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Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

One of TMB’s benefits with Guardian is their Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The EAP is available year-round but they now have a focused section for the current pandemic as well as their standard programs that may assist employees with issues that arise because of the pandemic. Below are some excerpts from their recent newsletter with some helpful tips and resources. See their website (ibhworklife.com) for more information.

NEW! COVID-19 Action Center for Employees – To get guidance on COVID-19 related questions and assistance with challenges in your work and daily life, go to the COVID-19 Action Center at ibhworklife.com. The new site includes information on a range of topics such as the enhanced unemployment benefits, student loans, emotional wellness and more.

Challenges of Working Remotely – If you are new to working remotely, then you are discovering the challenges that come with it. The most frustrating are distractions. As soon as the last one is gone, the next one appears. To deal with distractions, rely less on willpower and more on strategies for each one. Start by keeping a list of distractions you notice. How many did you find or experience, such as dings from email, TV and radio, pet needs, social media, phone calls, text messages, wandering thoughts, and leftover pie that calls out to you? Next, decide on an intervention for each one. If you still struggle, try setting a kitchen timer for 10 to 15 minutes of solid chunks of work time that you blast through—then repeat.

Coping with Your Coronavirus Anxiety – As you make your way through the uncertainties of the new normal, knowing how to cope with feelings of anxiety will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger. Anxiety often peaks and subsides in a few minutes and passes more quickly if you practice coping strategies regularly. The wellbeing website virusanxiety.com includes free resources and an app to help you care for your coronavirus anxiety and mental health in a global climate of uncertainty. You can ask an expert questions, listen to a mindfulness meditation, take a humor break, practice the daily mantra, or access links to current articles on COVID-19 related topics including parenting, resilience, isolation and financial fears.

Staying Active While Sheltering in Place – The coronavirus pandemic has closed gyms and shut down pools, etc. where we are used to getting our exercise in. Here are a few suggestions for staying active during the pandemic 1) Try a virtual “30 Day Challenge.” There are challenges for everything from yoga to push-ups, designed to increase your fitness and instill a habit over the course of a month. 2) Head outside. This is the simplest way to get a solid cardio workout, and the sunlight and fresh air will help your mood, too. 3) Get into chores. Now’s a great time to do those energy intensive chores around the house that you’ve been putting off. One of the most important things you can do for your health is to stand up, and move for 5 minutes of every hour you spend sitting in front of your computer.

Financial Planning and Support – As the number of unemployed workers continues to rise, and declining retail sales bring up worries about the nation’s economic health, more Americans are feeling the effects of stress and anxiety about their financial futures than ever before. The EAP can help. In addition to the online Financial Resource Center you also have access to no cost telephonic consultations with financial professionals and certified public accountants including unlimited telephonic counseling and 30 days of financial coaching. The EAP can help you take stock of your current financial situation and develop a road map to help you better prepare for the uncertainties of your financial future.

Source: “Guardian EAP News” May 2020 Newsletter