News & Announcements

Read tips to care for yourself or support a colleague when someone is experiencing burnout.

Find the best fit shoe for your feet to help you stay active.

7 Steps to Finding Safe and Quality Care is a new series of short videos developed by Child Care Aware of Missouri to help families understand childcare options and make the best choice for their child.

Raema Howell, MSHI, BSN, RN Planner II, Activation & Logistics Operations and Facilities Management Dept. (OFMD) Raema began working at WashU one year ago, and joined the Wellness Champion network in fall of 2021. As a new employee, Raema wanted an opportunity within the organization to connect with the surrounding community and raise awareness about […]

Jessica Gold, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry, provides tips for reframing how we look at the new year and ways to help yourself and loved ones cope through healthy well-being practices.

Vaccine information on local, state and area resources related to obtaining COVID-19 vaccinations for your children.

Check out the sometimes little-known employee benefits come that can come in handy when you’re on and off campus.

Jennifer Holzhauer, MSW, LCSWChild & Adolescent Psychiatry Jennifer has taken an active approach to her role since joining the Champion network in January 2021. She immediately recruited several co-champions to help impact various divisions within the Department of Psychiatry: Angela Williams, Rebecca Light-Pearlman, and Katherine Aravamudan. Working together as a cohesive unit, they used the […]

WashU highlight’s another local United Way agency, Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis. See how we’re making an impact, and join us by donating today.

This month, we’re highlighting another local United Way agency, SoulFisher Ministries. See how we’re making an impact, and join us by donating today.

Holiday well-being tips and resources to help you and your family thrive.

This memo outlines important information regarding the influenza (flu) vaccination policy and employee compliance. The deadline to receive the vaccine and upload proof in ReadySet has been extended to 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10. As you know, the previous deadline was tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 19. Per university policy, all WashU faculty, staff and trainees must receive this year’s influenza vaccine regardless of […]

Helpful tips for employees to navigate 2022 benefits open enrollment.

Katie Navo, MSN, RN, FNP-BCIM | Medical Oncology Katie joined the Wellness Champion network a little over one year ago; she dove right in by arranging for a Benefits Chat overview presentation for her workgroup in Medical Oncology, to help them prepare for the upcoming Benefits Open Enrollment. She’s also coordinated mindfulness presentations, regularly updates […]

We outlined some easy ways to start your own self-care routine, if you haven’t already.

Employees jobs shouldn’t change just because they’re now doing it virtually. 

Introduce a daily gratitude practice to positively impact your well-being.

I’d like to recognize all of the Wellness Champions who rallied their teammates to join the new summer wellness challenge, Colorful Choices. Thank you for your leadership and your commitment to Wellness Connection and your colleagues. Your ingenuity, determination, and creativity are inspiring. Approximately 900 WashU employees participated in the Colorful Choices campaign. The charts […]

This memo outlines important information regarding COVID-19 vaccination policy compliance. Each Friday, Occupational Health sends your area the most recent list of people who have not yet provided proof of vaccination against COVID-19. As of August 4, 2021, more than 1,100 faculty, staff and trainees have not recorded proof of vaccination in ReadySet.Both Occupational Health […]

Hatice Goshtaiy, MS IM – Infectious Diseases Hatice has been with WashU for the past 14 years and a Wellness Champion for the last 2.5 years. Since joining the Champion network in January 2019, she has been a strong advocate for Wellness Connection programming in her department, working with her supervisor to promote resources and […]

Our world continues to change as we navigate the pandemic. Caring for ourself is more important than ever. We will continue to highlight tips to help you find balance and practice self care. Our tips are informed by WashU experts in Psychiatry, wellness, leadership development and family care. Faculty, physicians and expert staff provide their […]

Wellness Connection’s MyWay to Health programs recognize that each employee is unique and has their own personalized definition of optimal health and well-being. Our mission is to support individuals, champion strengths, overcome barriers and create supportive networks to improve health and quality of life. This is why we have developed a range of programs to […]

