Employee Wellness

The Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention Program at Nipissing University was developed to support staff and faculty to work safely and efficiently and to optimize their comfort. Workers across Nipissing perform a variety of jobs with different physical and cognitive demands.

Ergonomics applies scientific theory, principles and methods to explore the relationships between the worker job tasks and the workplace. Ergonomics removes barriers to quality, productivity, and safe human performance by fitting products (equipment), tasks and environments to people.

MSDs are strongly linked to risk factors or hazards in the workplace, therefore it is mandatory that all employees receive Ergonomics and MSD Prevention training.

Employee Training ❯   How to request an ergonomic assessment ❯

Mental Health Week is a great opportunity to build stronger connections and learn more about the people you work with. This fun challenge encourages you to connect with colleagues across the organization by discovering shared interests, experienced and fun facts. 

How to Play: 

1.Download and print off the bingo card found in the Mental Health Email

2.Chat with people and find someone who matches each squares

3. Write the persons name in the square. Each person can only be used once.

At the end of the week submit your bingo card via email michellb@nipissingu.ca for a chance to win a prize. 

1 entry per line, for a max of 5 entries for a full card

Human Resources will have a "Compliment a Colleague" board set up just outside their office (B215) this week.

We invite everyone to take a moment and leave a quick note to thank a colleague for their efforts, support or collaboration. A simple message of appreciation can go a long way in helping others feel valued and in building a stronger, more connected workplace.

At the end of the week, all messages will be collected and shared with the intended recipients.

Join us for a mental health walk this week!

Take a break, get some fresh air, and connect with colleagues while supporting mental well-being. Whether you walk for a few minutes or the whole time, everyone is welcome.

Participants should meet at the doors outside the main cafeteria at 12:30 for a 30 minute walk. 

In recognition of Mental Health Week, our EAP is hosting a special "Ask an Expert" webinar on Thursday May 7, 2026 from 12 Noon to 12:30 PM

Connection plays a critical role in how people experience work, shaping not only engagement and collaboration but also mental health, resilience, and overall well-being. Yet as workplaces evolve, many employees are feeling more detached than ever as connection takes a back seat to busy schedules, hybrid environments, and competing priorities.

In this webinar, we’ll explore the importance of connection; how connection influences performance, confidence, and mental health; and why even brief, everyday interactions can make a meaningful difference.

You’ll also learn how to recognize signs that someone may be feeling disconnected, understand the barriers that can make connection more difficult, and walk away with practical, realistic ways to build stronger connections, whether you’re an employee or a leader.

To register for this event, please click here.

Join us on May 7, 2026, for an informative virtual seminar on financial fraud awareness, designed to help you recognize, avoid, and protect yourself from today's most common scams.

RBC Investment Advisors, Jim Palangio and Adam Delorme will present on a range of fraudulent acts, from phishing emails and phone scams to investment schemes and identify theft tactics, all while providing practical, real-world strategies to safeguard your personal and financial information.

This seminar will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape with confidence.

Click here to register for this webinar.

Offered most Fridays from 12:00PM – 1:00PM at the R.J Surtees Athletic Centre in Gym A.

NEW: We're able to offer a few gym times for pickleball on weekends in April, see details below!!

Spring and Summer 2026 Schedule:

May 15, 22 & 29

June 19

July 24

Limited equipment available on a first come first serve basis at the gym front desk. Feel free to bring your own paddle if you have one.

Offered every Wednesday from 12:30PM – 1:30PM at the R.J Surtees Athletic Centre in Fitness Studio 2.

Note there is no yoga on April 22, 2026

May 6, 2026 will be the last Yoga session before we pause for the summer.

This is a great way to relax, re-energize, and take care of your well-being during the workweek.

All levels are welcome — whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner. See you on the mat!

No registration necessary – limited yoga mats available, feel free to bring your own.

Come stretch, breathe, and move with us!

Nipissing University currently offers a complimentary gym membership as part of our ongoing wellness initiatives with the R.J. Surtees Athletic Centre until December 31, 2026. This great initiative is open to all FT and PT employees.

In order to participate in this initiative, please ensure to provide your employee card to access the gym. 

• If you currently have an employee card and want to participate in this initiative: Please drop in to see the Manager, Health and Wellness (B 215C) with your employee card to register the membership. Once the membership has been registered you can begin using your card to access the athletic facility.
• If you don't have an employee card and want to participate in this initiative: Individuals will need to submit a ticket to helpdesk.nipissingu.ca to request an employee card. Once the card is printed and received, drop in to see the Manager, Health and Wellness (B 215C) with your employee card to register the membership. Once the membership has been registered you can begin using your card to access the athletic facility.

Campus Respiratory Illness Guidelines - Last Updated September 2025

As we welcome the fall season, we want to provide some public health guidance on how we all can learn to protect ourselves and our campus community from respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, Measles or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

If you are sick, we ask that you please stay home to prevent the transmission to others around you until all the following apply to you:

• You are fever free
• You do not have any new symptoms
• Your symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours (48 hours for gastro related symptoms)

When returning to campus wearing a 3-ply mask for ten (10) after your symptoms started can provide extra protection against the spread of respiratory illnesses. Please note that masks will continue to be provided at the main entrance.

Protection from respiratory illness

We strongly recommend that folks stay up to date with their routine immunization and seasonal immunizations. We will be offering our annual flu shot campaign in conjunction with the Canadian Shield Health Care Services here on campus. Keep an eye out for an upcoming email about this campaign.

Personal protective measures are actions you can take to reduce the spread of viruses. Combining layers of protection are an effective way of preventing illness and can help reduce the risk of illness and the spread of respiratory illnesses to others.

Staying home when you are sick, washing your hands often and covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze are simple ways help keep our campus community safe.

Vaccine recommendations for optimal protection against Measles

Currently the best protection against Measles is immunization and the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit advises that all adults born before 1970 are presumed to have natural immunity to measles. All other individuals born after 1970 are recommended to ensure they have had two doses of a measles-containing vaccine.

Individuals who are unable to work due to any respiratory illness, will be required to utilize sick leave credits if available. Employees without sick leave credits will be required to use vacation time or leave without pay.

For more information, please visit the North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit

Should you have any questions, please contact Michelle Banks, Manager, Health and Wellness via email at michellb@nipissingu.ca.