Durham Region Health Department presents Healthy Workplace Award to UOIT

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) has received the Healthy Workplace Award (Gold category) from the Regional Municipality of Durham’s Health Department for its efforts to promote the health topics of Physical Activity and Healthy Eating.

The 2014 Gold Award was presented on February 24 to Murray Lapp, UOIT Vice-President, Human Resources and Services, who accepted the recognition on behalf of the university’s Healthy Workplace Committee (HWC).

“On behalf of the Durham Region Health Department, I would like to congratulate the University of Ontario Institute of Technology on achieving the Healthy Workplace Award," said Stacey Papanicolaou, Public Health Nurse, Region of Durham. “The Health Department acknowledges the university's efforts towards creating a healthy workplace.”

“UOIT is committed to ensuring that the university is a healthy, safe and supportive place to work,” said Lapp. “The university offers a variety of resources and programs that strive to support a positive work environment, foster healthy and engaged employees, and promote physical and emotional wellness.”

In 2013, UOIT Human Resources created the HWC – a team of faculty and staff representatives from various departments, offices and faculties across the university. In addition to driving awareness of various wellness resources, the HWC has championed a number of initiatives to engage UOIT employees, such as:

• Carnations for Kindness
• Healthy Workplace Fair
• Just for the Health of It photo contest
• Promoting health and safety
• Promoting work, health and life balance
• Random Acts of Kindness Day
• Workshops and seminar on mental health awareness
• Yoga in the Park