UCSD to Celebrate National Work and Family Month in October
Ioana Patringenaru | September 29, 2008
Agnes Shin (last on the right) and 10 colleagues are taking part in Walk UCSD's team competition.
UC San Diego will celebrate the National Work and Family Month for the first time in October, and officials are taking this opportunity to publicize the many work/life programs the university offers.
“With the economic situation and the budget conditions in California and around the country, work/life provides programs that an employer can put forth in any kind of economic situation,” said Tom Leet, assistant vice chancellor of Human Resources.
Human Resources will offer a Web page to promote Work and Family Month, with information about UCSD’s many work/life programs, Leet said. The department also plans to reach out to staff associations to increase awareness, he said.
Amanda Chavez, the campus’ work/life coordinator, said she plans to attend various events on campus to promote programs. Ultimately, the goal is to make sure employees are familiar with the wide range of programs and services UCSD offers, as highlighted in the campus’ Work/Life Express.
“These are programs to help employees stay connected to campus,” said Chavez, the work/life coordinator. “The goal is to take you from the first day here to your last day here, with the goal to have you stay here until retirement.”
UCSD offers programs to help employees in many areas, including taking care of elderly relatives, staying fit and negotiating the complex world of health insurance. For example, the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program offers Eldercare, a service that provides one-on-one help and a support group for employees caring for elderly family members. Issues addressed include long-distance caretaking, conflicts between siblings related to caring for a parent and the emotional issues involved in caring for the elderly. The program also offers many resources and referrals.
Meanwhile, the university also is here to help when employees need to navigate the complex world of health care benefits. Through the UCSD Health Care Facilitator Program, employees receive confidential assistance with billing issues, eligibility and access to care, among other issues. The program also offers referrals.
The university also provides a flurry of programs and resources to help employees stay fit. Officials launched Walk UCSD in June 2006 to encourage members of the campus community to lead a more active lifestyle. Officials are trying to get even more to join by offering a friendly competition between walking teams, which will begin Oct. 1.
Chancellor Marye Anne Fox led about 200 participants on a short walk during Friday's Walk UCSD kick off.
The rules are simple. Find at least four friends who want to join your team and designate a team captain. Sign up for the program online, then go to RIMAC’s equipment room to collect a free pedometer. Participants can log online the number of steps they take each day. Teams whose members have taken 300,000 steps each by June 5 will become eligible for a prize drawing.
Finally, the system-wide UC Living Well program offers a Web site full of news about programs and research, resources and tips to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. As part of the program, starting in January, departments that signed up for the Fitwell program will receive visits from experts, who will show employees how to do easy exercises throughout the day. The 30-minute sessions are held twice a week for eight to 12 weeks and include stretching, core strengthening, cardiovascular exercise and nutritional information.
“Studies have show that if you have a health and wellness program, you’re going to have a happier workforce,” Leet said.
|
