Employee Wellness Newsletter
FEBRUARY 2026
Between leadership transitions, departmental reorganizations, and shifting workloads, 2025 felt unpredictable. When our environment feels unpredictable, it can be draining to maintain our equilibrium.
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
WEBINARS/CLASSES/COURSES
Wellness in 30
Online
Building Habits
Learn to master your habits by understanding the simple "loop" of cues, routines, and rewards that drive your daily actions. This presentation provides a framework to help you experiment with different rewards and identify the specific triggers behind your behaviors. By creating a clear plan, you can successfully gain power over your routines and reshape almost any habit with time and effort.
This Wellness In 30 is provided by Raeanna Johnson.
Wellness In Action
February 3,10,17
Goal Setting
Tired of resolutions that fade by February? Learn how to set goals that stick by using the SMART framework and a confidence scale to ensure you're always set up for success. By uncovering your deepest "Why" and aligning your plan with your personal values, you will learn to turn small daily habits into major life accomplishments.
Balance Break: Heart Healthy Snacks
February 6
Celebrate Heart Health Day by wearing red and joining us for a selection of delicious, heart-healthy snacks. It’s a wonderful opportunity to step away from your desk and enjoy a refreshing break with great conversation among colleagues from across campus.
Cooking Demonstration: Cooking Basics Part 1
February 12, 19, 26
Knife Skills: Master the most important tool in your kitchen by learning the proper grip and safety techniques for various fundamental cuts. You’ll put your new skills to immediate use by prepping a vibrant, garden-fresh salad from scratch.
Roasting and Steaming: Discover how to unlock deep flavors and perfect textures through the essential methods of roasting and steaming. We will cover the secrets to achieving perfectly caramelized vegetables and light, fluffy rice every time. These versatile techniques will become your reliable foundations for healthy, delicious weeknight meals.
Saute and Simmer: Take control of your stovetop as you learn the nuances of sautéing for color and simmering for rich, developed flavors. You will practice these techniques by creating a classic homemade marinara sauce while learning how to best utilize your different pots and pans.
Register for one or all three sessions.
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.
Information Coming Soon
February | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Coming Soon
BLOMQUIST HALE SUPPORT GROUPS
Blomquist Hale will provide support groups at no cost.
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.
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.
Retirement Payout Options
February 3 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Explore your retirement payout options, including how they affect your monthly benefit, your spouse, and whether a lump-sum payment is right for you.
(For members in Tier 1 systems.)
Financial Wellness Basics
February 4 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Get practical tips for improving your personal finances.
The Tier 2 Public Employee Hybrid Option
February 10 | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
This is an overview if you selected the Tier 2 Hybrid Option and have more than one year of service.
URS Savings Plans and Investment Options
February 17 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
You must make many different choices in saving for retirement. See which savings plans and investment options are right for you.
Creating and Following Your Spending Pan
February 18 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Are you living paycheck to paycheck? Perhaps a spending plan can help you. We'll discuss strategies to manage your spending.