WellWorks encourages OHIO employees to prioritize wellbeing

February 13, 2022

As Ohio University employees prepare to observe the two-year anniversary of pivoting operations in response to a global pandemic, University leaders are collaborating to identify wellbeing offerings to support the varied needs of the institution’s workforce.

“No two circumstances are alike right now,” reflected Administrative Senate Chairperson and Executive Director of Wellbeing, Jenn Bennett. “All employees were impacted professionally by the pandemic, and many in relatable ways, but the social, financial, environmental and mental impacts have been profound and diverse. It’s our responsibility to ensure resources are readily available in response to employees’ needs.”

Bennett identified a number of readily available resources currently available to employees at no or low cost to them:

Risk Reduction

Benefits-eligible employees and/or their benefits-enrolled spouses/partners at all campuses are encouraged to consider the Risk Reduction program this spring as an avenue for prioritizing one’s wellbeing. 

“The only prerequisite is the desire to explore self-growth.” reflected the Risk Reduction program coordinator, Josh Christen.

The spring team begins the week of February 28, 2022.  Eligible participants may participate once in the Risk Reduction 2.0 program. Cost for the Spring 2022 cohort is $0.00 thanks to support from the OHIO Benefits Office.

The Spring 2022 cohort will participate in: 

• Exercise "prescriptions"
• Weekly team meetings (Via Microsoft Teams)
• Up to four individual nutritional counseling sessions with a Registered Dietitian (either in-person or virtual)
• Restorative Yoga
• Access to the Risk Reduction library of resources about physical activity, nutrition support and stress management. 

The program, which is built on the philosophy that a healthy, active way of life is the best prevention against chronic disease, is being offered in Spring 2022 at no cost to participants.

Valued at several thousand dollars of services, this program is typically offered at an up-front fee of $300.  While individuals could earn reimbursement of those funds by participating in program components, the fee was still a deterrent to some individuals. The decision to eliminate the up-front fee was made in an effort to allow wellbeing to become more accessible to employees, regardless of economic status.

Interested participants can complete the RR 2.0 Interest Form. The program manager, Josh Christen, will verify your eligibility and email you additional details. Space is limited. Participants will be accepted in the order in which they confirm their willingness to participate.

Massage Therapy

Those employees who are able to get onto the Athens campus can enjoy the benefit of on-site, low-cost massage therapy to support enhanced wellbeing. The WellWorks licensed massage therapist can help you: get relief from muscle pain and soreness; alleviate stress, and; detoxify—both mentally and physically.

The WellWorks Massage Therapy program has undergone a variety of changes to ensure this activity can be safely returned to your wellbeing routine, including:

• Space Improvements: In an effort to support improved airflow and client comfort, the massage room has been relocated to a larger space within the WellWorks suite. This new space will also provide a quieter environment, maximizing the client experience. Members still check-in at the WellWorks front desk and will then be escorted to the new massage room.
• Safety Protocols: While the client’s experience will, largely, not be impacted by safety measures, WellWorks staff are following all recommended safety requirements that are relevant to its operation. The Massage Therapist will sanitize the space before and after each massage, remove linens from the space and utilize pump massage oils/lotions to prevent any cross-contamination.  
• Masks: The Massage Therapist will wear a mask at all times. Clients who are unvaccinated must also wear a mask. Vaccinated clients have the choice to wear or not wear a mask during their appointment. 
• Temporary Adjustments to Offerings: At this time, WellWorks has eliminated 30-minute massages, facial massages and add-on services (such as Hot Stone and Cupping Therapy) to ensure client safety.

WellWorks massage therapy appointments are currently available in 60- and 90- minute increments at the lowest possible fee to maintain program operations. Additionally, as state employees, WellWorks Massage Therapists are unable to accept tips, making the client experience lower stress and more affordable.

Appointments can be made for one’s self on the WellWorks Member Portal. To gift a massage, please call the WellWorks front desk at 740-593-2093.

Mindful Eating

If you’re ready to heal your relationship with food and break up with diet culture, please join us as we focus on Mindful Eating!

Mindful Eating Specialty Program 
with Louise Cruz RDN, LD

This will be a 6-month program that will include a new lesson each month, offered live on Teams. In addition, participants will have access to reinforcing activities, support calls, and ongoing encouragement.  

Learn More

FREE Informational Calls

We’re offering two informational calls where Louise will offer some simple techniques you can use to reduce the stress embedded in our food choices. Louise will also outline all the details of the 6-month program so you can decide if the program is right for you. Register for one of the Informational Calls. 

• Tuesday, 2/15/2022 at 12:00 p.m. 
• Wednesday 2/16/2022 at 5:30 pm:

Employee Wellness Website

Whether you're working through a medical diagnosis for yourself or a loved one, navigating financial hardships, experiencing new and difficult feelings, trying to communicate with your supervisor, or, perhaps, you want to learn a new skill, there are likely wellbeing resources available to you as an employee of Ohio University.

Regardless of what you're experiencing in your life right now, there are likely wellbeing resources available to you. Check out the Ohio University Employee Wellness website or reach out to a member of the WellWorks team (email wellworks@ohio.edu) and they'll help point you in a helpful direction.