Friday Note: 9.24.2021

Guest writer: HR Operations and Benefits Specialist Loree McBride Collar offers six ways you can take care of yourself by taking advantage of LCSNW's benefits to help you cope, stay healthy and be well. Don't forget that you deserve just as much care and attention as you give others, so make time for yourself.

Dear Staff:

After working at LCSNW for almost 20 years, my favorite part of working here is still YOU! Every day, you all work really hard, do really hard work, and put your best self out there to deliver health, justice and hope to our clients, communities, and to each other. I know you have found fun ways to support each other, everything from Excellence Award nominations, wellness walks at lunchtime, fantasy football, silly notes to each other, a little treat in someone's box, a Thinking of You card, to kind words of gratitude. Keep it up! Your heart is showing! I hope you are taking care of yourself too. As the flight attendant says, "in case of a drop in cabin pressure, please first put on your oxygen mask, then help others." There are resources available to you. Consider these six support services when you need some extra love:

1. Headspace Meditation App (free for all LCSNW employees. Meditation has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep and help you focus. Join now by going to https://work.headspace.com/lcsnw/member-enroll
2. 98point6 telehealth/tele-behavioral health (free for those enrolled in UHC medical). 98point6® makes it easy to prioritize what matters most: your health and the health of your loved ones. A visit in the app with a primary care physician can connect you to board-certified physicians, certified coaches, and licensed therapists, ready to support your total care, at a time that works best for you--and at no cost.https://www.98point6.com/members-homebase

3. LifeBalance (all employees). LifeBalance is a discount platform with a well‐being focus. You and your family have access to over 2,500 discounts including:

• gym memberships, yoga classes, personal training sessions, and athletic apparel

• theme park admission, and tickets to movies  and sporting events, as well as museum admission, performing arts performances, and arts classes

• hotel stays, car rentals, cruises, and select airline tickets, and

• Over 1,000 online options to support well‐being at home. Visit LCSNW.LifeBalanceProgram.com and create an account.

4. Floating Holidays. Your 2021 Floating Holidays will expire at the end of December. If you still have a floating holiday, schedule a few hours away now to get away from work and reenergize.

5. Employee Assistance Program (free and confidential to all employees and members of their immediate household). There are times when we benefit from a little help or advice. The EAP, available through Magellan Health Services, helps with stress, anxiety, depression, chemical dependency, relationship issues, legal issues, parenting questions, financial counseling, and dependent care resources.

• Free phone access 24/7 ‐ call (800) 523‐5668

• In‐person help for short‐term issues; up to 6 visits per year

• 24/7 web access to helpful articles, resources, and self‐assessment tools at https://magellanascend.com/

6. Benefit Advocates at Alliant. Our benefits provider is also a great resource for personal and confidential assistance with general benefit questions; eligibility and coverage; finding a network provider; coverage changes due to life events such as marriage, a new child, or divorce; and health care claim or billing issues. Phone: (800) 489-1390, or BenefitSupport@alliant.com

David

Health, Justice and Hope