The 10-year anniversary of McGill’s Health Fair was marked by a new concept and a unique venue, adapting to our unprecedented circumstances.
The Health Fair events were held virtually over the course of a week. Sessions included workshops on healthy financial management tips, mindfulness, and Covid-19 facts from Dr. Schwarcz.
In a unique presentation on mental health, Hiba Zafran, Occupational Therapist and Assistant Professor in the School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, welcomed participants with jazz music as they entered the virtual session. With everyone's videos turned off, she asked employees to lie down, put their feet up, and get comfortable and provided strategies for coping with the difficulties of the pandemic.
Many participants also took part in a Bingo activity to familiarize themselves with the resources, sessions, and strategies available for them over the course of Healthy Workplace month.
“I enjoyed a nutrition session, learned about changes in submitting benefits to a session of mindfulness,” said Daksha Manek, Project Officer for Dialogue McGill. “The Health Fair was such a de-stressor in my day!”
The Virtual Fair itself took place online with 19 exhibitors and had the highest record of participation of all previous health fairs. A total of 650 employees attended the fair, which offered 60 group presentations and 140 one-on-one sessions. Some employees had ergonomic workspace sessions, learned about new EFAP services, or learned about upcoming research and finance sessions. To top it off, 17 lucky participants won prizes including a Garmin watch, gift cards to the Redbird shop, wellness kits, cookbooks, and financial wellness and sleep hygiene books.
"I was able to gather so much valuable information and resources,” said Geneviève St-Arnault, Assistant to the Dean at the Schulich School of Music. “I got an ergonomic assessment of my home office, found out about Manulife’s extended services for staff, and learned about other great resources offered by McGill and, in some cases, other institutions.”
The Health Fair, running since 2010, is considered a positive and spirit-lifting event for employees. “When it became clear that we couldn’t all come together in person, I knew that I had to try my best to let this tradition live on despite the challenges, barriers, and unknowns of doing it online,” said Sara Charbonneau, Health Fair organizer and Health and Well-Being Advisor. “One thing’s for sure— this is one for the books!”