Announcements Benefits Manager Memos & Tips WashU Community Well-Being Work-Life Family Care

Empower Your 2026 Well-Being Journey with 8ight Ways to Wellness

Build a life where your professional and personal needs are more harmonious this year. HR is here to support you with programs and resources rooted in science – our 8ight Ways to Wellness, ensuring that employees have access to resources that support their well-being journey at their own pace.

Be physically active.
  • WashU Recreation
    Enjoy a special five-week complimentary membership program designed to encourage health and wellness among WashU faculty and staff. Starting February 1, 2026, all WashU employees who do not currently hold memberships are invited to experience Sumers Recreation Center and South 40 Fitness Center at no cost through March 6, 2026. 
  • St. Louis Metro Area Gym Discounts
    Check out our evolving list of local gyms and fitness facilities that offer a discount for WashU employees. See the list.
  • GARMIN Discount
     
    Washington University employees receive preferred pricing on select GARMIN activity trackers.  As part of this benefit, you may purchase up to 2 discounted GARMIN products each calendar year.
  • National Network of Gyms – UnitedHealthcare One Pass Select
    UnitedHealthcare members can choose from a national network of gyms – one membership gives you access to any gym in the network as well as on-demand fitness classes you can access at home. Please note: It is best to sign up at the beginning of a month as membership charges cannot be pro-rated. Learn more.
Don’t smoke. Limit alcohol.
  • Support from Tobacco Treatment Specialist
    Get specialized professional counseling when you enroll in the Freedom From Smoking behavior change program. For assistance to enroll in this free benefit, contact MyWay to Health at mywaytohealth@wustl.edu or call 314-286-0078.
  • Support for Substance Use
    UnitedHealthcare members can access 24/7, confidential support for substance abuse concerns by calling The Substance Use Helpline at 1-855-780-5955.
Get health screenings and immunizations.
  • WUCare Clinic is dedicated to providing high-quality primary care for employees and families (age 18+) who are enrolled in the WashU sponsored health plan (United Healthcare). Call or schedule online. View additional WashU primary care providers below.
  • Expanded Coverage for Cancer Screenings as of Jan. 1, 2026
    As part of the preventive care benefit, employees and their dependents enrolled in the WashU health plan are eligible for an annual mammogram screening. If additional imaging is required to complete the screening process, or to address findings on the initial screening mammography, a follow-up appointment is often necessary. Effective January 1, 2026, certain diagnostic follow-up screenings are now covered at $0 cost to eligible members for the first diagnostic procedure. These include 3D mammogram, standard mammogram, breast MRI and breast ultrasound.

    In addition, beginning January 1, 2026, the WashU health plan will cover the first medically necessary diagnostic colonoscopy at $0 cost for members ages 45-75 who are symptomatic or had a polyp removed during a prior preventive screening.  
  • Is UHC calling you? The UnitedHealthcare Personal Health Support team may be calling to make you aware of programs to help you manage a recent diagnosis or support following a medical procedure. Check it out to see if it is helpful for you – you can always opt out if you choose. For additional guidance, reach out to your dedicated WashU Nurse Advocates.
Eat a healthy diet and keep calories in check.
  • Wellness Consultation with WashU MyWay to Health
    Meet with one of our registered dietitians to create an individualized plan for your well-being goals. Common session topics include nutrition, physical activity, sleep and weight management, including tailored support for individuals using GLP-1 medication. Employees or family members diagnosed with diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease, osteoporosis and other conditions, can receive support. Sessions are a free benefit for eligible employees and their family. Appointments are available by phone, Zoom or in-person on the WashU Medicine campus. Get started!

    Additional services include:
    • InBody Body Composition Analysis
      • Sports Performance
      • Lactation and Infant Feeding
      • Cooking Demonstrations
Use mindfulness and other healthy ways to lower stress.
  • New Mindfulness Series in 2026
    Join other WashU community members in developing a regular mindfulness practice for reducing stress and increasing focus. Both live and on-demand resources are available to meet you where you are. Register today!
  • WashU Employee & Family Clinical Services for Behavioral Health
    WashU Medicine Psychiatry offers dedicated access for WashU employees and their dependents to address various social, emotional, or behavioral challenges, including anxiety, depression, persistent relationship conflicts, and other chronic or situational needs. This therapy program offers short-term clinical support and referrals for long-term providers. Call to schedule an appointment.
  • WashU employee assistance program (EAP) Offers More Than Free Counseling Services
    GuidanceResources offers counseling, legal and financial consultation, work-life assistance, well-being coaching and digital self-care tools to you and your household members. View all available services.
Work together toward wellness – with family, friends and community.
  • Become a WashU Wellness Champion
    WashU Wellness Champions help to promote the 8ight Ways to Wellnesswhile also addressing the unique needs of their department. We work with you and your supervisor through the application process and open a line of dialogue to discuss the benefits of having a Champion at the work site. Learn more
  • BenefitBump at WashU: Your Family Planning Support Program
    Employees caring for young children or planning to expand their family can access free resources and support from BenefitBump. Get help navigating a healthy pregnancy and leave policies, as well as support for adoption or foster care. More information on how to sign up
  • Support for Employees Caring for a Neurodiverse Child
    Join coworkers for education and discussion focused on caring for children with ADHD and Autism. To join, email Amy Dunnegan at FamilyCare@wustl.edu. Checkout upcoming family care events.
  • Childcare Openings at WashU Partner Centers
    Looking for early childhood care? Several local centers have immediate openings. For help navigating childcare options, including review of state licensing records, contact FamilyCare@wustl.edu. 
    • New! University City Children’s Center is expanding their operational hours. Care is available from 7:15 am to 5:45 pm.
  • Care for School-Aged Children
    If you are needing assistance navigating the school system, including school choice, before/after care, or Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), contact FamilyCare@wustl.edu

    Is school closed or is your regular child or adult care unavailable? Backup care is available through a partnership with Bright Horizons. Learn more or contact FamilyCare@wustl.edu for assistance.
  • Caring for Older or Other Dependent Adults
    Employees caring for a parent or another adult can get assistance finding quality caregivers and facilities through our partnerships with Bright Horizons and GuidanceResources. Visit the Adult Care hub for more information.
  • Join our ‘Employee Well-Being’ Channel on Microsoft Teams
    Get weekly updates on programs and resources! Request access today!
  • Feuerstein Health & Wellness Information Center
    Access over 400 books covering a diverse array of topics, including mindfulness, healthy cooking, DEI, and workplace burnout. The Feuerstein Health & Wellness Information Center’s collection is located on the first floor of Becker Medical Library on the medical campus, or you can borrow online and pick up at any WashU library. This resource is available to all members of the WashU community.
  • Engage with colleagues, friends and family with WashU Signature events
    Local St. Louis sports teams and theaters offer exclusive discounts to WashU employees throughout the year. View upcoming events to sporting and theater performances.
  • Recognize your colleagues today! Download a themed Kudos Card template, add your message, print or email your card and brighten a colleague’s day today!
  • Explore special pricing and discounts available to WashU employees! Discounts range from hotels and travel to computer products and services. Contact information and full details can be viewed on the Supply Chain Management website.