Category: COVID Well-being News

Healthcare benefits to support employees during the pandemic

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 […]

Spring into Action

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

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Making Masks Work for Kids

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

Parenting in the Pandemic

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

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 […]

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. […]

Tips for Social Distancing in the Workplace

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

“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 […]

Fostering Resilience

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 […]

Spread hope to healthcare heroes

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 […]

Coping with COVID-19: Eight issues people are experiencing

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 […]