Ensure your well-being while working from home by following some tips for organizing your workspace

• Microsoft Teams is a great way to connect with colleagues.
• Learn about the latest uOttawa Virtual Wellness activities.

If you have not already done so, consider using MS Teams. It is the best tool to group files in one place.

• Get all information relating to Microsoft Teams, Outlook, One Drive, Liquid files, security guidelines, and more by visiting the website: uOttawa IT - Working remotely.
• Adopting good practices relating to the management of confidential and personal information. NOTE: Refer to the 8 tips found under "Information Management and Privacy Special Considerations" as well as the ‘End of Day Checklist when working from a computer or personal device’
• Effectively manage, store, share and disseminate information using best practices in information management. Refer to the toolbox on the right of the website.

Employee and Family Assistance Program

• Now accessible to all faculty, staff and eligible family members. Call 1-844-880-9142 for an appointment. 
• The new LifeWorks website provides lots of tips and resources for coping with the ever-changing reality we’re facing.
• Telemedicine: new service that  provides direct and speedy online access to general practitioners 24/7 without charge to the patient regardless of your province of residence.

Canadian Mental Health Association

• BounceBack is a free skill-building program to help adults and youth 15+ manage feeling low, mild to moderate depression, and anxiety, stress or worry.

Wellness Together Canada

• Take that step

Ottawa Public Health

• Mental Health and COVID-19

Government of Canada

• Wellness Together Canada : Mental Health and Substance Use Support

Government of Ontario

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: short-term program delivered online. It helps people develop skills and strategies to address symptoms of mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression.

University of Ottawa

• Therapy Assistance Online (TAO), a platform of tools and interactive modules to help you manage the many stressors and bounce back from challenging times

Employee and Family Assistance Program :

• If you need motivation to start, sign up for the LIFT suite of fitness offerings here.

Learn about the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines here.

If you need more inspiration, please visit the Participaction website where you will find a multitude of ideas!

Get involved as a Healthy and Active Campus Champion!

If you are concerned you may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, complete the Ontario Self-Assessment Tool to help determine whether you need to be tested and follow the guidance provided.

If you are experiencing cold- or flu-like symptoms (or any illness), stay home to avoid the spread of the virus.

Standard practices for reporting absences due to illness apply. Advise your supervisor and email the Health and Wellness Sector.

Inform your manager as soon as possible of any accidents that occur while working from home. Ensure that your manager is also aware of your working hours - this is important information when an employee reports being injured while working from home. You or your supervisor must complete an Accident, Incident Occupational Disease or Near Miss form to report the accident.

Standard practices for reporting absences due to illness apply. Advise your supervisor and email the Health and Wellness Sector.

If you have been absent, you must resume work once you are deemed fit (whether for full or modified duties or a gradual return to work). Prior to returning to work, inform your supervisor. This applies whether you are working from home or onsite (depending on your role or the unit’s circumstances). As per standard practice:

• If there are restrictions on your hours or duties as part of a gradual return to work, the Senior Health and Accommodation Adviser will contact both you and your supervisor to help develop and implement a modified work plan. 
• If you have any questions, email the Health and Wellness Sector.