To Management Councils and Leadership: A Manager Memo regarding the COVID-19 vaccination policy was sent Friday, June 25 to area management. As noted, all employees and trainees are required to get and provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccination by August 30. To follow Friday’s manager memo, we are covering the following topics: Preview of a communication to […]

Memo from June 25, 2021 To Management Councils and Leadership: As announced on June 15, Washington University students, faculty, staff and trainees on the Danforth and Medical Campuses will be required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Faculty, staff and trainees must be fully vaccinated by August 30. View the COVID-19 vaccination policy and the COVID-19 FAQ for full details. […]

Wellness Champion Network As Wellness Connection Champions, we strive to promote a professional environment where people can be their whole selves, center learning & growth, and foster a culture that makes it easy for people to be well and do their jobs. The University provides resources to help our Champions connect with each other, learn […]

It’s hard to believe that, after years of planning and work, we are getting ready to go live with Workday as part of our MyDay initiative. This is one of the most complex projects the university has undertaken, investing in our future by replacing our HR and finance systems with a modern, integrated system in the cloud.   There are several […]

I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize all of the Wellness Champions who rallied their teammates to join the spring wellness challenge, Couch to 5K. Championing a culture of wellness can be difficult in a shifting and virtual environment, and our network of Wellness Champions continues to communicate Wellness Connection programming to their colleagues […]

Washington University in St. Louis was ranked 12th among hundreds of large and midsized companies on Forbes’ fourth annual list of “America’s Best Employers For Diversity.” The results are based on a survey of 50,000 employees across the country who rated their organizations based on criteria such as age, gender, ethnicity, disability and sexual orientation […]

During this time of heightened health concerns and the need to take action to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the COVID-19 virus, the following information is a reminder of some of the benefits available to you as a WashU employee. COVID-19 Testing Covered at 100% COVID-19 screening testing is a covered health service […]

This course covers remote, hybrid and flexible work strategies.

      Atiqua Burns and Cheryl Lyons,Co-Champions in IM – Bone Marrow Transplant Atiqua and Cheryl joined the Wellness Champion network in February of 2020 – right before the world went topsy turvy. Over the past year, I have been continually impressed by their capacity to work together and take an active role in […]

As we look forward with hope, how can we find renewed energy and build well-being into our lives with intention?

View a list of courses through LinkedIn Learning to help you learn how to be an effective leader and empower your people to thrive.

We are excited to announce that we have transitioned the in-person Manager Orientation (MO) for both the Danforth and Medical School campus to a newly designed online module. Manager Orientation is now available to complete in Learn@Work, the university’s learning management system. The Manager Orientation online course provides essential information to help leaders be effective in […]

Stefani Weeden-Smith, MPSGephardt Institute for Civic/Community Engagement I first met Stefani when I took one of her workshops through the Brown School continuing education program in the summer of 2019. We chatted during the break about some University wellness initiatives, and she joined the Champion network soon thereafter. Stefani really stepped up to foster a […]

Meaningful work is about forging human connections to create a deeper, richer work experience.  This concept is easy enough to agree with, but what is “meaningful work” really about? It’s about showing up in a way that lifts and supports the people around you. It’s being authentic and holding space for others to do the same. Simply put, it’s about allowing your heart to join you in your work.  […]

The well-being of people is always our focus, and during the pandemic, HR and university partners joined together to provide real-time support for every aspect of employees’ lives. Support for the whole person spans from physical and mental health to family care, flexible and remote work and professional learning.   From flexible work arrangements to telehealth, prescription delivery, financial education sessions, 24/7 work-life […]

Sherry Lohmann,Program in Physical Therapy While Sherry officially joined the Wellness Champions in January of 2019, she has long been doing the work of a Wellness Champion. When I used to coordinate the onsite screenings, I could always count on Sherry to help promote the screening event in her building, rounding up employees who wanted […]

Laurie Brady, Mail & Receiving Services (MaRs) This month’s spotlight shines on Laurie Brady, a Wellness Champion since October 2020. New to our network but not new to the work, Laurie has long been a champion of wellness in her personal and professional life. Laurie was nominated for the Champion Spotlight by fellow Champion Cheryl […]

