiners, or gossipers. Developing techniques to address these challenging personality types can greatly increase staff’s morale and job satisfaction. This seminar will look at the distinction between difficult behaviour and difficult people and provide participants with strategies to respond effectively to challenging situations with a focus on assertive communication.

Collaborative Communication, Nov. 2 (10 to 11 a.m.)
Communication is an important skill to develop, but not many people understand why it is so important to communicate together. This class is applicable to parents, spouses, partners, colleagues and bosses. It explains why better communication can enhance our lives by teaching us new things. This is an interactive class in which participants will get to practice the techniques that are taught.

Welcoming Change into Your Life, Dec. 7 (10 to 11 a.m.)
Change is a natural part of life. While some changes can affect the very structure of your life, other changes can have subtle impacts on your day-to-day activities. Sometimes you may be aware that a change is imminent but are uncertain about what it will involve and how it will affect your life. Situations like these can create ambiguity, worry, or a sense of loss and sadness. This seminar will address the emotional reactions that participants may experience when confronted with change, taking into account their personality and strength, and provide coping skills to enable them to manage change more effectively.

Sessions will continue in 2023 running from January to April. For a full lineup of sessions, or to register, visit https://dohs.apps01.yorku.ca/machform/view.php?id=82514.