Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month

Every October, Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month (CHWM), organized by Excellence Canada, highlights the importance of practicing habits that promote a healthy mind, body, and organizational culture. This year's theme, Wellness, Your Way, provides an opportunity to reflect on our personal wellness journeys and what well-being means to each one of us.
This year’s weekly themes are:
- Week 1 (October 5-9): Wellness Designed for You
- Week 2 (October 12-16): Building Sustainable Habits
- Week 3 (October 19-23): Your Toolbox for Thriving
- Week 4 (October 26-30): Owning your Wellness Roadmap
Want to know more? There are many ways that you can get involved!
Activities and events
Check out the events calendar to help you keep track of the activities and events happening across Defence during Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month.
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
October 5-9, 2026 |
Week 1 Theme | October 5-9: Wellness Designed for You There is no “one-size-fits-all” solution for wellness. Take time this week to identify what makes you feel your best. October 5-9 also marks Mental Illness Awareness Week, while October 10 is World Mental Health Day. This week:
|
October 10, 2026 |
World Mental Health Day October 10 is World Mental Health Day. Take the opportunity to learn about the mental health and wellness resources that are available to you as a Defence Team member. |
October 12-16, 2026 |
Week 2 Theme | October 12-16: Building Sustainable Habits This week, focus on setting goals and building habits that will keep you thriving for the long run. Sustainable habits are one of the most important parts of becoming the best version of you. This week:
|
October 14, 2026 11:00 AM-1:00 PM ET Carling Campus Building 5 Atrium |
Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month Wellness Fair DND is hosting an in-person and virtual fair to showcase the wellness resources, programs and supports available to the Defence Team. Attend in-person: Kiosk representatives will be on-site and available to discuss the programs and supports they offer. Stop by to meet program representatives, explore the various resources available to you, and to ask questions. Attend virtually: Take a tour of the various wellness resources, programs, and supports available to you! |
October 15, 2026 |
International Conflict Resolution Day (ICRD) ICRD is a global commemoration celebrating peaceful resolutions of conflict, in the workplace and beyond. |
October 19-23, 2026 |
Week 3 Theme | October 19-23: Your Toolbox for Thriving Take the time to discover and learn about the resources, tools and strategies available to help you manage challenges and support your wellness journey. This week:
|
October 21 (French session) and October 22 (English session), 2026 Microsoft Teams 1-2:30 PM ET (both sessions) |
Webinar: Calming Your Mind in Challenging Times When stress becomes overwhelming, simple techniques can help bring us back to equilibrium. This webinar explores the stress response and offers practical tools to reach optimal stress levels and maintain energy and performance (you are now leaving Canada.ca, for internal audiences only). |
October 26-30, 2026 |
Week 4 Theme | October 26-30: Owning your Wellness Roadmap As the month wraps up, identify how you can keep your new habits and goals going throughout the year. This week:
|
Health and wellness resources
CHWM is a great time to explore the Defence Team health and wellness resources that are available to you.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a proactive service designed to support Public Service Employees and their family members with a wide range of personal, family and work-related concerns.
Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program supports CAF members and their families.
Related links
- Champions’ message
- Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month
- Defence Team Total Health and Wellness Strategy
- Mental health and well-being (You are now leaving Canada.ca, for internal audiences only)
- Health, support and casualty services
- 60 Seconds With Major-General Scott Malcolm, CAF Surgeon General, on mental health
- Resources for employees for mental health in the workplace
- Mental health supports and resources for managers
- A back pocket guide to executive supports
- Canadian Innovation Centre for Mental Health in the Workplace (you are now leaving Canada.ca, for internal audiences only)
