Employee Wellness

Students with KU face mask

Supporting Others

We are currently living in extraordinarily difficult times. It can be hard to manage your own stress and anxiety, let alone the stress and anxiety of others. We must remember that we are all in this together! Within our community there are many vulnerable populations that need support during this time. A word of encouragement, a kind note, or refraining from a negative comment can go a long way. Let's remember to rise to the occasion and foster a community of support. KU Edwards’ Dr. Angie Pastorek shares more  ways  to  communicate with humility and empathy in your workplace conversations. You can read more about these techniques here.

Mental Wellness

Employees are encouraged to utilize the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which is a confidential, free service that provides benefits-eligible KU employees and their immediate family members with professional counseling and referral services for help in dealing with life’s challenges. If you need support now - or any time -, please contact the EAP. EAP counselors provide short-term counseling (up to eight sessions per issue) and/or referral to other professional resources. The EAP is available 24/7 by calling 1-888-275-1205 (option 1. or logging into www.guidanceresources.com with company ID SOKEAP. TDD service for those with a hearing impairment is available at 800-697-0353.

2019-20 Staff Fellows Project

KU is committed to removing barriers, creating a proactive inclusive culture, and ending stigma surrounding mental health. The 2019- 2020 Staff Fellows project focused on identifying and examining current campus stigma, perceptions, and barriers regarding mental health. The Staff Fellows cohort focused on six key areas:

  • Raising awareness and ending stigma
  • Improving climate and culture
  • Identifying gaps in resources and/or services
  • Improving access to resources
  • Identifying proactive campus-wide policies, and
  • Identifying innovative ideas that promote an understanding of mental health, compassion and a sense of belonging for all Jayhawks.