Enrolment open

Supporting the well-being of Ontario's first responders

7–10 min to enrol | 100% confidential

Research exploring whether and how personalized virtual coaching supports resilience, stress, and well-being for those who serve our communities.

Start enrolment

Why participate?

Contribute to research that may shape workforce health programs and policies for first responders and healthcare workers. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: immediate coaching or deferred coaching (starting in 6 months).

Regardless of your group, everyone receives access to 1:1 coaching.  Spots are limited and filled on a first come, first served basis. If the study is full when you apply, you can still submit an enrolment form — you may be invited to participate at a later date.

Study intervention

Participants receive access to BetterUp’s personalized coaching platform. This includes confidential 1:1 sessions with a certified coach and unlimited access to self-guided content.

Compensation for your time

We value your time. If you choose to accept payment, you’ll receive it after each assessment you complete during the study.

What coaching may offer

Some people find coaching helpful for things like stress management, habit-building, workplace engagement, or  overall well-being, but we cannot guarantee you will personally experience these benefits.

Strictly confidential and secure

Your participation is completely voluntary.
We have built a digital firewall between your participation and your workplace.

Employer blind

You control how much your employer knows — we never share your responses or coaching topics, only participation status if you opt in.

Bank-level security

Your data is protected by enterprise-grade encryption and stored on secure servers that utilize industry-leading security protocols.

Privacy you can count on

Your health data is held in specialized platforms that meet privacy standards under PIPEDA and PHIPA.

Advancing support for first responders and healthcare workers

Join a pivotal research initiative dedicated to the mental health of Ontario's frontline workers. We are exploring whether and how personalized virtual coaching can build resilience, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being for those who serve our communities.

Who is eligible?

First responders and healthcare workers in Ontario
Working 100+ hours per month (or 25+ hours per week)
Ages 18 and older & English-speaking

Study commitment and timeline

Participants are randomly assigned to immediate or deferred (6-month) coaching. Everyone gets 1:1 coaching access either way.

Survey commitment: ~2 hours over 12 months.

Baseline

Initial survey (~25 mins) & randomization

Monthly check-ins

Brief pulse checks (~2–3 mins) throughout the 12-month study

Comprehensive surveys

Detailed check-ins at months 3, 6, and 12 (~10–20 mins each)

Coaching experience

Up to 12 months of 1:1 coaching access (30–45 mins, weekly/bi-weekly). Starts immediately or in 6 months, depending on your group.

Join your colleagues in this initiative to support first responder mental health.

Enrolment is quick, easy, and confidential.

Start enrolment

Check eligibility

Answer a few quick questions to confirm you qualify for the study. (2 minutes)

Review and consent

Read the study details and securely sign the informed consent form. (5 minutes)

Verification and access

Our team will review your application. If approved, you'll receive an email invitation to the BetterUp platform. (Email invite)

Supporting the well-being of Ontario's first responders