Balancing household and career demands is a challenge even in “normal” times, so it’s no wonder many of us have sought new ways to optimize our effectiveness (while staying healthy) over the last year. Here are six tips to help you maintain a healthy, productive work routine. Emphasize positivity in your work setup. It’s important […]

Our people are incredibly important to carrying out our missions of research, teaching and patient care, and we care deeply about your well-being. As a part of efforts to support the Washington University community through challenges related to the impact of COVID-19, the WashU Crisis Response Fund is available to help our community with costs […]

Read a note from Chancellor Andrew D. Martin on the violence at the U.S. Capitol. What we are seeing today shall not define who we are as a nation. Andrew D. Martin, Chancellor If you or someone you know needs help:  Call the employee assistance program at 844-365-4587 or visit the website for information and support. View […]

The Gratitude Project, a new program focuses on highlighting stories of how WashU faculty, staff and students are rising up for the greater good. The Gratitude Project was developed by the Innovation subcommittee of the Chancellor’s Fall Contingency Planning Committee. The stories will be shared in a video series hosted by Tim Bono, assistant dean for […]

WashU Human Resources welcomes Lisa Eberle-Mayse, the new child and family care facilitator. In this role, Lisa will support faculty and staff families with finding and maintaining the care they need for their family members. Lisa brings 40 years of experience in early care and education to this role. She has been a teacher, Child Care Center Director and Inclusion Specialist. She is also […]

It’s never to early to start the conversation with your parents about how they view their later years, and what their preferences are looking ahead.

Review licensing records for current or prospective child care centers or family home providers.

A comprehensive guide to combatting Covid-19 fears, coping with stressors, managing work and family life, and more.

Washington University is extending two additional days of paid time off to Danforth Campus and Central Fiscal Unit staff employees to be used between Dec. 18, 2020 and Feb. 28, 2021. These days are in addition to the standard university vacation and holiday time off benefits. They do not reduce any time off balances – […]

An article from Guidance Resources, powered by ComPsych In recent 2020 polling, about two-thirds of Americans (66 percent) said they felt worn out by the amount of news during this election cycle. Another recent poll showed that more than half of U.S. adults felt the elections were “somewhat” or “very significant” sources of stress. As […]

Faced with shifting responsibilities and with many of their coworkers in new, remote work environments, the Wellness Champions continue to promote a healthy workplace culture by participating in Wellness Connection programming and encouraging their colleagues to do the same. The graphs below demonstrate that while Champions make up 4% of total Walktober participants, they led […]

Election Day is November 3. Here are a few resources to help you manage your schedule at work and learn more about ballot information.

Lara Jennings,Office for International Students and Scholars (OISS) This month’s spotlight is on Lara Jennings, a Wellness Champion since May 2019. Lara supports her teammates by being a compassionate listener and connecting her workgroup with Wellness Connection resources. She fosters a community of well-being in her department by sending “Virtual Sunshine Committee” monthly emails, sharing […]

There’s a lot of uncertainty in the world right now. How many times have you heard that in the last six months?

It started with talk of cloth diapers vs. disposable, sleep training debates, early childhood education. Then it got bigger.

Article by Neha Navsaria, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychiatry (Child) Everyone experiences challenges in life, and especially now- with COVID-19, racism, returning to work, balancing family/work obligations, to name a few-the number of challenges can feel overwhelming. What do you do when you are under chronic stress that feels never-ending?  What you are experiencing right […]

Wellness Connection is offering a new type of wellness challenge this summer; little did we know how timely this emotional fitness campaign would be when planning for it last fall. We’ve heard a lot of feedback from our Champion network on how Work of Art has been beneficial to them and their teammates, including this […]

How we’re helping employees and leaders navigate the environment, support well-being All of us are coping with the stressors and challenges we face personally and as an institution. We recognize the serious impact the pandemic has on our people. Our goal, as always, is to focus on the well-being of people and help address the stressors put […]

