Benefit FYI: Spring 2024 Banner with image of cherry blossoms in bloom at UBC Vancouver

Benefits FYI | Spring 2024

An update to our family-forming benefits

Since we launched our family-forming benefits — focusing on fertility, surrogacy, and adoption benefits — back in 2023, we have received some helpful feedback to help us simplify and streamline these options for faculty and staff at UBC.

Learn more
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A spring cleaning for your benefits

With a change to the Benefits application in Workday, now is a great time to head over to your benefits information and give your details a bit of a spring clean. 

Learn more
UBC Benefits brochure: the benefits tree

Introducing the Benefits Tree

Our new benefits brochure is a great way to explore all the benefits we offer. Explore your UBC benefits with an arboreal twist. 

Start exploring
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Planning a summer vacation? Travelling for work? Join us for our benefits webinar on May 7

Janet McHugh and Lauren Lee from the Health, Wellbeing & Benefits team invite you to attend this in-depth session where they share information on the out-of-province/country emergency medical coverage included under the Extended Health Plan as well as a refresher on all of UBC’s benefits plans. They will also help you get the most out of your Employee and Family Assistance Program.

  • Date: Tuesday, May 7
  • Time: 10:30 am–12 pm
  • Location: Zoom

Enrol today

When we focus on wellbeing, everyone benefits

Your UBC benefit plan is one way UBC can help support your health and wellbeing. But there are more opportunities to be discovered. Here are some other initiatives to help support you at UBC.
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Create a healthy workplace with HWIP funding

If you have an idea to create a healthier workplace, then the Healthy Workplace Initiative Program (HWIP) is the opportunity to do just that! Faculty and staff can access up to $3000 in funding for a variety of wellbeing-focused initiatives.

Get your applications in by Friday, April 19.

Apply today
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Register for the Pick Your Peak Stair Challenge

The Pick Your Peak Stair Challenge runs from May 6 - June 3. While the joy of movement is incentive enough, there are also weekly prizes, as well as prizes for the top team and top climber! No matter your fitness level or your capabilities, the Stair Challenge is for everyone.

Applications close Monday, April 15 at 4 pm

Register today
Five participants completing the Faculty and Staff Sports Day at UBC Vancouver

Register for Faculty & Staff Sports Day on May 3

Social connection, movement, a bit of competitive fire? Whatever motivates you the Faculty & Staff Sports Day has you covered! Connect with colleagues and compete as teams in a variety of physical & intellectual challenges, activities, and fun!

Sign up for UBC Vancouver

Sign up for UBC Okanagan

Event highlight | Add Mental Health First Aid to your toolkit

During the Mental Health First Aid training (MHFA) training, you will learn how to recognize signs that a person may be experiencing a decline in their mental wellbeing or a mental health crisis and give you the strategies and resources needed to assist those in need.

This is a free, 8-hour course hosted by UBC HR, and is an evidence-based, internationally recognized program through the Mental Health Commission of Canada.

MHFA is made up of a self-directed module followed by two virtual sessions. Spaces are limited and fill up fast!

  • Day 1: Tuesday, April 23, 2024 | 9 am–12:30 pm
  • Day 2: Tuesday, April 30, 2024 | 9 am–12:30 pm

Enrol today

Want more health and wellbeing stories?

Have you signed up for Healthy UBC? In this monthly newsletter, you will get a selection of our best health and wellbeing stories and events from across UBC. 

Subscribe to Healthy UBC
ALAViDA banner: Caring conversations

Craving Change? Flavour your life with healthier habits

Cravings are convincing. They can be triggered by positive or negative emotions. Be it chocolate, a drink, a vape or something else, cravings can change the way our brains function.

With the new Craving Kit, ALAViDA can help you indulge in strategies that will leave you feeling satisfied with yourself. Start by watching this 4-minute video on managing cravings and receive an Amazon gift card*.

Learn more

As a reminder, ALAViDA is confidential and no information is shared with employers, plan sponsors, licensing bodies, and unions.

*Limited number of gift cards are available during the promotional period, while supplies last. Exclusive for UBC employees with a valid email address and limited to one Gift Card per individual.

Explore your benefits

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employee group

Update your
 information

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Enroll in benefits, payroll and pension

Employee & Family Assistance Program

Retirement and survivor benefits 

Health, Wellbeing and Benefits
UBC Human Resources
600 - 6190 Agronomy Road
Vancouver, BC Canada, V6T 1Z3

hr.ubc.ca/benefits

You are receiving this email because you are enrolled in one or more UBC Benefits plans. To update your Primary email address, where you receive communications from UBC Benefits, please review the Change My Contact Information article or submit a support request through the UBC Self-Service Portal.

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Disclaimer: The information contained in Benefits FYI is for information purposes only; it is not a contract. In the event of a discrepancy between the information in Benefits FYI and the applicable contracts/documents, the applicable plan contracts/documents, collective agreements and/or governing legislation will apply. Unless otherwise specified in the newsletter, you must be registered and enrolled in the appropriate benefit plans to receive the coverage and/or services as described. Enrolment in some of the benefit plans is not automatic. For more information on benefits, visit hr.ubc.ca/benefits.