HR Update

December brings the end of fall semester and holidays. Here’s how your University benefits can help you find balance and rest through this busy time.

Events

Happier Holidays: Brain Tricks for More Joy, Less Stress

Register for Happier Holidays (December 3, noon–1 p.m.)
Wellbeing Points: 200

Society pressures us to spend heavily during the holiday season. However, many people find that spending does not bring happiness and leads to stress and debt. Learn three core principles of personal finance that will help you get more fulfillment out of your holidays in this free, interactive LSS Financial webinar.

Managing Mental Health Through the Holidays

Register for Managing Mental Health Through the Holidays (December 11, noon–1 p.m.)
Wellbeing Points: 200

Learn research-backed strategies for setting expectations and protecting your mental health during common holiday stress—including how to find joy, navigate conflict, and make the most of the moments that matter—in this free workshop through Employee Assistance Program provider Lyra Health.

SKY Campus Happiness Retreat

Register for the January SKY Campus Happiness Retreat (January 6–8, 5:30–8:00 p.m.)
Price: $75 (Usually $295!)
Wellbeing Points: 1,800

Start 2025 off strong by attending the SKY Campus Happiness Retreat. This three-day virtual event is a breathwork, wellbeing, and resilience training tailored for U of M staff and faculty. Employees will learn evidence-based breath techniques designed to decrease anxiety and stress. Content is grounded in the practice of breathwork and meditation.

Resources

Employee Assistance Program

Struggling with anxiety, depression, seasonal affective disorder, or stress? The Employee Assistance Program (EAP), through Lyra Health, provides:

• confidential professional counseling
• up to eight coaching and therapy sessions per issue each year (continued sessions are available to employees enrolled in a University medical plan)
• on-demand access to a self-care library for help with sleep, meditation, stress relief, and more

All benefits-eligible employees, their spouses, and their dependents are eligible for EAP services. Lyra uses a diverse network of counselors who self-identify across a broad range of racial, gender, sexual orientation, and other cultural identities. Get started with the EAP.

Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Funds

If you need continued mental health support beyond the free EAP sessions mentioned above, you can use HSA or FSA funds to pay for counseling.

You could also potentially use HSA and FSA funds to pay for things such as over-the-counter products (like herbal supplements), sleep disorder treatments, and light therapy boxes to treat seasonal affective disorder. However, these products will likely require a letter of medical necessity from your doctor to qualify. Learn more about qualified expenses from HSA Bank.

Sick Time

Don’t forget that you can use your banks of accrued paid time off under the University’s traditional sick time program or Minnesota Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) to take time off for medical, dental, and mental health appointments. Visit the Vacations, Time Away & Leaves web page for more information.

Wellbeats “Rest and Restore” Program

Wellbeats’ two-week “Rest and Restore” program includes a range of classes like restorative yoga, gentle stretching, and calming meditation to unwind and prepare for a restful night.

To access “Rest and Restore” videos, log in to the Wellbeing Program portal and find Wellbeats in the Programs tab. Once you’re in the Wellbeats portal, go to Programs and search for Rest and Restore.

If this is your first time using the platform, here’s how to get started with Wellbeats.