As we look forward with hope, how can we find renewed energy and build well-being into our lives with intention?
Category: Announcements
Manager Orientation shifts to online module
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 […]
Wellness Champion Spotlight: Stefani Weeden-Smith
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 […]
tHRive tip: 5 tips on bringing your heart to work
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. […]
Elevating employee well-being
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 […]
Wellness Champion Spotlight: Laurie Brady
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 […]
6 tips for a healthy, productive work routine
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. It’s important to work in as comfortable an […]
WashU Crisis Response Fund
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 […]
A statement on violence at the U.S. Capitol
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
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 […]
New family care facilitator
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 […]
“Thank you Days”
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 – […]
Elections: Politics, Media and Stress
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 […]
Wellness Champion Spotlight: Walktober Team Captains
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 […]
Wellness Champion Spotlight: Lara Jennings
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 […]
Developing healthy coping skills for resilience
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 Champion Spotlight: Work of Art Team Captains
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 […]
Manager Memo #4
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 […]
WashU Helping our Own
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 […]
Parenting During a Pandemic
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 – 6 Steps to Better Sleep
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. […]
Manager Memo #3
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 website. These regular updates to management provide guidance on key issues related to supporting staff and operations, recognizing that circumstances […]
COVID-19 Manager Memo #2
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 website. Faculty and staff are incredibly valuable to our mission. Right now, our employees […]
COVID-19 Impact – Management Memo #1
Today’s Manager Memo focuses on these two key topics: Recording Time Employees who work either on campus or remotely continue to receive regular pay, including overtime when applicable. Recording time remains the same for bi-weekly and monthly employees, with one key exception: Information on special paid time off removed (no longer available). Helping you think […]
Wellness Champion Spotlight: Sam Biver & the Healthy Work Center
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 […]
Resources for a Happy, Healthy Holiday
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 […]
WashU Leaders Supporting St. Louis
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
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 […]
Wellness Champion Spotlight: Dani Tallchief
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 […]
Wellness Champion Spotlight: Karen Leingang
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 […]
A New Reason to Smile
Delta Dental Specializes In Dental Benefits With Added Services
Your Next Chapter
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? […]
Wellness Champion Spotlight: Erin Hogan & Deanna Blanchard
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 Wellness Workshops
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 […]
Wellness Connection Champion Spotlight: Linda Fleshman
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, […]
Expanded Staff Time-off Benefits
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 Wellness Workshops
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 […]
ComPsych Work-Life Solutions
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 […]
Wellness Connection Champion Spotlight: Onsite Screening Hosts
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 […]
Wellness Connection Champion Spotlight: 10K-A-Day Team Captains
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! Our […]
Move Into Mindfulness
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 […]
MyWay to Health Wellness Workshops
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. […]
Summer Sun Safety
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 […]
Enhanced Leave Policy Training and FAQ for Managers
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. […]
Wellness Connection Champion Spotlight
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 […]
Wellness Connection Resources for Good Nutrition
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 […]
School of Medicine Dean’s Update
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 […]
The Value of Movement
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 […]
Wellness Connection Champion Spotlight
Linda Amos has been active in the employee wellness community for a long time. As a team captain for the Tread the Med and then WashU Moves activity challenges, Linda recruits many colleagues to join her team and incorporate movement into their daily lives. When Wellness Connection expanded the Champion network to the Med School […]
Engage in St. Louis
Washington University faculty, staff and students are integral members of the St. Louis community. We are a world-class institution with roots firmly in St. Louis. Explore affordable entertainment options, activities and cultural attractions at WashU and the surrounding St. Louis area. Featured St. Louis Activities Featured WashU Activities