The George Washington University Tempietto

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

Dear GW Community,

The September season is undeniably a hectic time. From buying new school supplies and packing lunches to getting those lesson plans in order and fall events organized, it is easy for our schedules to get jam-packed. It's busy times like these where it’s most important to remember to slow down and take care of yourself. In this month's edition of GWell, we share helpful resources to support your overall health and well-being and invite you to join our upcoming events.

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

Well-being Events

Join our Well-Being Campaigns!

Well-being Wednesdays* provide employees opportunities to improve and maintain a healthy lifestyle both at work and at home. Engage with the four pillars of well-being including financial, emotional, physical, and social as we continue to build our community of well-being.

Featured Events This Month:

Emotional:

Tuesday, September 26 (Rescheduled)

4PM ET I Self-Care for Busy People with SoHooked

Thursday, September 28

11:30AM ET I Introduction to Headspace

Physical:

Wednesday, September 27

3PM ET I 15-Minute Stretch Break with SimpleTherapy

*Well-being Wednesday event participants have a chance to win a $75 reward from the SoHooked Wellness Marketplace. Please note the value of winnings is taxable and will be included in employee’s payroll.

Grab your GW financial passport and join us on our journey toward improved financial well-being. Explore the following locations* including managing money, building resilience, growing wealth, and protecting wealth to reach a more healthy and secure financial destination.

Featured Events This Month:

Managing Money: Thursday, September 21

12PM ET I Resetting Your Financial Foundation with Fidelity

Growing Wealth: Monday, September 25

10AM ET I Live with Confidence in Retirement: 5 Steps to Creating your Retirement Income Plan with TIAA

Protecting Wealth: Tuesday, September 26

12PM ET I Manage Unexpected Events and Expenses with Fidelity

*Once you travel to all locations, you will be entered into a monthly raffle for a chance to win a GWell Picnic Blanket!

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.

Foggy Bottom -

University Student Center

September 27, 2023

Reserve Your Spot!

VSTC -

Enterprise Hall

September 26, 2023

Reserve Your Spot!

Get to Know Your Benefit Resources

Suicide Prevention Month

September is a reminder of the significance of mental health and the importance of supporting those who may be struggling. By acknowledging Suicide Prevention month, we can foster compassion, educate ourselves and others, and create a supportive environment where individuals feel safe seeking help.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts or is at risk of suicide, reach out for help immediately. Dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or text the national Crisis Text Line to speak directly with a counselor. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.

1:1 Lifestyle Coaching with Active & Fit Direct

Wherever you are in your quest to live a healthy life, you can always aspire to new goals. You may want to up your workout routine, eat a larger variety of healthier foods, or even get a full 8 hours of sleep per night. Wouldn’t it be great to share your goals with someone trained to support and encourage you on your journey?

That’s exactly what the Well-Being Coaching program of Active&Fit Direct* provides. When you join Active & Fit Direct, you gain access to this program with your membership at no extra cost. You and your Well-Being Coach will make a personalized health plan that will help take you to where you want to be with your overall health and wellness goals. Learn more and get started today!

*GW employees are eligible for a discounted gym membership with the Active & Fit Direct program.

Self-Care

What have you done to take care of yourself today? When asked this question, most people have to think long and hard prior to answering. Family, work and other obligations may cause you to put your needs behind everyone else’s. You may find this can leave you stressed, overwhelmed and exhausted, but this can all change with a little self-care.

Practicing self-care is one of the fundamentals of resilience. While everyone practices self-care differently, it can include any activities that you intentionally perform to benefit your physical, mental and emotional well-being. This month, we encourage you to do one thing for yourself whether that be attending one of our well-being events, making an appointment with a lifestyle coach, or anything else that brings you joy.

Watch this presentation that covers why it is important to invest in your own self-care to help maximize your well-being.

Benefits Reminders

1:1 Benefit Vendor Appointments

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.

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.