Employee Wellness Newsletter

August 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

SUMMER WELLNESS FOCUS
MOVEMENT THAT FITS YOUR DAY

Summer often brings schedule changes, vacations, and competing priorities—making consistency harder, not easier. This semester focuses on Daily Movement as a grounding habit that supports energy, mood, and stress management

August: Movement When You're Tired or Busy

Busy schedules and low energy can make movement feel out of reach. Learn how short, manageable bursts of activity can help maintain consistency and support your energy, mood, and overall well-being.

Learn More

WEBINARS, CLASSES, & COURSES


Wellness in 30

Online

Exercise In A Pinch

Not all workout plans are created equal. Learn how to make the most of your time through high intensity interval training. Follow along with an engaging, calorie torching 7-minute workout. 

Learn More


Balance Break

August 19

Puzzles and Puzzle Exchange

Slow down and recharge with puzzles, conversation, and a little community fun. Employees are invited to help build a variety of community puzzles or bring a gently used puzzle to exchange for something new. Drop in for a few minutes or stay awhile

Register Now


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. 

Register Now

MORE WAYS TO PLAY

Back to School, Back to Wellness

August 18 - 21


Before the campus fills up, focus on you. Join Employee Wellness for a week of movement, health insights, and relaxation designed to help you start the academic year feeling refreshed.

Tuesday, August 18

Campus 5K Fun Run/Walk

Wednesday, August 19

Healthy Utah Testing

  • Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
  • Location: Lindquist Hall, Room 102
  • Details: Screenings provided by PEHP. Results can be applied towards the Bonus Program.
  • Cost: Free
  • Register Now

Thursday, August 20

DEXA Body Scan

  • Time: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Location: Paid Parking Lot
  • Details: Get precise measurements of bone density, muscle mass, and body fat. Test can be completed in your work clothes.
  • Cost: $75 (HSA and Flex eligible)
  • Register Now

Friday, August 21

Sunrise Sound Bath

  • Time: 7:30 AM – 8:15 AM
  • Location: Annex 29
  • Details: Guided meditation and sound resonance for deep relaxation. Limited spots available.
  • Register Now

Discovery Trail Hike

  • Time: 9:15 AM – 10:15 AM
  • Location: Discovery Trailhead (Above Campus)
  • Details: Scenic morning hike on the WSU Discovery Trail. All fitness levels welcome.
  • Register Now

 

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.

Join Now

BLOMQUIST HALE WEBINARS

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


Grief Series - The Red Tape of Grief and Loss

August 10 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Online

By request, this session will focus on some of the more practical and logistical aspects of grief that can be just as challenging as the emotional ones. We will discuss resources, tools, and guidance for understanding a loved one’s end-of-life wishes and funeral planning, navigating the financial aspects of death, addressing common questions and concerns surrounding end-of-life matters, recognizing the emotional impact these responsibilities can have, and exploring healthy coping strategies. Participants will also receive a variety of resources for additional support and guidance. 

Register Now

 

Resilient Relationships - Understanding and Supporting the First Responder Lifestyle

August 25 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Online

This workshop is designed to help spouses of first responders better understand the unique demands, stressors, and emotional impact associated with careers in public safety. Participants will gain insight into the challenges their loved one faces while balancing the responsibilities of work and family life, and learn strategies to strengthen communication, resilience, and connection within the relationship. The workshop also emphasizes the importance of self-care, providing spouses with practical tools to support their first responder while maintaining their own emotional well-being and personal health. 

Register Now


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. 

Register Now

 

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.

Register Now

 

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. 

Register Now


TIAA

TIAA will be providing live webinars throughout the month.

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


August 6

10:00 am - 11:00 am


Live long and prosper: Your guide to understanding longevity


Longevity is a gift. But as life-prolonging medical advancements proliferate, how can you improve not just the length of your life, but also the extent of your health and wealth?

During this webinar, learn about:

  • Challenges and opportunities associated with increased longevity
  • How longevity literacy affects retirement planning and saving decisions
  • Actions for maintaining an aging population’s health, wealth and happiness

Register Now


August 18

9:00 am - 10:00 am


Take control of your financial life: 5 steps to save money and manage debt


Learn how to manage money, uncover how to set goals, balance your budget and use debt wisely. With the know-how you need and a little determination, you can put yourself
on the path to greater lifelong financial security.

In this webinar you’ll learn how to:

  • Set your goals
  • Know your spending
  • Create a plan
  • Manage credit and debt
  • Practice healthy money habits

Register Now

 

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.


The Quiet Path to Wealth

August 4 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

In a culture fascinated by entrepreneurs, influencers, and overnight success stories, financial security can seem reserved for only the elite few. But the average Utah public employee has a real path to long-term financial security — one that’s much quieter. This webinar explores how consistent saving, steady investing, smart financial habits, and maximizing benefits can gradually build real wealth over time.

Register Now


Can I Retire Early

August 11 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

No one ever tells you it’s time to retire. Many people assume they need to reach traditional milestones like age 65 and Medicare eligibility. But depending on your savings, benefits, and lifestyle, you may be closer than you think. This webinar can be a great first step to understanding when retirement can be possible for you.

Register Now


Aging Well

August 17 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Take a deep, practical look at the five keys that shape a healthy, fulfilling retirement. We’ll explore how purpose, social connection, physical well‑being, mental vitality, and your living environment work together to support a longer, happier life. Whether you’re planning ahead or already retired, you’ll gain simple, research‑backed insights and everyday strategies to help you thrive in the years ahead.

Register Now


Understanding Mortgage Rates

August 19 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

This webinar explores the key factors that influence mortgage interest rates, including market conditions, inflation, and individual borrower profiles. It also covers practical guidelines for evaluating whether refinancing makes sense based on your financial goals and current loan terms.  Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how to make informed mortgage decisions.

Register Now


Is a Roth Conversion Right for Me?

August 27 | 9:00 am - 10:30 am

August 31 | 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Is a conversion to a Roth savings account (paying taxes on a traditional retirement balance now) right for you? In this webinar, we’ll discuss considerations for converting (or not converting) traditional retirement money into Roth savings plans. You’ll learn about URS’s new Roth plans and what they may mean for your Roth conversion options.

Register Now


 

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