New Name, Same Services: Be Well at Work
On April 4, University Health Services announced a name change for our health programs that support faculty and staff: Be Well at Work. This change unifies our popular faculty/staff services under a more memorable name that better illuminates our collaborative work to support wellness at work and shifts away from the focus on the seven individual units. Most unit names are merely simplified to reflect the services provided, with more significant changes to Health*Matters (now known as Wellness) and CARE Services (now known as Employee Assistance). UHS timed the transition to coincide with our new website launch; see our new resource page specifically for managers and supervisors.
Supporting Your Staff During Mental Health Month
When we think about cancer, heart disease, or diabetes, we don’t wait years to treat them. We start with prevention efforts before they become chronic conditions. So why don’t we do the same when dealing with a potentially serious mental illness? Each year more than 60 million adults in the US will suffer from an anxiety disorder or a form of depressive illness.
Knowing early signs and symptoms, such as changes in energy levels or changes in sleep or eating patterns, social withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, and feeling anxious and/or irritable, can help with early diagnosis and treatment.
During this May’s Mental Health Month, Be Well at Work Employee Assistance (formerly known as CARE Services for Faculty and Staff) is encouraging supervisors to learn the signs and consult with Employee Assistance on how to help employees on a path toward overall health.
Rob Starkey; New Director of Employee Assistance (formerly CARE Services)
Be Well at Work Employee Assistance, formerly known as CARE Services for Faculty and Staff, welcomes new director Rob Starkey, Psy.D., to UC Berkeley. Rob recently joined Berkeley from UCSF and UCOP where he provided individual counseling, organizational consultation, and threat assessment/management. For managers and supervisors, the Employee Assistance team provides support and consultation in understanding and effectively managing challenging employee behaviors such as potential substance impairment, mental health concerns, interpersonal conflict, and organizational change. In addition, should your department suffer loss or have traumatic events occur, Employee Assistance can facilitate groups to help your team recover. Managers and supervisors also play an important role in keeping the staff they supervise informed of the voluntary, free, and confidential benefits of individual Employee Assistance services. Call Employee Assistance at (510) 643-7754.
