The new Employee Well-Being Program Schedule is out!

Check it out below under Upcoming employee well-being programs. Register in Talent!

New Discounts!

Free admission to the groundbreaking exhibition The Dirty South: Contemporary Art, Material Culture, and the Sonic Impulse. The exhibit is on view at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA) now through September 6, 2021. 

Check out Verizon Fios employee discount available - now including bonuses from Amazon

There is a new comedy club in town - now offering a discount for VCU employees

Check out all our discounts available!

WW (Weight Watchers Reimagined) Current Promotion

New Webinars are available! 

Check it out below under Work/life Webinars and Workshops

Free Live and On-Demand Classes, Discounts and Resources

Did you know VCU employees have access to free on-line class through PerksatWork? Join PerksatWork and register with your VCU email address to join. Some of their offerings include:

• Free Live and On-Demand Online Classes for adults and children including restorative exercises, personal development, sports and fun for kids, and much more! Classes fill up quickly so sign up early!
• Resources for Working Parents, Stress & Anxiety, Work from Home, Learning & Development which includes online classes and discounts.

Returning to work - COVID-19 checklist

As many will start returning to work, there may be people feeling anxious about possily being exposed to COVID-19 or even returning to theri old routine after months of upturn. Below are some tips from the National Alliance on Mental Illness to help you adjust more easily.

• Do everything you can to help protect yourself and others from getting sick. Taking these steps may help you feel more in control, while also helping to prevent the spread of infection.

1. Wash your hands regularly, for at least 20 seconds with soap and water.
2. Clean all high-touch areas every hour.
3. Wear a face mask or covering.
4. Stay six feet away from others when possible.
5. Stay home if you are sick and stay away from others experiencing symptoms if you can.

• Use resources offered to you to help cope with the changes and emotions. If you see a therapist, continue to stay in touch during your transition back into your work routine.
• Listen to the VDH Tips for everyday life during COVID-19
• Check out resources provided by the Virginia Department of Health
• Try to embrace the return to structure. Lack of a routine can be a driving force for many mental illnesses and can heighten anxiety. If you can, try to get into your work routine at home before physically returning – wake up at the normal time, get bathed and dressed as you would normally, and try to return to your normal timeline during the day.
• Try to make sure you are getting a healthy night’s sleep. While it may seem simple, getting enough sleep can make an incredible difference on our mood and amount of anxiety during the day. Try to get back to your routine from before quarantine and try to go to bed without interruptions to allow for the best rest possible.
• Remember – it is okay and normal to feel anxious. There is nothing wrong with feeling anxious about changes and uncertain times, and you are not alone in these feelings.
  

VCU's Massey Cancer Center's registered dietitican, Allie Farley, sends out a simple and healthy recipe along with meal planning tips you can use through the week. 

Click here to sign up and receive these weekly emails! 

Visit Allie's blog on Diet and Nutrition for recipes and more information about the connection between diet and cancer survivorship.

VCU HR provides employees with a list of curated wellness resources to support your well-being during the COVID-19 crisis. These resources are categorized by the eight dimensions of wellness listed in the dropdown boxes below. 

Across the United States, many communities are experiencing unrest and distress related to the unjust treatment of individuals who are Black in this country. Coping Tips can be found here in the article Coping During Community Unrest.

As we move forward and doors begin to open again, we must remember that these doors open our hearts to great understanding and shared experiences. The Joy on the Other Side of the Door.

Anthem's myStrength recently added several new activities to address racism. You can sign up for myStrength via the Anthem EAP website to bypass any need for a code. Go to anthemeap.com and enter Commonwealth of Virginia. Find the myStrength Center and choose the sign-up buttom. You can then set up your account and unique password. There is also a myStrength app.

• Racism, Grief, and Loss – The ongoing pain of racism and violence.  A 5-step activity. 
• Racism-Related Stress and Mental Wellness – During this stressful time, myStrength is here for you.  A 6-step activity.
• Talking to Your Kids about Racism, Violence, and Protests – Addressing a complex subject carefully, thoughtfully, and honestly.  An 11-step activity.
• A Thousand Cuts – Understanding and responding to race-related microaggressions.  A 7-step activity.
• A Difficult but Necessary Conversation – How to navigate sensitive discussions about race and discrimination.  A 6-step activity.

AnthemEAP also offers articles and resources which can offer support to those impacted by recent events. 

