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| Dear GW Community,
We are excited to see many familiar faces back on campus and welcome new faces to our community for the 2022 fall semester. In this month’s edition of GWell, we aim to share helpful resources with you to support your overall health and well-being as we enter the new academic year. We recognize suicide prevention month, share back to school tips, shed light on beating burnout, touch on how to build a financial safety net, as well as highlight our paid time off program, promotions, upcoming webinars, and reminders.
If you have questions about any of the benefits featured in GWell or other benefits programs, please contact us at benefits@gwu.edu.
Be Well,
GW Benefits
Human Resource Management and Development
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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Due to the current economic climate, ongoing pandemic environment, and other troubling events, many risk factors for suicide, such as depression have increased. These risk factors can be treated and there is support to overcome personal struggles and renew hope. Knowing the warning signs and being persistent, having strength , and showing courage can help to save a life. If you or someone you know is talking about suicide, withdrawing from friends and family, expressing hopelessness, has experienced a painful event, is disinterested in activities, or seeking means of harm, get help. Call the 24/7 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to connect with a trained counselor or call 911. For more information, visit: www.cdc.gov/suicide/.
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Mindfulness for Back to School
The return to campus can mean a lot of emotions are popping up... excitement, anxiety, stress, and a need to get organized. With the hustle and bustle of the new school year, we encourage you to explore healthy habits like practicing meditation with Headspace that will help you keep your best foot forward and also create a more mindful work/learning environment. Better focus, less stress and happier thoughts are just a few minutes away with a Headspace mediation for stress release and anxious thoughts and check out the Headspace for Educators Daily Practice Guide for tips on getting you get back into the new school year groove.
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Tag You're It - Time Off
When is the last time you broke free from your workload for that feeling of vacation bliss where you could truly unplug and relax in a change of scenery? Time off, whether a just a day or a planned vacation is not a negotiable luxury, but crucial for maintaining good health and enjoying an enriched life.
Tag you're it! During September, tag the Benefits Twitter account (@gw_benefits) and a coworker and share your favorite vacation picture or staycation recommendation. All participants will be entered into a raffle for a new travel backpack. We are excited to see your entries and help us encourage one another to prioritize our health and use our well-earned time away.
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Beating Burnout
When your work/life balance is off, you may find yourself tired, stressed, overwhelmed and short on time. This can lead to poor health, loss of productivity and burnout. Taking time to wind down and recharge, establish boundaries, and create more balance in your life is an investment in your well-being, and necessary to avoid burnout. Recognizing when we need extra support for our emotional and mental well-being is critical. This month, join webinars led by GW's EAP and Health Advocate to understand how to identify and cope with these challenges and how to seek help when needed.
Learn how to recognize burnout and develop basic tools to deal with feelings of burnout. To register, select a link below.
EAP
September 20 at 12pm ET
September 27 at 2pm ET
Health Advocate
September 15 at 10:15 AM ET
September 15 at 4:15 PM ET
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Building a Financial Safety Net
With the start of the new academic year, it’s a great time to assess your individual finances and start a financial plan. People with personal financial plans have been found to be in better health because they eliminate stress and the uncertainty surrounding finances while also allowing for confidence with a complete financial picture. For those who do not have a financial plan, TIAA and Fidelity can help you get started by working with you to build a financial safety net and providing you with useful online tools and calculators. You can also review these FAQs for how to start your financial planning or schedule an appointment with your preferred provider below.
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Reminder: Work Location Address
To complement the start of the Fall 2022 semester, please ensure your work location in GWeb is up to date. Work location is the physical location where you work more than 50% of the time. A correct work location ensures that you are eligible for applicable benefits in the state where you work.
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| Active & Fit Direct Fitness Deal
Physical activity’s effects on your brain offer the right prescription to counter negative moods help you sleep better, improve social interactions, and boost your energy, memory, and attention span. Whether you’re new to exercise, have been exercising for a while, or are somewhere in between, Active & Fit Direct has a program for you. Stay active from anywhere with 11,600+ gyms and 7,600+ workout videos for just $25 a month through the end of September! Use code: SUMMERSAVINGS
*Disclaimer: $25 enrollment fee waived for standard fitness centers only 9/1/22 12:01 a.m. - 9/30/22 11:59 p.m. PT. Plus applicable taxes for standard fitness centers. Costs for premium exercise studios exceed $25/mo. and an enrollment fee will apply for each premium location selected, plus applicable taxes. Fees vary based on premium fitness studios selected.
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Relax and Rejuvenate - Free Employee Seated Massages!
Faculty and staff can enjoy free seated massage at Foggy Bottom and VSTC campuses throughout the fall!
Foggy Bottom - University Student Center
September 21, 2022
VSTC - Enterprise Hall
September 27, 2022
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September 15 at 11:30 a.m. ET
Saving through Roth Contributions in My Retirement Plan
Join this webinar to understand the options for saving pre-tax or after-tax (Roth) money in your workplace retirement savings plan so you can decide what's right for your situation.
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September 29 at 10 a.m. ET
Understanding your Retirement Plan and all it has to Offer
Your employer’s retirement plan is an essential part of your future security. Learn how it works, from contributions to investment options, and the George Washington University’s generous matching program. Be sure to make the most of this important benefit.
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| Monthly Benefits Vendors' Meetings...
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On the second Wednesday of each month, you can meet with GW’s UnitedHealthcare representative, Jessica Wachter, to review outstanding claims and/or ask questions about your medical coverage.
Meetings cam be conducted either in-person at the University Student Center or virtually. Jessica will reach out prior to your appointment to confirm your preference and provide a meeting link for virtual appointments.
For future appointments, please use the arrows in the upper right corner to scroll to the next month.
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Retirement plan participants can schedule a virtual retirement counseling appointment with TIAA or Fidelity. Retirement plan participants can book remote appointments by calling their preferred provider or using the online booking systems listed below:
- Fidelity Investments - Make an appointment online or call 800-642-7131
- TIAA - Make an appointment online or call 866-843-5640
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GW Benefits
45155 Research Place, Suite 160
Ashburn, VA 20147
Phone: (571) 553-8382
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