The Queen’s community is invited to participate in Thrive Month, a pilot expansion of the university’s annual Thrive Week initiative. Taking place from November 2 to 30, Thrive Month events are open to all staff, faculty, and students, and focus on the theme Wellbeing in Action: Skills, Strategies, and Support for Everyday Thriving.

“The expansion to Thrive Month is a direct response to employee feedback,” says Sydney Downey, Director, Employee Wellness Services. “Employees have told us they value practical wellbeing strategies and would like more opportunities to participate in programming. This pilot allows us to offer a broader range of experiences throughout the month while gathering feedback that will help shape future wellbeing initiatives at Queen's. We are grateful to Manulife for their continued support and investment, which helps us expand these opportunities and create more ways for employees to thrive.”

During Thrive Month, participants can engage in a range of activities and initiatives, including a keynote address from Dr. Tim Salomons, Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Training in Queen's Department of Psychology. In Thoughts, Feelings, and Actions: Practical Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Skills for Everyday Life, participants will explore the connections between thoughts, emotions, physical sensations, and behaviours, and learn practical, evidence-based strategies to support wellbeing both at work and in everyday life. The keynote will be offered virtually on Thursday, November 26, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Those interested in attending the session can register online. 

In addition to the keynote, Thrive Month features over 60 events including:  

• Deep Looking with the Agnes Etherington Art Centre: Engage in guided observation and reflection through art to support mindfulness and wellbeing.
• Preventing Musculoskeletal Injury: Gain practical knowledge about injury prevention, ergonomics, and early intervention strategies.  
• ERG Voices at Queen's: Learn how Employee Resource Groups are fostering belonging, connection, and community across the university.  
• Career, Community, and Connection: Professional Development at Queen's: Discover professional development opportunities, learning resources, and practical ways to connect your growth and career goals with your work at Queen's.
• The CCTG CO.21/CHALLENGE Exercise Trial: Discover how Queen's research is advancing our understanding of the relationship between exercise and wellbeing.  
• Grief Literacy in the Workplace: Focused on building skills to recognize, respond to, and support grief in workplace settings.  
• Watercolour Flow - Finding Motivation & Connection: A beginner-friendly watercolour experience that combines creativity, reflection, and connection.
• TIME Tour and Strawberry DNA Experience: Explore research, innovation, and discovery through a unique interactive campus experience.  
• Free Hot Beverage: Queen’s employees can enjoy a free standard coffee, tea, or hot chocolate at one of the university’s participating food outlets on Friday, Nov. 6, courtesy of the Office of the Principal and Vice-Chancellor. Reusable mugs are encouraged. A complete list of participating locations is available on the HR website. 

With more than 1,200 registrations across last year's Thrive programming, employee participation continues to demonstrate the value of accessible wellbeing opportunities at Queen's. The pilot expansion to Thrive Month aims to build on that success by creating more opportunities for employees to learn, connect, and explore practical wellbeing strategies throughout November. The initiative also reflects Queen's continued commitment to employee wellbeing, aligning with priorities identified through the Employee Experience Survey.

For more information, including event details and registration, visit the Thrive page.