How long have you been a Buckeye Wellness Innovator?
Six months to less than one year.
Approximately how many people are in your department, unit, building, or college?
We have 715 students and staff with Facilities Operations and Development (FOD).
Regarding your department or unit's wellness efforts, which of the nine dimensions of wellness has your team addressed?
- Physical
- Emotional
- Social
- Creative
- Spiritual
Describe a successful activity that your team planned around the nine dimensions of wellness.While the pandemic has certainly cut back on our in-person activities for many staff, we were able to offer massages through YP4H in August which is always a popular, "sell-out" event. It touches the physical, emotional, and even spiritual dimensions of wellness and we have individuals from all areas of the organization participate, especially a lot of our front line workers who have very physically demanding jobs. It's nice to be able to offer this free benefit that so many people look forward to.
Prior to the pandemic we had a health and wellness component to our annual staff appreciation "picnic" called SummerFest. In addition to activities like bingo, cornhole, and a volleyball tournament, we had a "health and wellness" tent where staff could stop by to talk with a health coach, get information about EAP and Care Coordination, and sample healthy snacks and desserts. It was actually working to plan these events that got me interested in becoming a BWI.
With so many of us still working from home, we don't get the opportunity to interact with our teams like we used to or even catch up with someone at the proverbial water cooler. In April, we have a virtual chocolate tasting planned with our administrative professionals and office support staff. Everyone is looking forward to this fun team-building activity...I mean who doesn't love chocolate?!
If you could accomplish anything as a Buckeye Wellness Innovator, what would your dream be?
I think YP4H and Virgin Pulse is an amazing benefit and am surprised more people don't take advantage of the programs and wellness incentives and would love it if we could increase staff participation. I earn $25 in Pulse Cash each quarter that I use for an Amazon gift card and $75 towards my HRA. The great thing about the HRA is that it carries over (unlike your flexible spending account).
Describe how a manager or supervisor in your unit/department/building/college has shown support for your role as a Buckeye Wellness Innovator.
FOD's Vice President, Mark Conselyea, has always been supportive of wellness ideas that are brought to him. In the past he's hosted "wellness walks" and is eager to help develop and support some organizational wellness goals.
Please share how your team has overcome barriers to engaging your colleagues and/or students in your wellness efforts.
Grassroots engagement works best. While emails and digital newsletters are a great resource, many of our staff aren't office based and don't have an opportunity to stay as up-to-date with emails or digital communications as others. When we've invited YP4H and members from the Health Plan to our annual SummerFest events (paused due to COVID), we have the opportunity to actively engage with over 60% of our staff and have some meaningful discussions about the resources available to them.
Coco Kneisly
Facilities Operations and Development
How long have you been a Buckeye Wellness Innovator?
Six months to less than one year.
Approximately how many people are in your department, unit, building, or college?
We have 715 students and staff with Facilities Operations and Development (FOD).
Regarding your department or unit's wellness efforts, which of the nine dimensions of wellness has your team addressed?
- Physical
- Emotional
- Social
- Creative
- Spiritual
Describe a successful activity that your team planned around the nine dimensions of wellness.While the pandemic has certainly cut back on our in-person activities for many staff, we were able to offer massages through YP4H in August which is always a popular, "sell-out" event. It touches the physical, emotional, and even spiritual dimensions of wellness and we have individuals from all areas of the organization participate, especially a lot of our front line workers who have very physically demanding jobs. It's nice to be able to offer this free benefit that so many people look forward to.
Prior to the pandemic we had a health and wellness component to our annual staff appreciation "picnic" called SummerFest. In addition to activities like bingo, cornhole, and a volleyball tournament, we had a "health and wellness" tent where staff could stop by to talk with a health coach, get information about EAP and Care Coordination, and sample healthy snacks and desserts. It was actually working to plan these events that got me interested in becoming a BWI.
With so many of us still working from home, we don't get the opportunity to interact with our teams like we used to or even catch up with someone at the proverbial water cooler. In April, we have a virtual chocolate tasting planned with our administrative professionals and office support staff. Everyone is looking forward to this fun team-building activity...I mean who doesn't love chocolate?!
If you could accomplish anything as a Buckeye Wellness Innovator, what would your dream be?
I think YP4H and Virgin Pulse is an amazing benefit and am surprised more people don't take advantage of the programs and wellness incentives and would love it if we could increase staff participation. I earn $25 in Pulse Cash each quarter that I use for an Amazon gift card and $75 towards my HRA. The great thing about the HRA is that it carries over (unlike your flexible spending account).
Describe how a manager or supervisor in your unit/department/building/college has shown support for your role as a Buckeye Wellness Innovator.
FOD's Vice President, Mark Conselyea, has always been supportive of wellness ideas that are brought to him. In the past he's hosted "wellness walks" and is eager to help develop and support some organizational wellness goals.
Please share how your team has overcome barriers to engaging your colleagues and/or students in your wellness efforts.
Grassroots engagement works best. While emails and digital newsletters are a great resource, many of our staff aren't office based and don't have an opportunity to stay as up-to-date with emails or digital communications as others. When we've invited YP4H and members from the Health Plan to our annual SummerFest events (paused due to COVID), we have the opportunity to actively engage with over 60% of our staff and have some meaningful discussions about the resources available to them.