As communities lift stay-at-home restrictions, it's important to keep taking steps to protect yourself from COVID-19. Find out how to safely travel, visit restaurants, go to the gym and more during reopening.

As VCU begins a phased on-campus opening of the university, here are some resources.

Life after lockdown should start with this healthy to-do list By American Heart Association News

How to Cope with Job Stress and Build Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic by the CDC

Virginia Department of Health's Prevention Tips 

Employees: How to Cope with Job Stress and Build Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Tips from CDC

Amid COVID-19, Rams in Recovery advice resonates with a broader audience. Tools that help people recovering from addiction get through their day-to-day lives are largely applicable during this time of social isolation.

Did you know......

If you are an Anthem COVA Care member, you can pay $0 for a LiveHealth Online visit! No need to get in the car and go to the doctor. You can now see a doctor using your smartphone, tablet or computer, any time, day or night.

• No copayment for Anthem COVACare members
• Medical visits with board certified Anthem doctors 24x7/365
• Future Moms Breastfeeding Support
• Behavioral Health services: Psychiatry, Psychology, and EAP
• E-prescribing to your pharmacy of choice*
• Available to Anthem members and
  non-members

Go to livehealthonline.com or download the app so you'll be ready whenever you need these LiveHealthOnline services.

VCU's is now a Smoke ad Tobacco Free Campus!

When you smoke, it puts you at a higher risk for diseases like COVID-19. Quit smoking for yourself and the ones you love. For support and resources to help you quit, visit QuitNow.net/Virginia

If you have any questions or would like to receive a virtual Quit Kit, please contact Cindi Phares, cphares@vcu.edu or 828-1521 or visit tobaccofree.vcu.edu.

What is RamStrong?

Wellness is an active process through which people can make choices toward a more holistic well-being. RamStrong is a collective wellness resource for VCU faculty and staff. The RamStrong concept was developed by the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute. Learn more about RamStrong.

Upcoming Employee Well-Being Programs

All Well-Being Programs are now virtual - Join in from anywhere! Open to everyone!

July 2021 - Employee Well-Being Programs

Wednesday, July 7^th – 1 pm

Money at Work

(Presented by VCU HR and TIAA)

Help make sure your retirement is ready when you are. Find out how much you should be saving and discover different investment vehicles and how they can work together to help you reach your retirement goals.

Register: Talent@VCU

Friday, July 9^th – 12 pm

Bodyweight Strength with Tanika

(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Recreational Sports)

Strengthen all of the major muscle groups in your body by participating in this Bodyweight Strength fitness class! With a focus on utilizing your bodyweight with high repetitions, participants will be guided through a series of exercises targeting the chest, back, arms, legs, glutes, and core. No equipment requirements, though a yoga mat is recommended.

Register: Talent@VCU

Monday, July 12^th – 10 am

Money Mondays with Bill – Learn Basics of Social Security

(Presented by VCU HR and Fidelity)

Join Bill Giesen for this quick and educational Ask Fidelity session where we will learn the basics of social security and be able to ask questions.

Register: Talent@VCU

Tuesday, July 13^th – 12 pm

Vinyasa Yoga with Casey

(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Recreational Sports)

Move through a variety of yoga poses in a balanced and systemic way connecting the breath with movement. This class will improve body awareness, mental focus, muscular tension, range of motion at the joints, and an overall sensation of a more balanced life.

Register: Talent@VCU

Thursday, July 15^th – 12 pm

A Fresh Start – Finding new purpose in your life

(Presented by VCU HR and Anthem EAP)

In today’s uncertain and changing world, it’s important to balance life issues, find your purpose and learn how to be intentional in everything you do. In this session you will be provided with guidance on how to develop your own personal mission statement.

Register: Talent@VCU

Thursday, July 15^th – 12 pm

Investment Basics

(Presented by VCU HR, VCUHS HR, and Virginia Credit Union)

Learn the basic concepts of investing in this workshop presented by the Virginia Credit Union.

Register: Talent@VCU

Wednesday, July 21^st – 12 pm

Deep Stretch with Jess

(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Recreational Sports)

A slower 30-minute practice focused on active stretching of muscles and opening of connective tissue. Release built up tension, prevent injury, increase blood flow to muscles, and increase long-term flexibility. No equipment requirements, though a yoga mat is recommended.

