Dear GW Community,
As we close out 2023 with this last December edition of GWell, we thank you for your readership and look forward to bringing you new resources, connections, and benefits information in 2024. Highlights included in this month’s newsletter are our faculty and staff meal plans, the importance of scheduling 'me-time' during the busy holidays, and tips to help your wallet this winter season. We also share promotions, events, reminders, and opportunities to connect 1:1 with our benefit vendor partners.
For 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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15 Minute SimpleTherapy Stretch Break |
Mark your calendars for our Stretch Break session* with SimpleTherapy on Tuesday, December 19 at 3pm ET. Register here! The goal of these brief sessions is to help alleviate some of the stress and stiffness that can accumulate on a daily basis due to prolonged sitting and unhealthy posture. A simple 15 minutes of movement per day has been clinically proven to reduce chronic pain and increase movement function. SimpleTherapy will be demoing a few basic but effective stretches and movements that can be done in the workplace without severely interrupting your workflow or productivity. We look forward to seeing you there!
*Attendees will be entered for a chance to win an Amazon gift card raffle. The value of winnings is taxable and will be included in employee’s payroll.
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Relax and Rejuvenate With A Complimentary Office Massage |
Faculty and staff can enjoy free seated massages at Foggy Bottom and Virginia Science and Technology campuses on a first come, first served basis. Select your spot below.
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Get to Know Your Benefit Resources
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Peace of Mind — your best gift this holiday season |
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It’s the holiday season, and our thoughts turn to festivities, gifts, and time with loved ones. Even with all the planning, this season can still feel a little overwhelming. So it’s important we make room to care for ourselves, with our mental health top of mind. This year, resist the temptation to fill up your calendar and to-do list, and instead take some time for yourself to rest, relax, and enjoy the holidays. Watch the Ending the Year Mindfully Meditation with Headspace teacher, Sam Snowden as a great place to begin.
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Faculty and Staff Meal Plans
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Faculty & Staff Meal Plans are available again for the Spring 2024 semester! These plans come at a discounted price for Faculty & Staff and are paid for through payroll deduction (either biweekly or monthly). The available plan options and pricing breakdown are highlighted in the chart on the right. The deadline to enroll in a plan will be January 12, 2024; no changes can be made after a plan is selected. To learn more about how to sign-up, pay for, and use a Faculty & Staff Meal Plan please visit the dining website.
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Help your Wallet this Winter Season
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You are not alone if you feel like your wallet opens this time of year and doesn't close until the spring. Luckily there are plenty of ways to help make the most of your money at the end of one year and beginning of another. As 2023 comes to an end, try this handy financial checklist to save money and improve your financial well-being ahead of 2024!
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QLE Supporting Documentation Accepted During University Holidays
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GW Benefits continues to accept documentation in support of Qualified Life Events (QLE) changes during university breaks and holidays. Documents can be uploaded to the GW Benefits Enrollment System or sent to Benefits via email or fax.
Here are two examples:
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An employee with a December 25 deadline to submit a marriage certificate to enroll their spouse in GW benefits, must still observe their deadline despite the university being closed.
- You or an eligible dependent lose coverage on December 31, 2023. Be sure to submit your supporting document on or before December 31, 2023 if you wish to have GW coverage effective January 1, 2024.
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Beginning in January, the Benefits Webinar for New Employees will be held at 2 PM EST every Monday. On account of the New Year holiday falling on Monday, January 1, the first session for 2024 will be on January 2nd, 2024. For more information on New Employee Orientation visit the Benefits Website.
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UnitedHealthcare Meetings
Meet with GW’s UnitedHealthcare representative, Jessica Wachter, to review outstanding claims and/or ask questions about your medical coverage. She will reach out prior to your appointment to provide a virtual meeting link.
Schedule appointments* via YouCanBook.me.
*For future appointments, please use the arrows in the upper right corner to scroll to the next month.
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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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Don't Miss These Upcoming Benefits Webinars
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Mark Your Calendar and Check Back Often!
Did you know 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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GW Benefits
44983 Knoll Square, Suite 391
Ashburn, VA 20147
Phone: (571) 553-8382
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