May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is a time dedicated to raising awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma associated with mental health. It is encouraged that departments across Michigan Medicine use this month to provide resources to their employees, have open dialogue about mental health, find ways to check-in and have designated pause hours. Click through to learn more.

Somehow it seems the more applications we have at our disposal, the more complicated our world becomes. To match our complex organization, we have a diverse set of communication channels, each with a variety of flavors (brands) to choose from. When used selectively — and when supported by rules of engagement, or team norms — these tools can help reduce the stress caused by too many emails and inefficient meetings. Click through for tips that will help you navigate today’s digital landscape and create a better work/life balance!

With Russia’s military action in Ukraine and other unsettling events occurring across the globe, the world is witnessing a frightening threat to global democracy that could have far reaching impacts of significant magnitude. Some within Michigan Medicine may be experiencing deep angst and concern for the people of Ukraine and could benefit from additional support. Click through to learn about resources and tools that will help address anxiety, stress, anger and frustration.

Ever since Michigan Medicine Chief Executive Officer Marschall S. Runge, M.D., Ph.D. issued his Pause for Well-being Challenge. many teams and individuals found creative ways to meet the challenge that were uniquely relevant to their areas and work environment. Runge’s Stress + Burnout Task Force are tracking these efforts so they can share best practices and reward those who make and engage in well-being commitments. Click through to learn about some of these teams and to find out who will receive the challenge's first cash prizes!

We are still in Week 1 of 2022! While the year has changed, some things remain the same: the pandemic is ongoing and work is constantly changing. For almost two years, plans, goals, hopes and dreams were put on hold. Everyone has been trying to “just get by.” This is the time of year when new year's resolutions are created and people dive into them like champion swimmers. Well, what if your resolution was to not have any at all? Instead, think about lifestyle changes, because without them, new goals will be nearly impossible to reach. Click through for tips that will help you thrive in the new year!

Daylight Saving Time has come and gone, and likely many of you have talked about how early it has been getting dark this week. Shorter days and longer nights bring with them real, tangible mental health concerns. And that often comes in the form of seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. To close out Wellness Week, click through for a closer look at SAD and what you can do to combat it.

As we continue into month 20 of the pandemic, well-being is still a top priority in our personal and professional lives. Based on employee feedback from various surveys, the organization is actively working on plans to improve the overall well-being of our workforce. One of the newest well-being initiatives is the Wellness Advocate Network, a collaborative group of faculty, staff and learners guiding well-being improvements in their departments. Click through for details!

Last month, Headlines asked readers how they might spend 10 minutes to pause for wellness in between meetings or other work activities. The question was sparked by Michigan Medicine Chief Executive Officer Marschall S. Runge’s challenge for everyone to change their one-hour meetings to a standard 50 minutes, allowing for a well-deserved break. Click through for your colleagues' responses, which offer some very simple, but helpful suggestions to support well-being throughout the workday!

Health care workers at Michigan Medicine — and across the world — are experiencing burnout. It’s a problem that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. To kick off Wellness Week 2021, click through for a message from Chief Wellness Officer Kirk Brower, M.D., as he provides tips, resources and insight into initiatives that can improve workplace well-being.