Employee Wellness Newsletter

September 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.

September: Sleep & Stress Cycles

Stress and sleep can create a cycle that makes it difficult to feel rested and recharged. This month focuses on understanding how stress can disrupt sleep and using simple, consistent routines to support better rest, recovery, and energy.

Learn More

WEBINARS/CLASSES/COURSES


Wellness in 30

Online

Prepping For Sleep

Learn about practical strategies and tips to help improve your sleep quality. We'll explore techniques like relaxation exercises, mindfulness, and creating a sleep-friendly environment, all aimed at calming the mind and setting the stage for a restful night.

This Wellness In 30 is provided by Katie Burrup.

Learn More


Employee Wellness 101

Online

Wellness Program Tutorial

Employee Wellness 101 provides an overview of the Employee Wellness program and the resources available to benefit-eligible employees. During this one-hour class, employees will learn about wellness programs and Released Wellness Time, how to navigate the online wellness platform, and how to participate in the Rewards and Bonus programs.

Register Now


Cooking Demonstration

September 17

Herbs and Spices

Spice up your cooking skills by learning the art of using herbs and spices to transform everyday meals into culinary delights. Join our upcoming class and discover how these simple ingredients can make a big impact on flavor and nutrition.

Register Now


Balance Break

September 30

Guided Relaxation 

Take a break from the demands of the day with a guided relaxation session designed to help you slow down and reset. Participants will be led through simple relaxation techniques that can help ease tension, quiet the mind, and leave you feeling refreshed for the rest of your day.

Register Now


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. 

Register Now

CAMPAIGNS/CHALLENGES

Train Your Brain

September 14 - October 25


Teach your brain to stay active and learn new skills, which can promote a more successful life. Each week, you will be presented with different puzzles, books, and other resources to keep your mind engaged and healthy.

This campaign will be added to your Employee Wellness Account- no registration required. 

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.


Preparing for Retirement

September 17 | 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Online

Retirement can be an exciting time but requires more than just financial preparation. This webinar will help you identify ways to become emotionally prepared and assist you in the psychological shift, offering strategies to maintain social connections, explore new passions, and handle changes in personal relationships. 

Register Now

 

Working with Kids Who Have ADHD/Other Executive Concerns

September 17 | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Online

This workshop will focus on understanding common challenges children with ADHD face and practical ways to help them navigate these challenges. We will discuss executive functioning skills, how ADHD can impact them, and strategies to help children manage executive dysfunction. We will also explore approaches for addressing school and academic concerns. Lastly, we will review common therapeutic approaches and tools children can learn, along with guidance on when therapy may be beneficial. 

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 July webinars. Employees can access these webinars at TIAA.org/webinars. Recordings are available for replay on demand for 90 days following the live webinar date.


September 9

9:00 am - 10:00 am


How Can I Afford College For My Kids or Grandkids?


Saving for a child's education is a crucial financial decision that can have a lasting impact on their future. In this webinar you’ll gain insights into how to make the best decisions for your situation.

We’ll discuss:

  • Why saving for college matters
  • Common questions
  • Ways to save
  • How to avoid excessive debt when considering loans
  • Tips to get started

Register Now


September 24

10:00 am - 11:00 am


Understanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Smart saving for healthcare expenses today and tomorrow


Health care expenses can rise quickly. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer a tax-advantaged way to save for those expenses. This webinar explains how HSAs work and how to use them to your benefit.

In this webinar, you’ll learn:

  • HSA eligibility and contribution limits
  • What counts as a qualified medical expense
  • How an HSA account works
  • Tax benefits of HSAs

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.


Understanding and Choosing URS Savings Plans and Investment Options

September 23 | 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

You must make many different choices in saving for retirement. See which savings plans and investment options are right for you.

Register Now


 

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