Election stress: UWHR resources

No matter where you stand on candidates and issues, it is important to acknowledge how many may feel due to the election. Stress and anxiety can affect our health, our work, and our relationships and interactions with others. Please review and share UWHR’s resources to help employees and managers over the next few weeks:

FOR MANAGERS

  *   Office Hours with POD: Election stress is real, and at this moment in time leaders are managing unprecedented levels of anxiety and distress among their teams. Join POD’s experienced consultants to ask questions, discuss organizational and interpersonal challenges, and get help with managing during this difficult time. The Nov. 2 session will focus on addressing anxiety and sharing best practices for preparing your team, and the Nov. 9 session will focus on moving your team forward and helping people become “unstuck.” Register for the Monday, Nov. 2 and/or the Monday, Nov. 9 session from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

  *   2020 Election Support Series – Daily Reminders to Practice Resilience: Participants will receive an e-mail from The Whole U every work day between Monday, October 26 and Friday, November 13 that includes concrete, 5–15 minute action steps to support resilience, compassion for others and self-care.

  *   14 Day Election Stress Mediation: Find relaxation and build resilience this election season through practicing mindfulness. Join Catherine Bachy and Jeff Leinaweaver for a 10-minute guided meditation session at noon starting October 26 and continuing daily through November 6. This meditation session will have you calm, focused, and empowered for the rest of the day.

  *    Healthy Media Consumption as Election Day Approaches: Watch UW CareLink’s on-demand webinar to learn about healthy media consumption habits that don’t damage your mental and physical wellbeing.

  *   Helpful tips are also available in Work-Life Director Kathleen Farrell’s article on resilience strategies and in UW CareLink’s election stress guide.

  *    Dealing with Harassment: In the upcoming season we may see an increase in online harassment. SafeCampus continues to be available if you or someone you know is targeted. There are many kinds of online harassment, from the annoying (rude comments made by online trolls), to the invasive (doxing), to the potentially dangerous and traumatic (cyberstalking, threats of violence, hate speech and beyond). UW staff, faculty and students may be targeted because of a belief they share in a classroom, a political position they hold or because of their area of research. You do not have to deal with the situation alone, reach out to SafeCampus for caring consultation and resources at 206-685-7233 or visit their online harassment resources at: uw.edu/safecampus/harassment-and-sexual-harassment/