Wellness at Vaughan Public Libraries
Vaughan Public Libraries
Innovation Synopsis
At Vaughan Public Libraries, we take a holistic and proactive approach to Workplace Health and Wellness. Our commitment to staff wellbeing is not just a priority, it’s part of who we are at work and in our community. We strive to create a culture of care and support for every staff member. Through strategic guidance to leadership and comprehensive training for all employees, we focus on the four pillars of wellbeing: Mental Health, Physical Health, Social Health and Financial Health.
Challenge/Opportunity
Our holistic approach ensures that all staff know they are valued, supported, and provided with equipment and resources to succeed.
• Mental Health – We provide tools, resources, and training to help staff feel supported, resilient, and empowered to manage stress and thrive in their roles while maintaining a work-life balance.
• Social Health – We foster meaningful connections and collaboration, creating opportunities for staff to engage, support one another, and build a strong sense of community across teams/departments and within the communities we serve.
• Financial Health – We offer competitive compensation and a comprehensive, family-focused benefits package and programs that promotes financial security.
• Physical Health – We equip staff with the knowledge, tools, and training needed to stay physically safe and healthy, both in the workplace and at home.
Key Elements of Innovation
VPL, in partnership with the City of Vaughan, actively participates in the corporate-wide Wellness Committee, working alongside staff from various departments to promote a culture of health & wellbeing. The collaborative group meets regularly to review the 4 pillars of wellness, mental, social, financial, and physical health and identify innovative, inclusive, and impactful initiatives that benefit all staff. Partnerships continue to evolve to meet the needs of staff & include the Employee Assistance Program–TELUS Health, Recreation Services, OMERS, Consolidated Credit & VPL resources and programs. By sharing ideas, best practices & emerging trends, the committee ensures that wellness programming remains relevant, responsive, and forward-thinking. By initiating corporate campaigns, targeted workshops, or new resources, this partnership helps us stay at the forefront of employee wellness and reinforces our commitment to supporting staff in meaningful and sustainable ways.
Achieved Outcomes
Summarized are the programs from June 1/24 to June 30/25, highlighting 1 pillar each qtr. Staff participation (pt) are key indicators of engagement & effectiveness, as applicable.
TELUS Health–EAP
Promoted tools & resources:
Toll-free support line
Mobile App
Online Platform
Info Sessions: Employee June 13 & July 18/24 & Mgt: July 11/24
Social
Ice Cream Day: Aug 7/24
Summer Fun Bingo: Aug 6/24: 41 pt
Multigenerational Workplace: Aug 21/24: 40 pt
Financial
Financial Wellness Fair: Nov 20/24: 170 pt
Physical
Eating Well on Shift: Feb 19/25: 12 pt
Cholesterol: Eating to Reduce Your Risk: Feb 26/25: 28 pt
Nutrition Strategies for Navigating Menopause: Mar 6/25: 37 pt
Move it to Win it Challenge Mar 2025: 82 pt-Included free fitness classes
Mental
Mental Health Awareness: May 7/25: 55 pt
Creating Great Families: June 11/25: 23 pt
Facilitated sessions promoting Canadian Mental Health Association content, for awareness of mental health and resources: Work with Emotions, Talk Openly, Address Stress: 73 pt
