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Pulse Employee Newsletter - November 10, 2020

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BWFH Pulse Now Available in 150 Languages
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Virtual Veterans Day Tribute: Saluting the Veterans Among Us

Mass General Brigham recognizes the important contributions that our Veterans make to our nation and our community. In honor of Veterans Day, all employees are invited to attend “Virtual Veterans Day Tribute: Saluting the Veterans Among Us” on Thursday, November 12, from 8:30 – 9: 30 am. Join this special livestream program to honor, thank and recognize our active, reserve, honorably discharged and retired service members.

Friday, November 13 – Three Important Employee Deadlines

Friday, November 13 is an important date for employees. It is the date that flu vaccinations must be completed, open enrollment closes for your 2021 benefits and annual compliance trainings must be completed.  Please remember that non-compliance of completing training assignments and/or flu vaccination by November 13 will result in loss of network access.

Everything you need to know about open enrollment can be found on the 2021 Open Enrollment page on Ask My HR. To help you determine which benefit options are best for you and your family, Human Resources is offering several webinar sessions:

  • Tuesday, November 10, noon to 1 pm
  • Thursday, November 12, noon to 1 pm

If you have a question that is specific to your situation, the HR Support Center can help! Submit an online request via Ask My HR or call 1-833-Ask-MyHR (1-833-275-6947). 

November Education Calendar Now Available  

Brigham and Women’s Faulkner Hospital’s monthly Education Calendar is now available, which contains listings for many core competencies, trainings and career development opportunities here on our campus, as well as at Mass General Brigham and BWH. You can also view the complete course offerings on BWFHconnect.

Employee Flu Clinics Added

No appointment necessary employee flu clinics will be held on the following dates and times:  

  • Tuesday, November 10, 8 – 9 am, Occupational Health Services 7th Floor
  • Thursday, November 12, 11 am – 2:30 pm, 3rd Floor Lobby

In order to keep yourself, your colleagues and our patients healthy, all Mass General Brigham employees must receive a flu vaccine before November 13.

Emerging Leaders Committee: Call for New Members

The Emerging Leaders Committee (formerly the Young Professionals Committee) is returning from their COVID-19 hiatus and seeking out new members! The Committee, which is open to all employees, helps foster growth, improve retention and create a sense of community among our young professionals and early careerists. The committee organizes and promotes professional development, career advancement and networking opportunities geared towards the early career healthcare workforce and also offers community service opportunities. Interested employees are encouraged to contact co-chairs Katie Plante at 617-983-7819 or Jorge Villanueva at 617-983-7976 and both new and returning members are invited to take this survey to give input on upcoming events.

Stop Tobacco Use for Good with this Free Employee Program

Did you know there is a free smoking cessation program available to you, your spouse and your adult dependents? Partners in Helping You Quit (PiHQ) offers one-on-one, over the phone coaching for Mass General Brigham employees, spouses and adult dependents. This evidence-based approach has helped many employees successfully quit smoking cigarettes and other forms of tobacco use like vaping, cigars or chewing tobacco. Learn more about this program on The Pulse. If you would like more information you can also email PiHQ@partners.org or call 617-724-2205.

Buy a Pie on November 24 and Feed a Neighbor in Need for an Entire Week

Stop by the cafeteria on Tuesday, November 24, and buy a freshly made Thanksgiving pie in support of Community Servings' Pie in the Sky annual fundraiser. Community Servings delivers healthy meals to members of our community who are struggling with an illness such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and more. Your $30 purchase will feed a neighbor in need for an entire week. Thanks to you, neither they nor their family will have to worry about going hungry this holiday season and you'll get to enjoy a delicious apple or pecan pie as a thank you! For more info or to place your order in advance, stop by our info table outside the cafeteria on Wednesday, November 18 from 12 noon to 1 pm.

College and University Program Tuition Discounts Available

Thinking about returning to college? Worried about the cost? Good news! Now all employees across the Mass General Brigham network can take advantage of tuition and fee discounts from multiple colleges and universities offering both local and distance learning options. Participating universities include Boston College, Chamberlain University, Framingham State College, Regis College, Simmons University, Southern New Hampshire University, Suffolk University, and more. To learn more about these discounts, visit the HR Portal. If you have questions, contact Dena Lerra, Incumbent Program Manager, Workforce Development, Mass General Brigham.   

COVID-19 Updates

Return to Work Process for Employees with Symptoms Testing Negative for COVID-19

To date, employees who are referred for COVID-19 testing for symptoms and who test negative by nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), have been required to contact Occupational Health Services (OHS) once their symptoms have resolved to confirm resolution of symptoms prior to return to work. Based on feedback from employees and managers and to simplify and streamline existing workflows, a new process is now in place.

Employee Mental Health Support and Well-Being

There are many ways this crisis might affect your mental health and emotional well-being. There is no need to worry alone. Support is available through the following resources and services.

Save the Date

Employee Flu Clinic
Tuesday, November 10
8 to 9 am
Occupational Health Office

Success with Stress: Mindfulness in the Workplace
Tuesday, November 10 
12 noon to 12:30 pm
EAP Webinar

Success with Stress: Yoga at Your Desk
Tuesday, November 10 
12 noon to 12:30 pm
EAP Webinar

Faulkner Fit After Work Meetup
Tuesday, November 10
4 to 5 pm
Meet in Atrium Lobby 

Active Shooter Preparedness Training
Thursday, November 12
7:30 to 8 am
Huvos Auditorium

Employee Flu Clinic
Thursday, November 12
11 am to 2:30 pm
3rd Floor Lobby Outside Chapel

Part Four: Understanding Stress and Building Resiliency in the Workplace
Thursday, November 12
1 to 1:45 pm
EAP Webinar 

De-Escalation Training (AVADE, Trauma Informed Care, CO, Restraint/Seclusion, Care of the Suicidal Patient)
Monday, November 16
8 am to 4 pm
Huvos Auditorium

What Managers Should Know about the EAP
Tuesday, November 17
10 to 11 am
EAP Webinar

Faulkner Fit After Work Meetup
Tuesday, November 17
4 to 5 pm
Meet in Atrium Lobby

Buy a Pie in Support of Community Servings
Wednesday, November 18
12 noon to 1 pm
Outside the Cafeteria

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