"wellbeing" Archive

Art of Belonging Data Dive & Discussion Tuesday, Nov. 16

A message from Wake Forest University Division of Campus Life

A Wake Forest Data Dive to explore the sense of belonging on Reynolda campus will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 16 at 3:30 p.m. in Pugh Auditorium.

Using campus data and referencing national data, three assessment experts, Phil Handwerk, assistant provost and director of Institutional Research, Nicole Brocato, director of the Wellbeing Assessment, and Nelson Brunsting, director of global research and assessment for Global Programs and Studies, will share what their research reveals about the current state of sense of belonging on campus.

Following the data presentation, psychology professors Shannon Brady and Eranda Jayawickreme, and academic counselor and STEM advisor Bert Ellison will share insights from their research and experience.

This session will underscore the importance of belonging and convey how faculty and staff have the ability to enhance the sense of belonging for others.

Details at go.wfu.edu/belonging.

Categories: Events

Updates from HR: Wellbeing and hybrid work tips, Inclusive Excellence, accessibility, benefits

Hybrid Work: Inclusive Tip #3

To promote inclusivity, be sure any conversations that occur on-site after a video conference ends are documented in the minutes for remote participants. The sun rises behind trees lining Hearn Plaza

Learn more » is.wfu.edu

Weekly Wellbeing Tip: Relieve Tension

At times we don’t even realize we are furrowing our brows or holding a tense jaw. A few minutes spent relaxing just the muscles of the face can relieve tension and anxiety in our entire bodies.

Learn more » youtube.com

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Updates from HR: Parking, insurance, Juneteenth holiday, wellbeing

Parking fee waived

Faculty and staff who currently have a vehicle registered for on-campus parking will have their parking fee waived through June 30, 2021.

Updated insurance cards

As a reminder, those enrolled in the University’s medical plan will receive new BlueCross BlueShield and OptumRx insurance cards with an updated member ID and group number. Be sure to show the new cards at appointments to avoid being billed incorrectly. Those who have not received their new cards due to postal delays may download them using the BCBS and OptumRx mobile apps.

  • Review 2021 OptumRx prescription drug changes here.

Juneteenth: New University holiday

Wake Forest University announced that beginning in calendar year 2021, it will recognize Juneteenth as a university holiday. The updated 2021 Reynolda Campus Holiday Schedule is now available.

  • Learn more and view announcement here.

Wellbeing resources

Faculty and staff have access to University wellbeing and mental health resources, including the Employee Assistance Program, the Chaplain’s Emergency Fund and the WFU Parents and Caregivers Support Group.

State of the University address

ICYMI: At the invitation of the Faculty Senate and Senate President Simone Caron, President Nathan Hatch shared his annual State of the University address.

  • Watch the 2020 State of the University address here.

Take your PTO, you deserve it: My top 5 tips to really recuperate this holiday season

The following is a guest post by Elizabeth Dam-Regier, Director of Strategic Communications, Human Resources.

Nine months ago – almost exactly nine months, to the day – the university announced that it would officially transition to distance-working arrangements. Photo of chocolate chip cookieAnd in this three-quarters of a year, our campus community has adapted, innovated, collaborated, and worked harder than ever before to continue to provide an outstanding Wake Forest education and experience. There is a joke here about the typical length of a pregnancy, but I’m too tired to make it. In fact, we are all tired.

Burnout is an oft-heard term in academia – albeit an accurate one. A quick search for “burnout” in The Chronicle and you’ll find endless opinion pieces articulating the obstacles both faculty and staff experience with careers in higher ed. This year, however, has taken burnout to an entirely new plane of existence. This is some kind of fourth dimension burnout.

In 2019, the World Health Organization classified burnout as an “occupational phenomenon” that is identified by feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion; increased mental distance from one’s job, or feelings of negativism or cynicism related to one’s job; and reduced professional efficacy. While it may seem impossible to step away from work, it is critical to take a break and allow ourselves time to recuperate.

Colleagues have expressed a myriad of personal and professional challenges, resulting in increased anxiety and mental health concerns. Earlier this year the American Council on Education surveyed nearly 300 university and college presidents about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their institution. Not surprisingly, 42% of respondents identified “mental health: faculty and staff” as a pressing issue.

In a typical year (what does “typical” even mean these days), many of our colleagues would be enjoying winter break with exciting activities – perhaps celebrating with friends or traveling to see extended family. But, with COVID-19 cases on the rise, many folks are likely anticipating disruptions to cherished traditions. This season will be more isolated than usual and the desire to fill the void with cookies and catching up on work will be tempting.

While I wholeheartedly endorse the cookies, taking purposeful time away from work is critical for avoiding burnout. The Chronicle provides excellent suggestions for having a restorative holiday break during the pandemic, including using this time away to enjoy a digital detox, embark on a challenge, and rejoice in spite of the imperfections caused by the pandemic.

Here are my top tips – from one Wake Forester to another – for unplugging and resting this winter break:

Read more

Categories: Faculty NewsStaff News

Updates from HR: Flu shots, wellbeing and WFU Presidential Search

Additional flu shot clinics: Nov. 9 and 11

The University will offer two additional drive-through flu shot clinics at the LJVM Coliseum on: Ironwork arch and trees backlit by sun

  • Monday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 1 to 4:30 p.m.

The flu shot clinics are free for all faculty, staff, and retirees. Spouses and dependent children (8 years and older) enrolled in the University’s BlueCross BlueShield medical plan are also eligible.

Learn more and register on the HR site.

Election wellbeing resources

In a message to campus last week, President Hatch remarked, “In the coming days, as we close out this election and find our way forward as a nation and as a community, I ask that you take intentional care of one another.” We encourage colleagues to take advantage of these Show Humanitate and Deacs Decide election-related wellbeing resources.

Faculty and staff may also contact the Employee Assistance Program at 336.716.5493 for additional support and counseling services.

Working caregivers support group

The Women’s Center and Professional Development Center invite caregivers of all gender identities to join a judgment-free online space to share challenges and offer peer support and resources to one another. The next meeting is Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 3:30 p.m. 

Register on the PDC website.

Wake Forest Presidential Search: Get involved

The Presidential Search Committee welcomes insight and feedback from the Wake Forest community and invites colleagues to participate in a survey or join a listening session.

Visit the Presidential Search page to learn more.

Operating status: Remaining in Orange until Nov. 12

ICYMI: In an effort to sustain the downward trend in COVID-19 cases, Wake Forest will remain in Orange Status with hopes of returning to Yellow Status on Nov. 12.

View the announcement on Our Way Forward.

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