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| Dear GW Community,
During the month of November, we celebrate the power of gratitude in our newest social media campaign, recognize the Great American Smokeout, Diabetes Awareness Month and also share reminders, promotions, events, and opportunities to connect 1:1 with our benefit vendor partners.
Additionally, GW Benefits is hosting our annual virtual retirement fair this month on November 17. For those interested in joining us, please be sure to register below. We also highlight several other upcoming information sessions that cover topics ranging from navigating holiday stress to finding the right balance in caregiving, to overcoming the challenges of feeling “stuck.” Do you have a topic you would like to be featured in an upcoming GWell newsletter, let us know in our feedback form!
If you have questions about any of the benefits featured in GWell or other benefits programs, please contact us at benefits@gwu.edu. We wish you a wonderful holiday season!
Be Well,
GW Benefits
Human Resource Management and Development
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Virtual Retirement Fair
Is retiring from GW on your near horizon? Preparing for the transition to retirement takes thoughtful planning. Join us on Thursday, November 17, for a day of webinars designed to help you understand your GW retiree benefits and the steps to prepare for retirement.
GW Benefits, TIAA and Via Benefits will present three sessions (all times ET):
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| Gratitude Campaign
If you are feeling appreciative for acts of kindness, glimpses of beauty, and the people and experiences that bring joy to our lives, then why reserve gratitude for just one day a year as individuals sometimes do with Thanksgiving? Research has shown that gratitude is associated with a greater sense of happiness, while it also strengthens our relationships and overall health.
For the month of November, we challenge the GW community to engage with gratitude. Whether that be participating in our Headspace Gratitude social media campaign via Twitter (follow these guidelines for tagging another account in your Twitter post), tuning into a gratitude meditation, starting a gratitude journal, or any other way that best suits your life currently. Tag us on Twitter to share with us your plans for spreading gratitude with one another over the next few weeks!
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The Great American Smokeout
The Great American Smokeout, an initiative from the American Cancer Society, is a way to quit smoking tobacco alongside millions of people across the country. It is celebrated annually on the third Thursday of November. Whether you choose to quit on this day, or plan to start your journey toward a tobacco-free life on another day, these tips and the Quit for Life program available to employees, eligible dependents and students, can help prepare you to break the habit.
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Diabetes Awareness Month
On behalf of the million of Americans who live with or are at risk of developing diabetes, the month of November is a time committed to helping people understand and bring awareness to the chronic disease. If you are at risk of diabetes or experiencing prediabetes, there’s still time to turn things around. Whether it’s losing a few pounds, adding more physical activity to your day or making healthier food choices, we offer well-being programs to employees that can help you to reach your health and well-being goals.
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Reminder: Work Location Address
If your work location changed with the implementation of your newly signed remote or hybrid work agreement, 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
The holidays are one of the hardest times of the year to maintain your fitness goals because of how busy we become. Even if you don’t exercise as much during this time as the rest of the year, getting some activity will provide more health benefits than you realize. Whether you plan to travel or stay in the area, Active & Fit Direct has a deal for you this holiday season.Stay active from anywhere with 11,600+ gyms and 7,600+ workout videos for just $25 a month through the end of the year! Use code: ACTIVATE
*Disclaimer: $25 enrollment fee waived for standard fitness centers only 10/1/22 12:01 a.m. - 12/31/22 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. Add a spouse/domestic partner to a primary membership for additional monthly fees. Spouses/domestic partners must be 18 years or older. Fees may vary based on fitness center selection.
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Relax and Rejuvenate - Free Employee Seated Massages!
Faculty and staff can enjoy free seated massages at Foggy Bottom and Virginia Science and Technology campuses this holiday season!
Foggy Bottom - University Student Center
November 16, 2022
VSTC - Enterprise Hall
November 22, 2022
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| November 17
Handling Holiday Stress with Health Advocate
The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and excitement, but the season can also lead to feelings of stress. From family to finances, the holidays can create high expectations that may not be realistic. Finding ways to adapt in this unique season and set boundaries you are comfortable with can help to overcome some of these common challenges.
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| November 16 at 3 p.m. ET
The Sandwich Generation Stress
No matter where your elder loved ones live, caregiving logistics can be a lot to manage especially on top of caring for your child. Join this webinar to learn how to navigate your emotions and responsibilities and where to find help.
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| Monthly Benefits Vendors' Meetings...
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1:1 UnitedHealthcare Meetings
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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1:1 Virtual Retirement Counseling
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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