Well-being at Iowa is fostered by an environment that promotes healthy and purposeful living for all campus members.
Faculty and Staff well-being resources are provided by the Health and Well-being units of University Human Resources: liveWELL , Employee Assistance Program, and Family Services.
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
PHYSICAL HEALTH
FAMILY AND RELATIONSHIPS
RESILIENCE RESOURCES
FINANCIAL WELL-BEING
WORKPLACE WELL-BEING
Anyone can be a leader in promoting a culture of well-being. Employees who are given opportunities to enhance their well-being are healthier and happier, which leads to greater engagement and satisfaction at work. Here are ways you can contribute to the culture of health in your department.
THINGS YOU CAN DO ON YOUR OWN
Take time to practice your own self-care. A live WELL HEALTH COACH is available to support a personalized plan.
Follow the 20-20-20 RULE: Every 20 minutes, stand for 20 seconds, and look 20 feet beyond your computer.
Be supportive of others’ psychological and mental health concerns by participating in QPR TRAINING .
Encourage faculty/staff to complete the PERSONAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT (PHA). PHA supports campus, department, and individual well-being.
Engage in meditation or mindfulness practice for 3-5 minutes daily. Join MINDFULNESS BASED STRESS REDUCTION course to build skills.
Practice gratitude; use the WELL- BEING TOOLKIT for ways to infuse gratitude into your workplace.
Utilize a centering activity like positive reflection or deep breathing. Use the MINDFUL MOMENT video for guidance. THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR DEPARTMENT/UNIT
Dedicate a bulletin board or Teams chat to WELLNESS TIPS.
Take extra efforts to learn and appreciate the UNIQUENESS OF EACH INDIVIDUAL in the work group and the strengths they bring to work.
Promote lifelong learning via trainings, workshops, and professional development opportunities, like live WELL WORKSHOPS.
Provide healthy food options when catering. Explore the WELL-BEING RESOURCE LIBRARY for nutrition content.
Promote WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY to support time for exercise, work/life needs, family priorities, and other interests that are valued by each individual.
Add well-being topics or activities to staff meeting agendas; use WELLBEING TOOLKITS for ideas
Create a wellness committee to provide input to the WELLNESS AMBASSADOR and other departmental leadership.
Schedule active meetings, inclusive of all abilities. Try FIT 2 GO for instructor led options.
When employees have a high sense of wellbeing, they are better able to bring their authentic self to work, be physically and mentally prepared, communicate well, and serve the mission of the University of Iowa.
Schedule a well-being consultation with liveWELL to discuss services and programs that may best support you and/or your department culture. Email livewell@uiowa.edu to get started. Where should I start?
The Personal Health Assessment (PHA) is a confidential and validated health survey that asks individuals about their health behaviors, mental well-being, feelings of belonging at work, and support for well-being in the workplace. The PHA takes 10 minutes to complete, and you can complete it on work time.
The PHA provides a tailored report about your health and well-being and includes tips based on your readiness to change. Your report also connects you to UI well-being resources. At the end of your PHA, you can opt in to receive text messages so you can stay up-to-date with information on upcoming wellbeing programs. The PHA is available in Employee Self-Service under Benefits and Wellness.
Other benefits for taking the PHA include:
• Eligibility for the Recreational Membership Incentive Program
• Eligibility for free Health Coaching and referral programs
• 100 liveWELL points added to your My liveWELL Portal (see page 17)
• Entry into a monthly drawing for $250–two winners are drawn every month
Scan the QR code to take the PHA
https://hris.uiowa.edu/healthCoach/livewell.php
RECREATION MEMBERSHIP INCENTIVE PROGRAM
UI employees can earn 50% off their monthly recreation membership fee by participating in the live WELL Personal Health Assessment (PHA) every year in January and using campus recreation facilities at least four times per month.
Scan the QR code for more information about how to get started.
Recharge+™ is a text message platform that sends you tips to navigate stress, move through challenges, and enhance your well-being.
Complete the Recharge+™ assessment on a computer or phone to measure your current level of resilience. After your Recharge+™ assessment, opt in for tailored text messages. These messages focus on meaning and purpose, mindset, and social connections. Select the time of day that works best for you to receive your text. Complete your assessment every 30 days to track your progress and improve your well-being. Participate in the Recharge+™ program and earn up to 200 liveWELL points for completing session one and two in a calendar year (100 points each).
“Sometimes it’s something I’ve never heard or otherwise just a great reminder. For example, we all know that it’s important to be grateful. It helps us, and it helps others, but it’s easy to forget. I get that tip on my phone, and it reminds me that I have lots to be grateful for.”
“ It’s so accessible, and it’s so easy. I start my day on a positive note.”
