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Employee Wellness Newsletter

November 2026

 

Between leadership transitions, departmental reorganizations, and shifting workloads, 2025 felt unpredictable. When our environment feels unpredictable, maintaining our equilibrium can be draining.

This year, we are shifting our focus toward what we can influence. 

Our 2026 wellness theme is Building Consistency. 

By anchoring ourselves in simple, reliable routines, we can reclaim a sense of agency and steadiness, even when the workplace feels unsettled

 

FALL WELLNESS FOCUS
BETTER SLEEP AND MIDLIFE HEALTH

This fall, we’re focusing on Better Sleep & Midlife Health. You’ll explore practical strategies for improving sleep and recovery, along with age-based health screenings, preventive exams, and ways to prepare for conversations with your healthcare provider.

November: Midlife Health

Health needs and recommended screenings can change as we age. This month focuses on age-based health screenings, preventive exams, and preparing for conversations with your healthcare provider to help you stay proactive about your health through midlife and beyond.

Learn More

WEBINARS/CLASSES/COURSES


Back and Spine School

November 5

Presented by Robert Black, owner of FitQuest Physical Therapy

During this presentation, we will discuss the basic anatomy and foundations of a healthy spine, key body mechanics to focus on, and things to avoid. Plus, we will learn a few key exercises to minimize your future risk of back problems. 

Earn 10 Rewards Program points when you attend this presentation!


Wellness in 30

Online

Midlife Health

Midlife is defined as ages 40-60. During this time, many biological changes start without our knowing. This presentation will cover what health screenings are recommended for this age group, hormonal changes for men and women, and how to start a conversation with your health care provider. 

This Wellness In 30 is provided by Raeanna Johnson.


Wellness In Action

November 3, 10, 17

Motivation and Willpower

Unlock the secrets to lasting change in our three-session wellness workshop designed to strengthen your motivation and willpower. We’ll start by deconstructing the mechanics of the habit loop to understand your triggers, then explore how to leverage personal ability and social support for consistent action. Finally, you'll learn to design an environment and reward system that makes progress feel effortless and sustainable.

Earn up to 15 Rewards Program points!


Cooking Demonstration

November 19

Roux and Soup

Learn the secrets of creating rich, flavorful roux and soups in our upcoming cooking class. Discover how these foundational techniques can elevate your homemade dishes to restaurant-quality perfection.


Balance Break

November 23

Gratitude Notes

Take a few minutes to recognize the people who make your workday a little better. Stop by to write a note of appreciation, encouragement, or thanks to a coworker. We’ll provide the supplies and an easy opportunity to spread a little positivity across campus.


Fitness Classes

Core and Strength - 9:00 am

Wednesdays, In-Person or Online

This class combines gentle core-strengthening exercises, flexibility and mobility movements to help improve stability, posture, balance, and range of motion. Participants will work the muscles that support the spine and pelvis. Classes will be held in a hybrid format.

 

Total Body Conditioning - 9:15 am

Fridays, In-Person or Online

Join us each week for a Total Body Conditioning class. Each class will work the whole body using a variety of strength training equipment. Great for beginners and those with an advanced fitness background. Classes will be held in a hybrid format. 

CAMPAIGNS/CHALLENGES

Project Zero Weigh In

November 16 - 25


With so many parties and yummy treats, maintaining your weight throughout the holidayseason can be difficult. Participate in Project Zero to help you stay on track. 

The challenge is simple:

Record your weight before Thanksgiving. Then, after New Year's Day, record your weight again. If you maintain your weight between weigh-ins, you will earn two movie tickets. This program is only available to benefits-eligible employees.

Download the Project Zero Form

Step 1- Between November 16-25, record your weight on the Project Zero Form.  The top half must be returned to Employee Wellness no later than December 1. 

Step 2- Actively work to continue or start an exercise routine, and mindfully enjoy your holiday meals.  Focus on reducing sweets and getting enough sleep. 

Step 3- Between January 4-15,  record your weight on the Project Zero Form.  The bottom half must be returned to Employee Wellness no later than January 18.

Learn More

PEHP WELLNESS

Wellness On Demand

Whether you’re trying to be more active, improve your eating habits, or boost your mental well-being – you can now choose your own path to wellness from a menu of options.

Find a of your choice from the new to jump-start your journey to a healthier you.

And as always, you can earn when you participate in various programs.

BLOMQUIST HALE WEBINARS

Blomquist Hale will provide webinars and workshops on a monthly basis.


Coming Soon

 

BLOMQUIST HALE SUPPORT GROUPS

Blomquist Hale will provide support groups at no cost. 


Women's Group

Occurs the 1st and 3rd Tuesday each month | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

This group offers a supportive and welcoming space for women to come together to discuss concerns, ask questions, and share their lived experiences. While every woman’s perspective is unique, there is a shared sense of connection that can be found through listening to and learning from one another.

Our hope is to create an environment where participants can better understand themselves through the stories and insights of other women, normalizing common struggles, fostering a sense of unity, and building meaningful support. We also recognize that sometimes a little humor can go a long way, and we welcome moments of lightness alongside the deeper conversations. 

 

We Are Here (LGBTQIA+)

Occurs the 1st and 3rd Wednesday each month | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

This group offers a safe, affirming space where LGBTQIA+ individuals can connect and share experiences. It is our hope that this group can help reduce isolation, foster a sense of belonging, and provide emotional support from others who understand the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals.

 

Leadership Support- Helping Each Other Provide Persuasive and Inspirational Leadership

Occurs the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

This group is designed to provide a space for meaningful connection, shared learning, and real-world leadership growth. Each session will begin with a leadership principle, theme, or prompt that serves as a starting point for open discussion. From there, the conversation will be driven by the group—drawing on the collective experiences, challenges, and insights of participants. This is a peer-led environment rather than a lecture or presentation. All participants need to come with their cameras on and ready to engage. 


TIAA

TIAA will be providing live webinars throughout the month.

Below is the itinerary of all currently scheduled webinars with direct scheduling links for July webinars. Employees can access these webinars at . Recordings are available for replay on demand for 90 days following the live webinar date.


November 12

9:00 am - 10:00 am


How to get the most from your employee retirement plan


Your workplace retirement plan is one of your most important employee benefits. In this webinar we’ll show you how to take advantage of all your plan has to offer so you can save and invest with confidence and get the most from your money.

You'll find out how to:

  • Optimize your savings
  • Optimize your savings
  • Take advantage of advice
  • Boost your financial smarts


November 24

10:00 am - 11:00 am


Myth busting: Planning and managing healthcare expenses


Healthcare costs can really add up in retirement. That’s why it pays to be prepared. In this webinar, we’ll help you separate myth from reality when it comes to managing costs for a healthy financial future. We’ll cover how you can:

  • Medicare benefits—from what’s covered to what isn’t—and the options you have
  • The realities of long-term care and how to prepare for the costs
  • Health savings accounts and how they can help you save money

 

URS WEBINARS

A convenient, hassle-free way to learn. You can participate in any URS webinar using your computer or phone. Pre-recorded presentations are available if you are unable to attend. 

These presentations are open to all employees, whether on a URS retirement plan or not.


Understanding the Tier 2 Hybrid Option

November 3 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Overview of your benefit.


Social Security Benefits

November 6 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Hear from a Social Security Administration representative. 


Understanding Your Tier 2 Choice

November 10 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Hybrid or 401(k) Option?


 

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