Chelsey Hundley, Weston Career Center in Olin Business School A Wellness Champion since the fall of 2018, Chelsey continually approaches her role with a positive attitude and enthusiasm. She’s great at building and maintaining relationships with her colleagues, and they know they can go to her for resources and with their questions. This year, Chelsey […]

Learn how WashU faculty and staff are coming together to provide expert-driven programs for university employees.  WUCare – New primary care access for university employees Beginning June 1, 2020, Washington University employees and their families (age 18+) who are enrolled in the university sponsored health plan (United Healthcare) will have access to a primary care physician […]

Heidi Klosterman,Office of General Counsel Heidi Klosterman has been a Wellness Connection Champion since the beginning of the program in 2015. She has always been an active member of the network, participating in our meetings, workshops, & programs, while promoting wellness opportunities to her friends and colleagues in the Office of General Counsel. During this […]

Insight from WashU Psychiatry instructor, Andrea Giedinghagen, MD This pandemic has brought changes to almost every aspect of our lives, and parenting is no exception. From coping with the boredom of being at home for days on end to grappling with fear and uncertainty, there are challenges for parents and children alike. Some parenting challenges […]

Creating a Sleep Routine Establishing a sleep routine that works for you helps you get the recommended amount of sleep each night. Sleep routines are activities before bed each night. Routines can improve the quality and length of sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to maintaining long-term healthy eating and physical activity habits. […]

To help you lead your departments through the difficult and pressing circumstances related to the impact of COVID-19, please review these important manager messages and share with other managers in your areas. The manager memos, along with resources are posted on the HR web page, Manager Resources for COVID-19. These regular updates to management provide guidance on key issues related to supporting staff and operations, […]

Bridget Stevens,Operations & Facilities Management Department Bridget has hit the ground running since joining the Champion network in December 2019. She has worked closely with Wellness Connection and her co-champions in OFMD (Theresa Horn, Mike Thompson, Alicia Hubert, Ken Zimmerman, and Bryan Mezyk) to plan several dedicated screening events for her coworkers: On multiple occasions […]

It is important to practice safe social distancing if you are an essential employee working on site. Your health and safety are a top priority, and social distancing in the workplace will help keep you and others from spreading COVID-19. Be mindful of these simple tips when you’re at work. 1.  Physically distance in the work […]

“Rise Up for Heroes” – A Message from Saint Louis Civic, Sports and Business Sectors to Honor Frontline Heroes Every day our community is witnessing exceptional acts of heroism by those fighting the battles created by the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. From the thousands and thousands of brave healthcare workers to the staffs at […]

A word from Guidance Resources: Resilience is more than coping; it’s about confronting crises and difficult situations without getting overwhelmed by them. Resilient people are better able to handle life’s stressors and adapt to changing situations. Being resilient can help protect you from depression, stress and anxiety, too. Resilience can be strengthened and nurtured in adults […]

Our healthcare workers and staff are stepping up in extraordinary ways. Send messages of hope and gratitude to support the medical professionals on the front lines, and all who bravely come to work for the greater good. As a part of the Care and Connection efforts, messages are shared on social media, on digital signage […]

There are different issues that play into how COVID-19 impacts one’s mental well-being. From fear and anxiety, to isolation and family stressors, Dr. Emily Mukherji, assistant professor in Washington University’s Department of Psychiatry, highlights key factors related to coping with COVID. 1) Fear of illness For many people there can be a lot of fear […]

To help you lead your departments through the difficult and pressing circumstances related to the impact of COVID-19, please review these important manager messages and share with other managers in your areas. The manager memos, along with resources are posted on the HR web page, Manager Resources for COVID-19. Faculty and staff are incredibly valuable to our mission. […]

Today’s Manager Memo focuses on these two key topics: Recording Time and the Use of Special Paid Time Off (Special paid time off is no longer available; information removed) Helping you think creatively about assigning meaningful work that differs from typical day-to-day operations Recording Time  Employees who work either on campus or remotely continue to […]

