We apologize for the incorrect dates for the upcoming Go Gold summer well-being challenge. The correct dates for the beginning and end of the challenge have been updated below. Priority registration for Champions will still open July 10, 2024. More information will be shared next month.

Included in this Newsletter:

Tips to Remember When Applying for the Wellness Champion Fund

Applications are now open for the FY25 Champion Fund. This is an opportunity for Champions to apply to receive up to $500 for a proposed well-being initiative in your department. When applying for the fund, here are a few key things to keep in mind: 

Identify wellness needs: One way to assess the wellness needs of your department is through the Workplace Wellness Scan. Please reach out to the HR Well-Being team if you are interested in administering the scan and our HR team will work with you. Based on what the data shows, it may help provide a starting point and guide ideas for the Champion Fund project. To administer the scan, email Caralee with your interest and she will send you an email template you can send to your coworkers with the survey link.

Think about the sustainability of the project: What is the plan to sustain the project beyond the initial project? As you are creating your idea for the project, we encourage you to have a conversation with your supervisor to see if this idea is something that can be replicated over time. Our hope is that the Champion Fund can provide startup money for well-being initiatives within departments. Read about past Champion Fund Projects to gain inspiration for your project. 

Strategize a plan: Once you have identified a wellness need(s) in your department, you may fill out the application and strategize a plan to utilize the fund. Your plan must include a budget, timeline, and plan to utilize all funding before FY26.

Submit the application: Once your application is complete, please send it to Caralee Lynch at lynchc@wustl.edu. Additionally, reach out to Caralee with any questions. 

In Community,
HR Well-Being Team

lynchc@wustl.edu

Wellness Champion, Edward del Rosario, in Medical Public Affairs, purchased watercolor sets using the Champion Fund. Edward wanted to create space in the work day to pause and allow for creative expression and community building. Using Edward’s art background, he teaches watercolor classes to his colleagues. This is a great example of using the Champion Fund to promote well-being within your workgroup.

See last month's newsletter for steps on how to administer the Workplace Wellness Scan. Data from this scan may help inform your Wellness Champion Fund Project. 

Mark your calendars! To celebrate the 2024 Olympics in Paris, the Go Gold physical activity challenge traces the international sports spectacle’s evolution – from ancient Greeks through modern day.

Important Dates:

Information on being a Team Captain will be sent out in July.

United Healthcare is pleased to offer WashU health plan members a subscription-based fitness program called One Pass Select. With One Pass Select, members can have access to multiple gyms and online fitness classes – for one price. Learn more here. 

Schedule a 1:1 in-person consultation with a TIAA consultant to discuss your financial goals. Each individual session is scheduled 45 minutes and a financial advisor will work with you to help you prepare for today, tomorrow and the future. This session will be held at The School of Medicine Olin Residence Hall, 2nd Floor in the Wellness Studio.

Wellness Coordinator

What are some of your favorite ways to cultivate well-being in your life?

My community, prioritizing movement, and being creative in the kitchen are my favorite ways to incorporate well-being into my life. 

I really enjoy spending time with my church community and friends. Whether it is laughing together, trying out a new restaurant, or going to a concert, there is nothing that fills my soul more than spending time with those dear to my heart. 

Prioritizing movement has been another game-changer for my overall well-being. Learning what is fun to me in this area has been the key to my keeping consistent. Some of my favorite ways to move are using the stair master machine, weight lifting, running, and hiking! Let me know if you know of any good hiking spots as I am always looking for recommendations. 

Lastly, making time to cook and be creative in the kitchen is a key factor in supporting my overall well-being. I love cooking because it allows me dedicated time to focus on creativity while making something yummy to eat at the same time. Cooking for others is one of my passions too. I'm always looking for a reason to throw a dinner party with friends!

HR Well-being is an employee health initiative that, in partnership with Washington University experts, offers opportunities for employees to improve their physical and emotional well-being. This initiative focuses on developing evidence-based programs and making personal connections to provide employees with valuable and fun experiences that improve their health. We aim to foster a culture that prioritizes employee health and well-being as integral to the mission of teaching, research, and patient care, and create an environment where the healthier choice is the easiest choice; where employees are empowered to choose wellness.

WashU Wellness Champions help us understand the needs within different work environments, promote the importance of personal health, and encourage their coworkers to engage in wellness program offerings.

Questions / Comments?

Email lynchc@wustl.edu.