Dear GW Community,
As the weather gets cooler, the days get shorter, and the holiday season is on the horizon, sometimes we can start to feel glum. If you get the “seasonal blues” or feel increased stress around this time of year, you are not alone. Please take a moment for yourself during the swirl of festivities and learn about healthy ways you can cope during this time of the year. Whether it be taking some time away from work, spreading kindness, or practicing self-care, with the right tools and resources, we can support one another along our journey to improved well-being. Please take a moment to review the GW emotional, physical, financial and social well-being programs to help you care for you.
Additionally, in this GWell edition, we share information about our annual fall virtual retirement fair, opportunities to connect 1:1 with our benefit vendor partners, and highlight upcoming events. For questions about any of the benefits featured in GWell, please contact us at benefits@gwu.edu.
Be Well,
GW Benefits
Human Resource Management and Development
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| Get to Know Your Benefits and Well-being Resources
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Managing Stress and Building Resilience
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We tend to think of toughness in the physical sense — our ability to complete a complex hike or work for long hours. But toughness can apply to what the mind is capable of also when it comes to stressful situations that come and go throughout our lives.
So, how can we handle them with more ease? Managing stress and building resilience with Headspace, can help you find your strength and bounce back as you take on what life brings. Learn what might be causing your stress, what to do about it, and how to prepare your mind to move forward for future challenges.
From taking a deep breath during the day, to calming racing thoughts before bed, to reseting our mindset after scrolling through the news, Headspace has over 200 mindfulness meditations available to support you and meet you wherever you are. Not a member yet? Sign-up today.
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Financial Well-being at GW
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What's Your Financial Well-being Profile? |
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Among today's diverse workforce, the path to financial well-being can be unique for every individual. Do you constantly struggle to get ahead and pay the next lot of bills? Are you someone that always has money in the bank for whenever you need it? Whether you consider yourself a money juggler hoping for financial stability, a safeguarder desiring financial certainty, an aspirer wishing for financial freedom, a collaborator looking for financial security, or a DIYer set on financial independence, we invite you to join us as we explore strategies, tools, and resources tailored across these five different money management styles that can help you to improve your financial well-being and reach your financial goals.
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| Fidelity -
Jugglers: Tackle Debt and Understand Your Credit Score
November 15 at 2pm ET I Register Here
Safeguarders: Investing for Beginners
November 20 at 12pm ET I Register Here
Aspirers: Organize, Plan, and Own Your Future
November 22 at 12:30pm ET I Register Here
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| TIAA -
Collaborators: Attention to Detail: Financial Finishing Touches for Women
On Demand I Register Here
DIYers: Social Security Benefits Planning: Basic Considerations & Strategies
On Demand I Register Here
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Don't Miss These Upcoming Events
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Mark Your Calendar and Check Back Often!
Did you know that we have a GW Benefits events webpage? Be sure to check it out throughout the month as additional opportunities will be added.
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Benefits Updates and Reminders
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In preparation for the end of the year busyness and holiday season, we want to remind and encourage employees to prioritize their well-being and take the time you need to rest and recharge.
In the coming weeks, GW Benefits will be offering training sessions focused on submitting, reviewing and approving time off requests in the Time Reporting System (TRS). We encourage you to register below to learn more about time off request submissions as well as how to process, cancel, or delegate a time off request as a time off manager, delegate or timekeeper. For questions, please visit the TRS website for additional time off tools and resources or contact GW Benefits at timeoff@gwu.edu for assistance.
Time Off Training Session #1
Wednesday, November 20, 10am-11am ET I Register Here
Time Off Training Session #2
Monday, December 2, 1pm-2pm ET I Register Here
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Thinking about retirement and want to learn more? Transitioning to retirement takes thoughtful planning. Join us on Thursday, November 21 and Friday, November 22 for GW's virtual Retirement Fair designed to help you understand your GW retiree benefits and the steps to prepare for retirement.
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One of the most meaningful and impactful ways to spread kindness during the holiday season is by paying it forward. These small acts can make a big difference to someone in need. If you are interested in giving back to the community, consider participating in GW's 2024 Give a Gift initiative or donating to another charity of your choice, volunteering at a local shelter or food bank, sharing a warm smile or even sending a handwritten letter to brighten someone's day.
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Reminder: Two Week Free Trial at Lerner Health and Wellness Center |
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Exercising as a form of self-care, benefits your brain just as much as your muscles. Establishing a workout routine can lift your mood, improve your sleep, and help you manage stress. As a reminder, you can try a faculty and staff only fitness class for a two week free trial membership period with Lerner Health and Wellness Center this fall 2024 semester. To initiate the free trial, email fit4life@gwu.edu. Please note there is a limited number of class spots available each day due to space accommodations.
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UnitedHealthcare Meetings
Meet virtually with GW’s UnitedHealthcare representative, Jessica Wachter, to review outstanding claims and/or ask questions about your medical or vision coverage. She will reach out prior to your appointment to confirm your meeting time together.
Schedule an appointment online.
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TIAA & Fidelity Retirement Counseling
Retirement plan participants can schedule financial counseling by appointment with TIAA or Fidelity. To book an appointment, call your preferred provider or use 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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Complimentary Office Massage |
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Faculty and staff can enjoy free seated massages at Foggy Bottom and Virginia Science and Technology campuses on a first come, first served basis. We would like to accommodate as many colleagues as possible, so if you have already received a seated massage in the last few months, we ask that slots for the dates below be reserved for colleagues who have not yet received one. Thanks for your consideration!
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GW Benefits
44983 Knoll Square, Suite 391
Ashburn, VA 20147
Phone: (571) 553-8382
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44983 Knoll Square Suite 391 | Ashburn, VA 20147 US
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