Canada: A community garden for Queens University employees aims to foster social connection
The unique wellness initiative has become a popular spot for respite during the workday.
By Shauna Mcginn
University Affairs
Oct 12 2022
Excerpt:
This past spring, a group dedicated to employee wellness at Queen’s University launched a community garden for staff, the first of its kind on campus. The two plots were planted with help from a volunteer group, Rideau 1000 Islands Master Gardeners. More than 30 employees from across departments signed up to maintain the garden, which quickly became a popular spot for respite during the workday.
The garden is the result of a joint effort by Linda Henderson and Greg Simmons, who were both hired in January 2022 as coordinators for the new employee wellness services department. Mr. Simmons presented the idea in his second interview for the role, when asked to come up with a unique wellness initiative.
Over the course of the pandemic, he saw many friends take up gardening, and coming from an athletics background, he knew the benefit of promoting physical activity.
“I wanted to do something outside the box,” Mr. Simmons said. “What better thing to do than actually get out, away from your desk, and do something healthy.” He reached out to the Master Gardeners for help, and together they decided to share the two plots between employees – an unusual move, since most community gardens have numerous plots run by individuals. “It’s about working on it together,” Mr. Simmons said.