Recharge+™ Participants
Reset your life's meaning and purpose
Rethink your mindset
Reconnect through strong social connections 1 2 3
A health coach is a free, confidential nonjudgmental partner who can help you enhance your well-being, overcome obstacles, and create strategies to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Health Coaches provide support and accountability by helping individuals set goals, engage in self-discovery, and develop their personalized approach to well-being. Typical focus areas for health coaching include nutrition, exercise and movement, weight management, and stress and energy management. Work with a health coach to:
• Develop your personal approach to well-being
• Set and meet goals
• Build lasting skills toward optimal well-being
VIRTUAL
Zoom, Teams, Skype, phone
IN-PERSON
Campus Recreation and Wellness Center (CRWC)
University Employee Health Clinic
done in confidential setting, one-on-one
Meet with a coach in-person, on the phone, or virtually
Visits done in a group setting to build support
Meet with group in-person or virtually
Visits done in confidential space within the unit
Meet first in-person, then follow-up sessions determined by client
97% of faculty and staff said their well-being improved from participating in the Health Coach Service.
“ It is wonderful to work with a health coach because they listen and let you set whatever goals you want for yourself all while supporting you, offering positive encouragement, and helping you navigate your wellness journey.”
Brooke Zittergruen, Health Information Management
UI employees who work with a liveWELL Health Coach may be eligible for a referral to the 8-Week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program and/or personal training with Recreational Services.
liveWELL partners with Brad Baldwin of Aperture to offer an 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program to University of Iowa faculty and staff in a 50% or greater, regular position. Employees must be referred by either a Health Coach or the UI EAP.
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention intentionally to what is occurring in the present moment, acknowledging what is here with curiosity and open-heartedness, even when things are challenging. Some common benefits of a regular mindfulness practice include better sleep, improved focus, responding more skillfully to emotions (anxiety, anger, or low mood), improved communication, and many more.
University of Iowa faculty and staff in a 50% or greater, regular position who meet with a health coach may be referred to personal training, offered through UI Recreational Services.
Regardless of your age or fitness level, working with a personal trainer can have a positive effect on your life. When you are referred to one of Recreational Services' personal trainers, you can expect a custom plan created for you based on your goals and abilities.
Lifestyle change programs are evidence-based curricula that support participants' focus and determination. It's coupled with expert guidance and support to change habits around achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, adopting healthier eating and exercise habits, and managing stress, which is an essential piece of getting and staying healthy.
liveWELL offers the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to UI faculty and staff. You’ll get a full year of group support while focusing on strategies that work best for you to eat healthier, get more active, manage stress, and live a healthier lifestyle.
During the first half of the program, you will meet once per week. In the second half of the program, you will meet one or twice a month, enhance the skills you've learned, and your lifestyle coach and group will continue to support you.
Wondr Health is an app-based weight management program that focuses on lifestyle behavior changes to meet the needs of our employees, especially those with on-the-go lifestyles and a 24/7 work environment. This program can be done anytime, anywhere.
Participants are guided through weekly lessons and encouraged to practice skills to increase physical activity, eat mindfully, manage weight, reduce stress, get more sleep, increase energy, and more. Watch lessons at your convenience from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
"I feel like I've been able to make changes that fit in my lifestyle, and it has made all the difference."
Kris Williams Department of Biology DPP Participant
The University of Iowa Employee Assistance Program (UI EAP) provides integrated services to faculty, staff, post docs, medical residents and their family members to promote emotional wellbeing and to increase engagement and productivity among members of the UI community.
There is no reason too small to connect with your UI EAP. Work with a licensed counselor to support your mental health.
UI EAP offers short-term counseling to children, teens and adults as well as couples counseling. Common areas of focus are depression/anxiety, relationships, job stress, substance use, and sleep.
To learn more about this service, scan the QR code and choose Short Term Counseling.
VIRTUAL
Tele-mental health visits
IN-PERSON
University Employee Health Clinic
University Services Building
new service
SUPPORT AND CRISIS LINE
The UI Support and Crisis Line is a 24/7 text, chat or phone service for all University of Iowa students, faculty, staff, post docs and medical residents. Provided in partnership with CommUnity Crisis Services are available all day, everyday. Call/text/chat 1-844-461-5420.
Scan the QR code to learn more about the new service.
The UI Emergency Hardship Fund was established to assist eligible faculty and staff with costs of up to $1000, related to an unforeseen emergency event or crisis, resulting in a financial hardship.
To learn more about this service, scan the QR code and choose Emergency Hardship Fund.
The UI EAP utilizes a comprehensive approach to educate and intervene with persons who have substance abuse concerns.
To learn more about this service, scan the QR code and choose Substance Abuse.
Employees and their dependents can use the integrated services offered by the Employee Assistance Program.
Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is a suicide-prevention training designed to educate people from all walks of life how to recognize the warning signs of suicide.
To learn more about this service, scan the QR code and choose Suicide Prevention.
Family Services provides programs and resources for UI faculty, staff, and students to attract, retain, and engage them throughout their careers by supporting an environment where individuals can be successful across their professional, academic, and personal lives.
Faculty, staff, and students can explore UI and community resources for ongoing, occasional, and back-up child care. Every spring, a comprehensive list of summer camps and programs is available for school-aged children at the UI, and in Johnson and surrounding counties.
To learn more about childcare resources, scan the QR code and choose Childcare Resources
UI Family Services partners with a local organization, LivWell Seniors, to help UI faculty and staff navigate the complex and often confusing world of elder caregiving. Receive one-on-one guidance from a Senior Resource Specialist on everything from downsizing and relocation to legal and financial resources. Their staff is also trained to provide inhome assessments to develop a personalized care plan to address immediate and long-term needs.
To learn more about these services, scan the QR code and choose Elder Caregiving.
“ I am grateful for the knowledge and compassion provided by Family Services to help me and my siblings make decisions that were in the best interest of our parents.”
Elder Caregiving Program Participant
The University of Iowa partners with financial wellness programs to provide employees resources and assistance on topics such as housing, budgeting and cash flow, credit, debt management, savings, and student loan repayments.
To learn more about services, scan the QR code and choose Financial Well-Being.
The University of Iowa has over 80 lactation rooms in locations all across campus, including UI Health Care locations. Medela Symphony breast pumps are available in many of the oncampus lactation rooms. Personal tubing for the pumps is not provided and can be found at many retail locations including online sources.
To find a lactation room near you, scan the QR code and choose Lactation Resources.
liveWELL offers opportunities for employees to engage in challenge programs as a campus. These challenge programs provide tips and resources for building healthy habits around nutrition, physical activity, rest, and much more.
Live Healthy Iowa’s 10-Week Wellness Challenge, held annually from January through March, is a way for UI employees to track physical activity minutes with the support of their colleagues as a campus team.
My liveWELL Portal is the home for liveWELL in Employee Self Service. Access the Personal Health Assessment and Recharge+TM , schedule a health coach appointment, participate in well-being challenges, and earn wellness points for a variety of activities and healthy behaviors.
Use the liveWELL points to purchase prizes at the liveWELL store. Examples include:
• Gift cards from the University of Iowa Hawk Shop
• Recreational Services One-Day Membership Pass
• Strength Resistance Band Set
• liveWELL Lunch Bag
• Items from the UI Stead Family Children’s Safety Store
Departments across campus can participate in liveWELL programs that support employee well-being and contribute to a culture of well-being at work. These programs align with the Holistic Well-Being and Success pillar of the University of Iowa Strategic Plan.
Wellness Ambassadors are UI employee volunteers who are passionate about providing health and well-being opportunities to their unit. They collaborate with the liveWELL program to increase awareness of campus resources and promote a culture of well-being. Benefits of being a Wellness Ambassador include receiving firsthand information on liveWELL programs, inspiring healthy behaviors, expanding your knowledge of health and wellness, and playing an important role in improving morale within your department.
To learn more about this program, scan the QR code and choose Wellness Ambassadors.
Departments at the University of Iowa can apply for Wellness Grant funds. Grant funds are used for departments to provide activities or supplies that promote physical and emotional health and well-being. Previous awards have gone toward sit/ stand workstations, stress management solutions, and fostering healthy nutritional habits.
In the photo above, the Environmental Health & Safety department received a Wellness Grant for light boxes to enhance their new workspaces.
To learn more about this program, scan the QR code and choose Wellness Grants.
“ This is such a superb program and benefit to employees. The feedback from employees has been positive and boosted team morale. Nothing but good to say about this program!”
Wellness Grant Recipient
Wellness Heroes is a program to recognize faculty and staff practicing healthy behaviors that inspire others in the workplace. To acknowledge their efforts, a Wellness Hero will be awarded a certificate and a prize.
To learn more about this program, scan the QR code and choose Wellness Heroes.
From on-site workshops with liveWELL staff to meeting prompts that build conversation among colleagues, liveWELL's workshops and toolkits support a culture of well-being in the workplace.
To learn more about these offerings, scan the QR code and choose liveWELL Departmental Well-Being Toolkit.
The University of Iowa prohibits discrimination in employment, educational programs, and activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences. The university also affirms its commitment to providing equal opportunities and equal access to university facilities. For additional information on nondiscrimination policies, contact the Director, Office of Institutional Equity, the University of Iowa, 202 Jessup Hall, Iowa City, IA 52242-1316, 319 - 335 - 0705, oie-ui@uiowa.edu.