We believe that wellbeing drives vitality, engagement and a high-performance culture.

Our diverse wellbeing programs and initiatives and our many on-campus health facilities empower you to create a work environment focused on your wellbeing.

Wellbeing at UNSW 

Our Wellbeing strategy focuses on Healthy Body, Heathy Mind, Healthy Places and Healthy Culture. We have a number of health and fitness facilities conveniently located in and around Campus, to make it as easy as possible for you to take advantage of these services during your work breaks. Our wellbeing events, including yoga, meditation and mindfulness classes and a resource library offer innovative ways to optimise your wellbeing. In addition, both our Kensington and Canberra campus promote mental health month throughout October with special events on campus.

Employee Assistance Program & myCoach 

You can access up to six free confidential counselling, coaching and wellbeing sessions for you and your immediate family members through Benestar. A professional will support you with lifestyle, work, personal and family goals; or assist with managing workplace and team experiences, issues or concerns that arise.

Finance Wellness Support 

We understand that your finances can have a huge impact on your wellbeing, and we want to make sure that you have financial support available to you. We offer a range of financial seminars, including Superannuation seminars and an onsite UniSuper Consultant.

UNSW Counselling and Psychological Sciences (CAPS) 

UNSW Counselling and Psychological Services [CAPS] offers professional support to UNSW staff who work with students who may be experiencing distress or displaying difficult behaviour. They also offer events and training workshops such as an accredited Mental Health First Aid Training Course.

Global Challenge 

The Global Challenge is a virtual journey around the world. Staff teams track their steps and fitness activities for 100 days with the total distance travelled determining the teams' location in the world. Teams compete against each other as well against other Universities and organisations, but the real goal for staff is to get fit, keep active and have fun with colleagues.

UNSW Health Services

Staff are eligible for free influenza vaccinations each year from UNSW Health Services. Flu Vaccinations on the Canberra Campus are arranged by Human Resources in April/May of each year and are announced in the newsletter.

Recharge Week

Recharge Week is about creating headspace for you and your colleagues, and aims to promote and prioritise the wellbeing of staff. During this week we encourage you to reduce meetings and emails, as much as is practicable, as a way of freeing up time to focus, plan and catch up on work. Recharge Week is still a working week, however with reduced email traffic and meetings. We also encourage staff to consider taking some annual leave during this week if possible.

Staff Hardship Fund

UNSW is committed to supporting staff who are facing challenging personal circumstances and uncertainty. The University has established a dedicated Staff Hardship Fund for staff who are facing exceptional financial hardship and may require unexpected and emergency financial support. Financial assistance can be granted to assist with immediate and essential expenses including unable to pay bills or rent, temporary accommodation or food insecurity.