Register: Talent@VCU

Tuesday, July 27^th – 12 pm

Core Conditioning with Tanika

(Presented by VCU HR and VCU Recreational Sports)

Strength starts with the core. We will help you build a more stable, powerful abdomen and lower back to improve fitness, straighten posture and provide a foundation for an active daily life. No equipment requirements, though a yoga mat is recommended.

Register: Talent@VCU

 Additional webinars and virtual sessions:

Although we are not offering in person events at this time, here are some other virtual well-being classes:

In Talent – Thriving@Work: Leveraging the Connection between Well-Being and Productivity, Managing Your Personal Investments, Arianna Huffington’s Thrive 02: Learning How to Unplug and Recharge, Mindfulness, Meditation, Life Mastery: Achieving Happiness and Success, De-stress: Meditation and Movement for Stress Management and many other online classes

(in Talent – under Learning in the search box type keyword: Well-Being, finances, happiness, or any other topic you may be interested in)

 VRS (Virginia Retirement System) offers numerous financial wellness courses. These can be found at: https://enrich.varetire.org/courses

 Also, Fidelity, TIAA, and Virginia Credit Union (VACU) offer numerous webinars and information. You can find upcoming webinars listed below under Work/life Webinars and Workshops

VCU Recreational Sports

VCU Recreational Sports – offers a diversity of virtual programs including fitness, wellness, outdoor programs, parent and child programs fun and games, and more!

Interested in joining WW (Weight Watchers Reimagined)?

A happier, healthier life starts here

Sign up today! (You will need to enter your state ID # for the unique ID field - To find your State ID # - it is on your VCU health plan ID card. If you don't have a health plan ID card you can get it from the state's employee direct system (https://edirect.virginia.gov) by using the Forgot ID function under the register now link)

This is your fresh start!

WW’s (Weight Watchers^® reimagined) NEW myWW+, the most holistic weight-loss program that’s made for you, gives you the tools to make healthier choices—and reach your wellness goals—so that you don’t have to rely on willpower. With myWW+ you’ll get…

A customized, science backed action plan based on how you eat, move, sleep, and think

• 9,000+ delicious recipes so that you can eat what you love
• New app features including workout videos and meal planning tools
• And so much more to help you stay on track!

Take the first step to a healthier you today!

A happier, healthier life starts here

Now and throughout the coming year, the Commonwealth of Virginia is committed to helping you, your spouse, and adult dependents reach your wellness goals—to lose weight, eat healthier, move more, develop a more positive mindset, or all the above—by offering exclusive pricing when you join WW (Weight Watchers® Reimagined).  Watch to learn more about the WW program then sign up at WW.com/us/CommonHealth

The Commonwealth of Virginia and WW have launched new Private Virtual Workshops just for us!

WW’s Workshops have helped millions of members build healthy habits for real life, and I’m excited to share that employees now have access to Private Virtual Workshops through the Commonwealth of Virginia and WW partnership.

Who: Just us—that’s it! These Workshops are exclusive to our organization, so get ready to see some familiar faces.

What: Weekly guidance from a WW Coach in a virtual group setting that will help move you closer to your weight-loss and wellness goals. The Workshops are fun, supportive—and did I mention private?

Where: Right on your phone (or computer). These private Workshops are virtual, so you can get live stay-on-track support from a WW Coach in the palm of your hand. It couldn’t be easier!

When: Current WW Members can view the Workshop schedule by joining the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Connect Group. Just click here to join.  IMPORTANT: You must open this link on a mobile device to be directed to the Connect group.

⭐ WORKSHOP SCHEDULE ⭐

Wednesday, 12:15 PM EST with Coach Bobbi C.

Not a Member? Learn more about our partnership with WW at WW.com/us/CommonHealth  

VCU Health and Wellness Library, located in the Gateway Building, Group Floor, Room G-112 offers Meditate with Georgianne Ginder, MSC, CHWC, JSJ Certified Practioner every Wednesday and Friday from noon to 1 pm. Free and open to all. For more information contact ricasatakj@vcu.edu or call 828-2432.

VCU's Institute for Contemporary Art offers mindfulness meditation sessions guided by highly experienced meditation teachers. These sessions are offered from 12 noon to 1 p.m. on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month. Sessions are free. To register, visit the ICA website and search "mindfulness." 

