To help you cope with the sustained stress of the pandemic, Carebridge is offering online stress check-in support groups. Attendance will help improve your ability to thrive during this challenging time and enhance your physical, mental and emotional well-being. Habits, beliefs and behaviors that promote resilience will be highlighted.
HR News
Important Updates Regarding Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts for Faculty and Staff
Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) offer a great way to save money by allowing you to contribute pre-tax dollars into an account (avoiding federal and state income tax, as well as FICA) that you can use to pay for eligible health care expenses.
As a reminder, if you had a health care FSA through Syracuse University in 2019, the deadline to submit eligible expenses for reimbursement is April 30, 2020. If you have any leftover funds from 2019 that are unused, up to $500 will be rolled over to your health care FSA for use in 2020.
New for 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) has expanded the list of health care items that are eligible for reimbursement from health care FSAs.
Effective immediately, the following health care expenses incurred after Dec. 31, 2019, now qualify for reimbursement:
- Over-the-counter drugs and medicines without a doctor’s prescription
- Menstrual care products
Syracuse University’s flexible spending account vendor, WageWorks/HealthEquity, is working to update its website and system to ensure these changes are implemented as soon as possible. Should you have any questions about these changes or the reimbursement process, please contact the WageWorks/HealthEquity customer care team at 877.924.3967 (TTY: 866.353.8058).
Positivity and Well-Being
During this uncertain, evolving (and somewhat scary) time of social distancing, new remote work arrangements, constant news coverage of COVID-19, and mad dashes to the store to stock up on essentials, you probably know that staying calm and carrying on, is the reasonable thing to do. But it can be easier said than done.
The world may have changed rapidly in the past month or so, but the ability to learn ways to stay positive has not. It can be hard to know how to stay positive at work and in life while all around us seems full of bad news. The good news is, you can start practicing the power of positivity at any time! Consciously focusing on staying positive can impact your overall well-being (in a good way!).
Expanded Telemedicine Coverage Available for Faculty, Staff and Retirees
Syracuse University, in partnership with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, has expanded coverage for individuals enrolled in its health plans to include access to telemedicine. If a member’s health care provider, including a behavioral health provider, offers virtual and telephonic options for care, those services are covered under the plan.
In addition, members have access to MDLIVE, a national telemedicine provider that gives patients 24/7 access to a network of board-certified doctors, pediatricians and licensed therapists that can treat more than 50 non-emergency conditions, via a computer, mobile device or by calling 866.692.5045 (TTY: 800.770.5531).
During the coronavirus (COVID-19) global health emergency, member cost-sharing for all eligible in-network telemedicine services will be waived to ensure appropriate access to care. Additional information on telemedicine and how to schedule an MDLIVE visit can be found in these MDLIVE FAQs.
COVID-19: Developing Self-Reliance And Perseverance Skills At Home
To help you develop a sense of self-reliance and find new ways to live a resilient life during this ongoing emergency, Carebridge has collected a series of useful resources that will help anyone face challenges with the know-how to get the job done. Whether you want to learn how to cook something new or find a way to keep up your fitness routine at home, these tips and tools will help you build a momentum of success in your life that will reassure you that you’re capable of taking care of yourself and others during this stressful time.
COVID-19: Information for Families with Children
The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for families across the country. As more and more schools close, requiring school-age children to remain at home in an effort to promote self-distancing, parents are looking for ways to maintain their responsibilities while supporting the educational needs and development of those in their care.
COVID-19: Information for Older Adults & Caregivers
In the months since the first outbreak of COVID-19, scientists and medical professionals have noted that individuals 60+ years of age can be the most vulnerable to the illness. While anyone with a compromised immune system or preexisting condition may have an increased vulnerability and face greater issues from an infection, older individuals are at risk because they may have age-related concerns—an aging immune system and/or already present medical challenges—that can contribute to the severe respiratory illness that frequently accompanies a COVID-19 infection.
COVID-19: Financial Stability and Support
It’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this situation. Americans across the country–and just like you–are looking for ways to cope with the complexity of this crisis and are finding the support they need to overcome the challenges in front of them. There are resources that can help you address the changes in your life this health emergency may create. From financial information that can help you stretch every dollar to emotional wellbeing resources that can aid in cutting anxiety and reducing stress, there’s something here for you that can make every day a little easier.
Give a colleague a SHOUT OUT!
Let’s share our words of appreciation and gratitude for each other during this challenging time. A SHOUT OUT! is intended to identify and recognize individuals or groups for a noteworthy act or effort. Stay connected, stay strong, stay positive!
Tips for Adopting a Successful Remote Work Strategy
Many faculty and staff have coordinated remote work arrangements as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) health emergency. This may be a new concept for some and will require adjustment for all. Transitioning to working from home will have its challenges, but faculty and staff can successfully remain efficient and engaged, while also continuing to care for themselves and their families.
Efficiency
- create a dedicated work space: Of course, a home office is ideal, but if you’re not in a position to secure an entire room, carve out space somewhere in your home designated only for work. Try to have a desk or table and a chair that is dedicated to you performing your job and eliminate any unnecessary clutter.
- maintain regular hours: Set a schedule, and stick to it..the best that you can. It is important to maintain work-life balance and having a clear guideline for when to work and when to call it a day.
- stay motivated: One of the best ways to keep motivated is to set a schedule. Give yourself a routine, set daily goals and prioritize your daily duties. You can also look for training opportunities to further your professional development.
Engagement
- stay connected to colleagues: It is important not to lose connection with your team. Tools such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom can keep you and your team connected and informed, as to not lose cohesiveness or lack of progress on progress.
- take a “water cooler” break: There may be some feelings of loneliness and disconnect, try to take some time to interact and socialize with your colleagues outside of all work talk. Have a quick chat via text, email, FaceTime, or Teams about something fun and exciting.
- work visibly: Increasing your visibility can help maintain stronger relationships with your virtual team and colleagues and you will be better able to stay in the loop. Speaking up and contributing during remote meetings helps your presence be felt and let’s everyone know you are engaged.
- be available: Answer emails, phone calls, Teams chat and texts in a timely, friendly manner—remember, when you work remotely, no one can see your facial expression or hear the tone of your voice…so be considerate with your communication. Everyone is doing their best!
Self-care
- be positive: Don’t be too hard on yourself, working from home can be a big transition especially during these times. Any transition takes time to get used to, so stay positive and try to be easy on yourself.
- take breaks: Try to schedule in breaks for yourself throughout the day, set your alarm or mark it on your calendar. Don’t short-change yourself, it is important to take some time and step away from your .
- build physical activity into your day: As you take breaks, try and do some stretches or take a walk. Build movement into your everyday. You can even simply stand up while working.