Employee Assistance Training and Education
Employee Assistance offers workshops on a variety of issues either by request from departments or by open enrollment in classes. Topics include, but are not limited to: stress management, instant relaxation, and coping with transition/change.
Monthly Meditation and Mindfulness for Faculty and Staff
The regular practice of mindfulness meditation has a demonstrable impact on psychological and physical health, improving mood, decreasing stress, strengthening the immune system, and supporting sleep.
Be Well at Work Employee Assistance and Work/Life invite faculty and staff to join us for a monthly meditation group which will offer a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation during the work day. Each month will focus on a beneficial intention to guide us.
No registration is required and no prior experience with meditation is necessary. All are welcome.
Virtually
- First Wednesday of the month at 12:15 - 12:45 pm
- Third Thursday of the month at 2 pm - 2:20 pm
If you would like these sessions added to your bCal for scheduling notifications and the Zoom link, please email kpatchell@berkeley.edu
Monthly BIPOC Support Group
Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month, 12 - 12:50 pm
Facilitated by Kiran Johl, LCSW. Employee Assistance Counselor
First group meets on Tuesday, October 10th at noon
This virtual space is for Black, Indigenous, and staff and faculty of Color to join together in community for discussion, support, and encouragement. Topics such as challenges and successes of working at UC Berkeley, intersection of identities, current events, and fostering one’s mental and physical health will be explored.
Email kpatchell@berkeley.edu for registration, zoom link, and bCal Scheduling
ENROLLMENT
UC Berkeley and LBNL Faculty, Staff, Visiting Scholars, and Postdocs:
- Click on the “enroll” hyperlink to take you to the UCB Learning Center.
- Enter your CalNet Passphrase.
- Click "Submit."
All workshops listed below are being held virtually on Zoom.
Please email employeeassistance@berkeley.edu to submit accessibility needs for these events.
Spring 2024 Stress Management Workshops
Tips and Tools for Building Resilience
Monday, January 22nd, Noon - 1 pm via Zoom
Speaker: Elliott DiTusa, Employee Assistance
During times of transition and change our stress levels can increase and negatively impact our health. To best manage our stress healthily, we must cultivate an ability to remain flexible and open to adapt and adjust to challenges. This workshop will examine attributes of resiliency, and explore how to implement tips and tools to strengthen our resiliency skills.
Creating Healthy Boundaries in the Workplace
Thursday, February 8th, noon - 1 pm via Zoom
Speaker: Julie Resnik, LCSW, Employee Assistance
Healthy boundaries in the workplace are essential to support our mental health and maintain job satisfaction. This workshop provides information about different types of boundaries, how to handle boundary challenges, and how to comfortably say “no”. We will introduce strategies to help participants establish healthy boundaries and improve work-life balance.
Identifying How to Collaborate with Neurodivergent Family Members, Students, and Staff Who Learn Differently
Tuesday, March 19th, Noon - 1:15 pm via Zoom
Speaker: Christian Jacobs, LMFT
Join Christian Jacobs, MS, LMFT, as he facilitates a presentation on creating a psychologically safe work-life balance. Up to 20% of employees and students have a neurodivergent condition such as dyslexia, autism, ADHD, and other mental health diagnoses. Neurodiversity means that people learn differently based on multiple mental factors and "there is no single way for a brain to be typical.” These unique skills and abilities can benefit organizations and society at large. However, many families face challenges in parenting or caring for loved ones who are neurodivergent.
Key Discussion Points:
Understanding neurodiversity and its significance
Recognizing the strengths and challenges of neurodivergent individuals
Effective communication strategies
Creating accommodating learning and work environments
Promoting inclusivity and diversity in our community
Understanding Your Relationship to Work
Wednesday, April 3rd, Noon - 1:15 pm via Zoom
Speaker: Kiran Johl, LCSW, Employee Assistance
This workshop utilizes cultural and systemic perspectives to guide participants in better understanding their unique relationships to their work. This includes considerations such as early role modeling by caregivers, early career experiences, and larger societal experiences like economic changes, the pandemic, and institutional discrimination. Ultimately, participants will gain a stronger awareness of what increases their work satisfaction and fit, how to move through one’s career path with intention, and how to navigate work/life balance. Participants will have opportunities to engage in deep self-reflection and will leave with ideas to extend their personal growth and learning. Please note that a version of this workshop was presented at the NOW Conference 2023; participants are invited to visit this information for the first time or revisit it as desired.
Workshop Topics by Request
Please contact us at (510) 643-7754 or email employeeassistance@berkeley.edu to request an Employee Assistance workshop for your department.
Topics include:
- Resilience
- Mindfulness and Stress Management
- Enhancing Focus and Productivity at Work
- Emotional Intelligence
- Creating Healthy Boundaries
- Healthy Habits
- Customized options to fit your department's needs
Elder Care Training and Education
The Elder Care program offers monthly educational workshops and webinars on topics related to elder care and caregiver resilience. The workshops are presented by professionals and experienced caregivers. These workshops are open to current UC Berkeley and LBL employees and generally take place on a weekday from 12:10-1:30 pm.