ConditionCare provided to VCU employees with Anthem. ConditionCare can help you get help managing asthma, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), hypertension, heart failure or coronary disease. You can talk to a nurse for help with health questions, anytime, anywhere. You get a health screening by phone at no extra cost. Get support from other health experts like pharmacists and dieticians. Other education guides, email newsletters and toolds to learn more about your condition are provided. You can receive certain medications or supplies at no cost upon meeting certain requiremetns. Call 1-844-507-8472 to get started.

Anthem subscribers also have access to myStrength, the health club for your mind where you can get resources such as videos, articles, quotes, and inspirations as well as tools and exercises to help you develop a personal action plan and make healthy changes. To sign up go to anthemeap.com and enter Commonwealth of Virginia. Find the myStrength Center and choose the Sign-up button. Set up your account and unique password. Take the confidential wellness Assessment and fill out the personal profile. Both take just a few minutes to complete. Your answers will create your personal home page with topics and updates that interest and inspire you. Take myStrength with you on the go by downloading the i0S ir Android app.

Calm

Calm is providing some meditations, sleep stories, movement exercises, journals and music resources free to use and to share. In addition, they are offering VCU employees 40% off Calm Premium

One in five adults in the United States face a mental illness in any one year – that’s almost 44 million people. And especially right now, people across the country are experiencing feelings of stress and fear because of the new disease and feelings of isolation because of physical distancing requirements. This means someone around you right now may be struggling.

People who are facing mental health or addiction challenges may find it hard to seek and get the help they may need. They may not know who to talk to, where to go or even what to say.

Thankfully, there are a variety of things that can help, including having a good support system of people that you like, respect and trust. Support from loved ones, peers and appropriate professionals can make a big difference on your mental health and well-being. It can even make recovery from mental health symptoms easier and quicker.

Webinars on wellness (financial, health, and other topics) 

Did you know VCU faculty and staff have access to numerous financial webinars from Fidelity Investments, TIAA, Virginia Credit Union (VACU), Virginia Retirement System (VRS) and more! There are many live and on demand sessions including:

• Making gifts to loved one and charities
• Market Insights: New Developments, What to Consider, and Top Questions Answered
• Follow the 15% Rule
• Select How Your Savings are Invested
• Managing Debt during COVID-19
• Managing Holiday Finances

Also, VCU HR Work Life does monthly virtual live financial sessions. Check it all out on the VCU HR Work Life website.

Check out some upcoming webinars listed below! 

TIAA's Financial Essentials Live Webinars 

Register at TIAA.org/webinars. Below are some upcoming webinars. These webinars are open to everyone!

TIAA's upcoming live webinars topics:

JULY

The Starting Line: Beginning to save for retirement

You can learn how to evaluate and manage debt, find additional ways to save, create a budget and begin to plan for retirement.
July 13 at 12 p.m. (ET)
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3114354/7551EBA4136E3EFCCF4D383C36EA9AA0?partnerref=flyer

Strategies for staying on track

No matter how much or how little money you can save for retirement, it’s important that you start now and stay invested for your future. You can learn how taking smart financial steps today may help lead you to a solid financial future after you’ve stopped working.
July 13 at 3 p.m. (ET)

https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3114551/FB76B8FE370849294E62A41D0335EAC8?partnerref=flyer

Quarterly Economic and Market Update with TIAA’s Chief Investment Strategist

Take a closer look at our views on the financial markets, including key market drivers,
S. economy, policy and politics, and investing in public markets.
July 14 at 12 p.m. (ET)
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3114479/9528E6B45063367581C582A2BD422936?partnerref=flyer

Gaining Insight: Navigating debt consolidation and understanding the mortgage process

You can understand how to manage and consolidate debt, and get a primer that can help make the mortgage process easier to navigate.
July 14 at 3 p.m. (ET)
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3114495/39AAEFA1C4BA7F3362CD4B440F68F0B9?partnerref=flye

Social Security Basics

Social Security will likely play a significant role in building your retirement income. Learn the basics about Social Security, including eligibility, how to apply, how your benefit is calculated and strategies for claiming benefits.

