For almost four decades, October has been recognized for building awareness around Breast Cancer, prevention, treatment, and research, while also celebrating survivors and remembering those we have lost. While this month contributes great support for an important cause and raises awareness of breast cancer risks, it can be difficult for those affected by cancer, especially those with metastatic cancer, and those who have lost a loved one to this devastating disease. In honor of those still fighting and in remembrance of those lost, we encourage you to get involved, support others, raise awareness, or even donate to help those in need.

As a result of the pandemic, many of us may have felt lonely or isolated in a way that was never experienced before. Meaningful life moments were put on hold or cancelled while work and school shifted to largely virtual platforms. The disruption has impacted us all in different ways and has even led to loneliness being classified as a public health concern. Reflecting on this time and utilizing resources for dealing with loneliness, rebuilding community and social reconnection offers a hopeful way forward.

If you or a colleague, friend or family member are exhibiting signs of loneliness and isolation, try one of these ideas to stay connected with others. Additionally, these tips can be used to help in reconnecting with others or making interactions more meaningful, while reducing the feeling of loneliness.

For additional support, you and your household members can give the GW EAP a call for free, confidential counseling and referrals 24/7.

National Retirement Security Week—from October 15 to 21—is an annual campaign to remind us to review our personal retirement goals and determine whether we are still on track to meet them.

This week, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with GW's retirement partners, resources, and plans, to help you build financial security for the future. GW offers several retirement savings plans into which you and GW may contribute to help you save for retirement. Changes to your deferral percentage, investments and retirement providers can be made at anytime during the year. 

As a reminder, TIAA and Fidelity continue to offer webinars and 1:1 retirement counseling for GW employees throughout the year. Additionally, resources such as Fidelity's Learning Center and TIAA's Financial Insights are available to provide information on a range of retirement savings and financial topics.

Your financial well-being benefits available through the GW Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provide opportunities for preparing for current and future financial needs, such as planning for and repaying student loans. As a reminder, through the EAP, you have access to financial planners for assistance with student loans, financial planning, budget planning, debt consolidation and more. Employees can schedule one 30-minute free consultation per issue per year and receive a 25% discount on the financial services fees beyond the initial 30-minute consultation.

Watch the Federal Student Loan Repayment Programs + FAQs recorded webinar to discover new options for federal student loan borrowers. Money coaches will discuss the latest government programs tailored to help you find the best repayment strategy for budget, lifestyle and career goals. You will also learn about the “on-ramp” period starting this month, the SAVE plan, Public Service Loan Forgiveness programs, Parents PLUS loans as well as the implications of consolidating loans.

Ergonomics is a scientific discipline and key element of overall muscle and joint health that aims to understand how individuals are interacting with their workplace environments. Spending roughly 40 hours at a desk every week without addressing ergonomic insufficiencies can lead to variety of avoidable but costly muscle and joints problems, including: poor posture, increased risk of injury, low productivity, chronic stiffness and discomfort, and disruptive movement patterns.

For those on a GW medical plan, the SimpleTherapy prevention programs are designed to combat many of the ergonomics issues that exists within every workplace environment. Tune in to their upcoming Ergonomics webinar on October 25 at 3pm ET to learn more.

As shared previously, the CDC recommends receiving vaccination as one of the best ways to protect yourself from severe cases of influenza and COVID-19, especially as cases tend to increase during the fall and winter season.

To help protect our community, in partnership with the Medical Faculty Associates (MFA), flu and COVID vaccine clinics will be held at the Foggy Bottom Campus and Virginia Science and Technology Campus (VSTC) on the days of the 2024 Open Enrollment Fests as well as several other dates throughout October and November. Those within the GW community looking to receive vaccinations this year, are encouraged to book appointments. For more information, please review our 2023 Annual Flu and COVID Vaccination Clinic Details communication.

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.

Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.

44983 Knoll Square Suite 391 | Ashburn, VA 20147 US

This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.