Employee Wellness Newsletter
October 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
EMPLOYEE FLU SHOT CLINIC
The annual Employee Flu Shot Clinic will take place in the Rich Lounge at the Dee Events Center on:
- Friday, October 2, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
This clinic will provide COVID-19 vaccines on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration is strongly encouraged to save your spot and avoid the wait. No one likes long lines, so plan ahead!
Click here to register: https://weber.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_396vumo1krTcVHE
This clinic is only open to WSU PEHP-benefited faculty, staff, and early retirees, but you must bring your PEHP card and photo ID.
The Flu Shot Clinic will be held in conjunction with the Employee Appreciation Day event, which is open to ALL FACULTY AND STAFF! Register for this event to enjoy a free lunch, then get your flu shot.
WEBINARS, CLASSES, & COURSES
Wellness in 30
Online
Stay Asleep
It’s never fun to wake up during the night, and even worse when falling back asleep seems impossible. Come learn tips and tricks that can help prevent sleep interruptions and make the process of getting back to sleep easier and quicker.
Wellness In Action
October 7, 14, 21
Better Sleep
When was the last time you tracked your sleep? If you have in the past, what did you do with that information? During this three-part workshop, learn how to track your sleep, implement sleep training, and learn useful techniques to help you sleep better.
Balance Break
October 27
Board Games
Step away from your usual routine and enjoy some low-pressure fun with coworkers. Choose from a variety of board and card games, meet someone new, or bring a colleague along for a little friendly competition and connection.
Cooking Demonstration
October 29
Marinades
Elevate your dishes by mastering the art of marinades in our upcoming cooking class. Learn how to infuse flavor and tenderness into your favorite proteins, transforming every meal into a mouthwatering experience.
Fitness Classes
Total Body Conditioning - 9:15 am
Tuesdays/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.
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 PEHP wellness program of your choice from the new on-demand webpage to jump-start your journey to a healthier you.
And as always, you can earn cash rebates when you participate in various programs.
BLOMQUIST HALE WEBINARS
Blomquist Hale will provide webinars and workshops on a monthly basis.
Screens Don't Own Me - Managing Screentime
October 8 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Online
Learn about the impact of screens on adults and children, including phones, tablets, social media, and television. Learn about the risks of unmanaged screen time and why bans on screens are not as effective as managing screen time. We will discuss how to stay safe on devices and how to find up-to-date information on that safety. We will work on tools and skills for managing screentime as parents and adults to help ourselves and our children.
Enjoy the Holidays Without the Financial Stress
October 28 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Online
The holiday season can bring joy and connection, but it can also increase financial pressure and stress. This presentation will provide practical strategies for managing holiday spending, creating a realistic budget, avoiding unnecessary debt, and navigating the pressures and expectations that often come with gift-giving and family celebrations. We’ll also discuss emotional spending, financial stress, and simple ways to prepare for expenses in the new year. The goal is to help participants enjoy the holidays while making thoughtful financial decisions that support their overall well-being.
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.
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 and Choosing URS Savings Plans and Investment Options
October 28 | 2:00 am - 3:00 pm
You must make many different choices in saving for retirement. See which savings plans and investment options are right for you.