July 15 at 12 p.m. (ET)

https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3114582/FD3C7258CEF9F87FCB65239FE4A257CA?partnerref=flyer

Home-buying 101: A financial primer for first-time home buyers

Buying your first home is a big deal and comes with lots of new experiences—and expenses—along the way. Get expert insights on the key steps and considerations for your home buying journey, including the three phases: preparing to search, finding your home and getting to closing.
July 15 at 3 p.m. (ET)
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3114522/33429AF18AC64ED5F979F29DED0D779A?partnerref=flyer

August

Money at Work 1

Discover how you can manage risk versus reward as well as understand the role of investing and managing risks, ways to help accelerate savings and tools that can help sustain a portfolio.
Aug 17 12 p.m. 1 p.m.(ET) https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3138139/1DCA902C756C59DD8B8B4F2EF774EC06?parterref=flyer

Lifetime Income: Market proof Your Retirement

You’ve worked hard to save for retirement. TIAA can help you understand how to create a diversified retirement income plan that protects you against key retirement risks.

Aug 17 3 p.m. 4 p.m.(ET)

https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3148952/84CA5C444D9C0C2A953BE2637A5EC9A8?partnerref=flyer

Lifetime Income: Paycheck for Life

You diversify your investment portfolio before retirement to help offset risk. A similar strategy can help see you through retirement. Learn how creating a diversified income plan—one that uses a combination of income sources and includes annuity income that’s guaranteed for life—can help reduce the risks you may face in retirement and ensure you have income that never runs out.
Aug 18 12 p.m. 1 p.m.(ET) 

https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3148952/84CA5C444D9C0C2A953BE2637A5EC9A8?partnerref=flyer

W2W Postcards from the Future: A woman’s guide to saving and investing

Fewer years in the workforce. Longer life spans. Women saving for retirement face unique challenges. You can learn what it takes to overcome these challenges and help make your retirement dreams come true on schedule.
Aug 18 3 p.m. 4 p.m.(ET)
https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3135425/9AA5830A897B2ED711997A5344DCD1A7?partnerref=flyer

Social Security Strategies for Married Couples

Married couples can take advantage of strategies that may help to increase lifetime Social Security benefits. You can learn the basics about spousal benefits, understand the many variables involved in claiming strategies and how married couples can boost their benefits by coordinating the timing of their claims.

Aug 19 12 p.m. 1 p.m.(ET)

https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3143538/BCD50C4FD253D36111D9C61400848114?partnerref=flyer

Fidelity Webcast Hub

Practical conversations to help you live well financially, today and tomorrow – webinars from Fidelity

Now available:

• Market Insights: New Developments, What to Consider, and Top Questions Answered
• Your Retirement Transition: Go From Saving to Spending
• Make an Impact with Your Charitable Giving

And so many more on Preparing for Retirement, Managing Life, and Saving & Investing

Fidelity Investments – Well-being & You

Explore Ways to Manage your well Being through the COVID-19 Resource Center

• Money – Managing your finances
• Health – Maintaining physical and mental health
• Work – Staying productive at work
• Life – Adjusting how we live

Follow the 15% Rule:

• https://communications.fidelity.com/wi/2015/savingsandspendingcheckup/

Virginia Retirement System (VRS): 

Don’t let an unexpected expense catch you off-guard. Take the new myVRS Financial Wellness course, setting up an Emergency Fund, to learn how you can prepare for life’s financial surprises. You have access to an entire curriculum of financial wellness courses, articles, tools and more directly through your myVRS account. Visit showcase.varetire.org to learn how the financial knowledge you gain and the steps you take today help you build the future you imagine.

VRS DCP Online Regional Education Meetings

Register today for an online Commonwealth of Virginia 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Regional Education Meeting or a virtual one-on-one with your Defined Contribution Plans Retirement Specialists

Learn More About Your Retirement Options 

VRS 457 & Cash Match Plans Overview
What is a 457 Deferred Compensation Plan? How about a Cash Match 401(a) Plan? Learn about how these plans help you build your retirement future.

Register Now

Select How Your Savings Are Invested 

VRS Plan Investments
Do you find investing confusing? Learn about asset classes, diversification and the three investment paths available to you.

Register Now

How Do I Withdraw My Money in Retirement? 

VRS 457 & Cash Match Distribution Options
Retirement on the horizon? Understand the various distribution requirements and options under your 457 and 401(a) plans.

Register Now

Personal Individual Account Review 

One-on-one appointment
Need assistance? Sign up for a 30-minute virtual one-on-one with a Defined Contribution Plans Retirement Specialist.

Register Now