Work Well Spotlight
Welcome to our Work Well Spotlight page dedicated to providing timely and relevant resources to address your health and well-being needs. You’ll find a variety of resources here to support you related to this selected focus area. Explore our curated content to stay informed and take proactive steps towards a healthier, happier life.
Times of Uncertainty
In times of uncertainty, it’s crucial to support our employees’ mental health and well-being. Providing resources and fostering a supportive environment helps our team navigate challenges with resilience and confidence.
Identify: Signs Your Employee May Be Distress
Signs of employee distress can manifest in various ways, including a lack of interest and productivity issues, social withdrawal or problems at home, irritable, restless, depressed, or anxious actions, and tiredness, difficulty concentrating, or making decisions.
You might see someone close to you speaking, feeling, or acting in concerning ways. These changes can be sudden or last longer than usual. Remember, people express these signs differently based on their cultural context and life experiences.
Are you noticing these behaviors with your employee or with yourself?
Acknowledge: Prompts to Check In With Your Employee
Acknowledging and connecting with someone in distress is crucial for providing effective support. By recognizing their feelings and validating their experiences, we create a safe space for them to open up. This approach fosters trust and empathy, allowing us to offer meaningful support and understanding during difficult times.
| Make the time and space to connect: | “Want to grab some coffee and talk?” |
| Tell the person what you are noticing: | “I’ve noticed you seem more isolated than usual.” |
| Validate with care and empathy: | “I’m so glad you opened up to me.”; “I’m here to listen.” |
| Use active listening skills like open-ended questions and summarizing what the speaker said: | “How have you been coping?”;” It sounds like you have been struggling.” |
| Explore options for the problem: | “How can I support you?” |
Connect: Resources Available for Additional Support
Want someone to talk to?
- Consider referring the employee to Faculty/Staff Assistance and Well-Being Services (FSAWS) for short-term counseling or referral at fsas@illinois.edu or call (217) 244-5312.
Need help problem-solving how to support a team member?
- Engage in leadership consultations or coaching with FSAWS.
Have concerns about the well-being of your team or office?
- You can submit a request to meet with Well-Being Services to discuss the need for curated wellness support at wellbeing@illinois.edu or call (217) 265-9355.
Share: Wellness-in-Action
Small, daily wellness habits completed over time can result in meaningful wellness gains. Don’t wait until you encounter a stressful situation to practice your skills. Instead, do it now so it is naturally accessible to you when you need it most.
Before performing any daily habit activity through Wellness-in-Action, please consider your personal health status and if the activity is right for you.
Leading with Empathy: Supporting Employees Through Change
Navigating Uncertainty:
How to Adapt with Resilience
Understanding and Addressing Compassion Fatigue
What is something I can do?
- Relaxation Exercises: Tune in to the relaxation exercises offered by McKinley Health Center (UIUC) to manage stress and improve well-being. These techniques help relax your mind and body, especially during busy or stressful times.
- Self-Care Benefits and Resources: Share Mental Health and Self-Care resources through System Human Resources to support colleagues’ well-being and promote a healthier work environment. These resources provide valuable information and tools for managing stress, maintaining mental health, and practicing self-care.
What is something I can read?
- Practicing Presence: Explore this resource on Practicing Presence, which focuses on connecting with your body and mind to foster deeper dialogue with yourself and others. This course from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Paideia Program offers insights and techniques to help you become more present in daily interactions.
- Wholeness Reflection Exercise: You can view the National Wellness Institute Wholeness Reflection Exercise to become aware of, and make choices toward, a more successful existence. This exercise is designed to help you reflect on various aspects of your life, including physical, emotional, social, and occupational well-being.
What is something I can watch?
- BeWell Webinars: These webinars are designed to support your well-being and provide valuable insights on various health topics. Whether you’re looking to manage stress, improve your nutrition, or stay active, our webinars have something for everyone.
- LinkedIn Learning: Check out the well-being and self-care courses available in our library that explore key topics in well-being and self-care, such as how to manage stress, cultivate resilience, practice mindfulness, and enhance your emotional intelligence. Discover how to balance your priorities, set healthy boundaries, and achieve your goals by improving well-being and self-care.