Sam Biver, MPH, and the Healthy Work Center in the GMS Division Sam has been an integral part of our new strategy this year to mobilize the efforts of our Champion network, using the Human Centered Design approach to problem solving. He works closely with Wellness Connection to map out the strategy and co-facilitate the […]

Wellness Connection asked the Champions to support our 2019 wellness challenges by leading the way as Team Captains and encouraging their colleagues to participate. Our Champions did not disappoint. We saw record high participation in both of our 2019 wellness challenges, with 3,000+ participants in each! One in five. Out of every five team captains, […]

This season is a time to focus on gratitude, giving, reflection and quality time with friends, colleagues and family. This time can also be difficult to navigate and cause stress. Learn proactive strategies to help you cope with holiday emotions, money issues and health.  Tips from Work-Life Solutions Work-Life Solutions, by Guidance Resources, is the […]

To our Community of WashU Leaders: We can support St. Louis through our WashU missions. Each day, we dedicate ourselves to meaningful work that improves lives and makes a positive impact on society. Whether you are a senior leader or emerging leader growing with the university, it is important you find meaning and purpose at […]

Call for Musicians for the School of Medicine Winter Concert The ninth annual Winter Concert will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2020, at 4 p.m. in the lobby of the Center for Advanced Medicine. As before, soloists and ensembles, including vocalists and instrumentalists, of all musical genres are welcome to sign-up. Students, faculty, and […]

Dani Tallchief, RN, has been an exemplary Champion since joining us in 2018. Dani regularly participates in Wellness Connection programs and events, and supports University initiatives while personalizing wellness for the Department of Anesthesiology. Dani collaborated with Wellness Connection to host a screening for her department, in which 42 people learned their numbers and earned […]

The September/October 2019 issue of the Well-Being Practitioner tells the story of how the Washington University Wellness Connection program has evolved over the last 18 months. The team in Human Resources is focused on providing the right partnerships and evidence-based programs to enable employees’ mind-body health. Collaborating with faculty and staff experts ensures the program […]

Karen Leingang has been a Wellness Connection Champion since the program started in 2015. She continually brings great ideas, insightful feedback, and a positive & inclusive attitude to our program. Some of Karen’s most notable accomplishments include: Regular communication of Wellness Connection programs; Volunteering on the Champion Leadership committee; Helped to organize a pilot Blood […]

Delta Dental Specializes In Dental Benefits With Added Services

Your Next Chapter: Conversations on Retirement and Beyond Planning to retire from Washington University? This transition can be rich with new pathways and opportunities like volunteering, part-time employment, travel, continuing education, hobbies, and much, much more. Yet, you may also have questions: If I’m not an employee, who am I? How do I fill my time? […]

Erin Hogan and Deanna Blanchard are Wellness Connection Champions for the MyDay team who have hit the ground running in a unique situation. The entire MyDay team is a newly formed collection of WashU employees, senior leaders, and outside consultants, whose job is to address a major  “once-in-a-generation” project for the University. Erin & Deanna […]

MyWay to Health is an on-site employee wellness program developed by leading experts in health and wellness at WashU. Deeply rooted in scientific evidence, expert opinion, and 25 years of research, MyWay to Health provides sound advice, as well as guidance and tips to help you take charge of your well-being. Attend an upcoming wellness […]

Linda Fleshman regularly champions wellness in her personal and professional life. As a member of the Champion Leadership group, she was instrumental in researching, selecting, and teaching Microsoft Teams as the remote meeting technology we need to support our Champion network as we continue to grow. Thanks to her efforts, we’ll be able to meet remotely, […]

Throughout the month of June, WashU staff were invited to go online and test their financial awareness by answering questions on a variety of topics including loans, taxes, investing and retirement. Each day, five new questions were added to the quiz challenge. 10 WashU staff won $25 gift cards for participating and testing their financial […]

As previously announced, the university expanded its paid time off benefits for benefits-eligible staff to support a healthy work-life balance. A new Short-Term Medical Disability benefit and enhancements to time-off benefits became effective July 1, 2019. View the new Leaves of Absence website hub for details on time off and to learn how to request […]

