As summer winds down and schedules begin to fill up, the back-to-school season can bring new routines, added responsibilities, and less time for yourself. Whether you're managing school drop-offs, adjusting to a new routine, or simply settling into a busier season, it's important to make time for your own well-being.

August is National Wellness Month, making it the perfect time to build small, sustainable habits that help you protect your time, set healthy boundaries, and reduce stress. Even a few minutes each day to pause, recharge, or ask for support can make a meaningful difference. Research shows that establishing healthy routines and maintaining strong family and social connections can help ease the transition into a new school year and support overall well-being.

Looking for additional tips? Explore the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Parenting Toolkit, Student Toolkit and Back-to-School infographic for practical strategies to help you and your family navigate the season with greater balance and confidence.

GW’s 2026 Financial Well-Being Campaign, inspired by the “loud budgeting” movement, encourages you to be intentional and transparent about how you spend, save, and prioritize money. In recognition of the rising living costs and ongoing financial pressures, this campaign aims to normalize open conversations about money, encourage healthy spending boundaries, reduce financial stress, and support more confident financial decision-making.

We invite you to “get loud” with us by completing the campaign form and taking part in the events listed below.

• Headspace: Change Your Money Story I On Demand
• TIAA: Take control of your financial life: 5 steps to save money and manage debt I Tuesday, August 18 at 11am ET
• Bank of America: Retire on your terms I Tuesday, August 18 at 4pm ET

• Bank of America: Understanding Social Security: When, What, How I Thursday, August 20 at 11am ET

The Aetna Health℠ app makes it easy to manage your benefits anytime, anywhere. Access your digital ID card, find in-network providers, view personalized cost estimates for common services, and get answers to benefits and claims questions with enhanced search tools. You can also look for the Quality & Effective Care badge through Aetna Smart Compare® to identify providers recognized for delivering high-quality, cost-effective care. Download or log in to the Aetna Health app to make the most of your benefits.

Beginning September 1, 2026, PAHO/WHO Federal Credit Union will officially become Bienestar Federal Credit Union. While the name is changing, the credit union's commitment to supporting members' financial wellness remains the same. The new name reflects its expanded membership and continued focus on promoting overall well-being. Members will be notified of the upcoming change, and all services and benefits will continue uninterrupted.

If it’s been a while since your last day off, consider this your gentle nudge to start planning some time away. Your health and well-being matter.

We encourage you to prioritize your well-being by scheduling and using your available vacation time throughout the year. Taking time away from work to rest, recharge, and focus on the people and activities that matter most to you is an important part of maintaining your overall health.

As a reminder, employees who accrue and track vacation time in the GW Time Reporting System (TRS) and their managers have been asked to review and attest to vacation balances as of June 30, 2026. This review helps maintain accurate vacation records and provides you with a clear understanding of your available time off as you plan for the year ahead.

Access the GW Time Reporting System (TRS) to review your vacation balance and plan your time away. Please also complete your attestation in SharePoint to confirm that you have reviewed your vacation balance.

Whether you're heading out on vacation or traveling for work, Headspace can help make your journey a little less stressful. Explore the Happier Travels Collection, featuring guided meditations and relaxing soundscapes designed to ease flight anxiety, adjust to new time zones, improve sleep away from home, and help you settle back in after your trip. Enroll in Headspace at no cost and take it with you wherever you go for a calmer, more mindful travel experience.

• GW has announced updates to its vacation and time off programs. Faculty and staff are encouraged to review the changes in the Time Off and Leave Guide.

• Please review any outstanding time off requests.

• The 2026 Fall Tuition Remission Application is open and will close on October 1st.

• Don't forget to schedule your preventative vision and dental care appointments.

• Remember to designate and update your Beneficiaries.

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.

Aetna 1:1 Meetings

Meet with GW’s Aetna representative to review outstanding claims and/or ask questions about your medical or dental coverage. After scheduling an appointment, you will receive an email from Aetna to confirm your meeting time.

Note: If an appointment time does not work for you, the Aetna Concierge phone line is available at 844-989-8811, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. ET to provide personalized 1:1 support.

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