Overall Rating Silver - expired
Overall Score 61.60
Liaison Mike Versteege
Submission Date Feb. 3, 2012
Executive Letter Download

STARS v1.1

University of Alberta
PAE-T2-5: Employee Wellness Program

Status Score Responsible Party
Complete 0.25 / 0.25 Melanie Goroniuk
Manager
Health Promotion and Worklife Services
"---" indicates that no data was submitted for this field

Does the institution have an employee assistance or wellness program that provides counseling, referral, and well-being services to employees?:
Yes

A brief description of the employee wellness program, policy, or practice:

The University of Alberta has an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP) that was first established in 1989 and was expanded to include work life since January 1, 2004.

Regardless of eligibility status for other benefits, all staff members and their dependents can access services 24/7 regardless of geographic location. The 2004 program enhancement adopted a holistic approach to health and wellness by combining counselling, lifestyle and workplace support services.

- Counselling: The EFAP provides confidential professional counselling services for a broad range of personal and family problems, including but not limited to; substance use/abuse, anxiety, depression, health concerns, relationship and work related difficulties and family conflict. Services are provided in person, telephonically or through e-counselling. Staff members can access the number of sessions necessary to adequately and completely address their concerns; there is no cap on services provided.
- Lifestyle: It was deemed paramount that the university provide services that would assist staff members in addressing not only their counselling needs but could also be a venue for accessing more holistic lifestyle services. Lifestyle services encompass nutritional counselling, personal fitness training, career counselling, and financial as well as legal consultation. In addition, Plan Smart Services™ which include customized information packages and consultation, are available for New Parents, Childcare and Parenting, Elder and Family Care, Pre-retirement planning, Shift Work and Life Development.
- Workplace Support Services: Whether an individual is a manager, supervisor or staff member experiencing difficulties with a supervisor, colleague, co-worker or subordinate, professional coaching and guidance is available by accessing the Workplace Advice Line. Trauma Assistance Services provide on-site support and follow up in the event of critical incident, trauma or victimization.

In addition to individualized services, lunch and learn sessions and workshops are provided. Topics range from stress management and mental health topics, through to relationships, lifestyle issues and life satisfaction. Newsletters, e-courses, and an electronic health and wellness resource center are also available.


The website URL where information about the program, policy, or practice is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
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The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.