MyWay to Health is an on-site employee wellness program developed by leading experts in health and wellness at WashU. Deeply rooted in scientific evidence, expert opinion, and 25 years of research, MyWay to Health provides sound advice, as well as guidance and tips to help you take charge of your well-being. Learn more about the […]

Work-Life Solutions offers free, confidential, 24/7 support, resources and information for every aspect of your life. This valuable benefit for you and your family provides resources and referrals for: Confidential emotional support from highly trained clinicians; Work-life resources from qualified referrals for just about anything on your to-do list; Legal guidance. Talk to attorneys for practical assistance […]

Special thank you to our pioneering hosts Donna MacKay, Atia Thurman, Linda Schreier, Lora Clark, Rhonda Kiely, Melissa Ruwitch, & Justin Linsenmeyer. Thanks to their efforts, their colleagues were able to get screened, learn vital health information, and walk away with a $50 gift card. Because these Champions did such a great job communicating their […]

During the April luncheons, Wellness Connection provided a sneak peek of the new activity challenge and asked the champions to participate, lead a team, & invite their colleagues to join in. You all knocked it out of the park: approximately 20% of all 10K-A-Day teams are led by Wellness Connection Champions – that’s amazing! 85% […]

MOVE INTO MINDFULNESS Mind-Body Stress Reduction (MBSR) is a program that trains in mindfulness meditation to teach people how to: Reduce stress and anxiety Increase focus and concentration Manage health problems Live more fully productive lives Wellness Connection enlists Meg Krejci, Wellness Consultant for Mindfulness, to teach FREE ONSITE mindfulness classes for WashU employees. Meg’s […]

Learn more about the MyWay to Health program by attending one of their upcoming wellness workshops. Cooking with Herbs & Spices: School of Medicine CampusWednesday, June 19th from 12:00-1:00 PM in Mid Campus Center, Suite 2100This Wellness Workshop will highlight ways to use a variety of herbs and spices to boost the flavor of foods. […]

Too much unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin damage, eye damage, immune system suppression, and skin cancer. Even people in their twenties can develop skin cancer. It’s important to check in regularly with your primary care physician or dermatologist for skin cancer screenings and to discuss any concerns you may […]

Summer is here, and it is a time for grilling, swimming, road trips and outdoor activities.  This summer, make a plan to enjoy healthy recipes, fresh produce and treats! Wellness Connection offers opportunities to purchase produce from local farmers and attend cooking demos from our MyWay to Health consultants. Farmers Market Each week, local farmers […]

Effective July 1, 2019, we are implementing the second phase of enhanced time off benefits. These enhancements expand paid time off for benefit-eligible staff, adding a short term medical disability benefit and making changes to long term disability, sick time, vacation, holidays and personal days to allow for an expanded, comprehensive and integrated leave package. […]

Linda Schreier continually finds creative and fun ways to encourage her colleagues to participate in employee wellness at WashU: She regularly emails her office mates “wellness moments”, reminding them to take moment to get up from their desks; She’s been a team captain for the Division of Biostatistics in Tread the Med, WashU Moves, and […]

We know that good nutrition and physical activity are keys to a healthy weight, but did you know the extent to which nutrition can impact our lives? Dietary factors influence certain conditions and diseases, and good nutrition can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and some cancers. Eating a healthy diet and keeping […]

Executive Vice Chancellor for Medical Affairs, Spencer T. and Ann W. Olin Distinguished Professor and George and Carol Bauer Dean of the School of Medicine, David H. Perlmutter, MD will host this event to share updates on recent events, future plans and School of Medicine initiatives. Dean Perlmutter will also share a special announcement at […]

Movement is a fundamental aspect of life. It affects everything from circulation to digestion to metabolism to immunity. The body contributes far more to our lives than just physical attributes such as strength and endurance – it plays a major role in emotions, learning, and relationships. By participating in the upcoming 10K-A-Day activity challenge, we can focus on […]