myHR Archives
myHR: February 28, 2018
Spring into March Be in the Know Biometric Screenings
It’s not too late to Be in the Know even if you missed the fall 2017 biometric screenings. Get ready for a healthier spring with a free on-campus screening March 15, 16 and 19. When you join Penn’s Be in the Know 2017-2018 wellness campaign, you’ll learn more about your health and earn up to $300.*
Step 1: Biometric Screening
Your biometric screening is the first Core Action required to participate in Be in the Know. The confidential screening measures your blood pressure, blood sugar (glucose), and non-fasting total and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol. If you fast before the screening, you can receive low-density cholesterol (LDL) and triglyceride results.
Spring Screenings
Thursday, March 15, 9am – 1pm, Houston Hall, Bodek Lounge
Friday, March 16, 9am – 1pm, Claudia Cohen Hall, Terrace Room
Monday, March 19, 9am – 1pm, Houston Hall, Bodek Lounge
Register now for a March biometric screening at www.hr.upenn.edu/registration.
Step 2: StayWell’s Online Health Assessment
The online health assessment is the next step to earning your first $100 Core Actions incentive. This confidential online questionnaire is administered through Penn's wellness portal partner, StayWell Health Management.
You may complete the online health assessment at any time, but we suggest you wait until you first complete a biometric screening. Approximately one to two weeks after your screening, the online health assessment will have your screening values uploaded and will be ready for completion. You will find the online health assessment at Penn's StayWell portal.
Step 3: Earn More with Bonus Actions
Bonus Actions are health-related activities that can qualify you for additional Be in the Know points and up to an additional $200. You’ll find a variety of options on campus, at home, and online through StayWell.
Can’t make an on-campus screening? You can submit biometric screening results from your doctor along with the Be in the Know Biometric Screening Consent Form. Simply download the form and follow the submission instructions.
Visit the www.hr.upenn.edu/beintheknow for all the details about this year’s campaign.
*All cash incentives are less applicable payroll taxes. You do not need to complete another biometric screening if you already participated in one of the fall events or submitted your personal results to AREUFIT on or after September 1, 2017. Participants will only receive credit for one biometric screening during this year’s Be in the Know campaign, which runs September 1, 2017 – August 31, 2018.
Four Simple Habits for Retirement Savings
Refocus your retirement planning during America Saves Week (February 26 – March 3) with these simple tips from TIAA
It’s a lot easier to spend than save. But getting into a saving mindset now could make a big difference later. Start with a plan that works for you and follow it. It might be easier than you think. Try these four tips to help you make saving a habit.
- Set reachable goals—Creating a plan that fits your budget and goals can help you stick to it.
- Pay yourself first—Setting up automatic deposits can help make saving a routine so you don’t have to remember.
- Use the right tools—Using financial calculators can help you track your progress and see if changes are needed.
- Protect your accounts—Taking some simple steps may help ensure your savings won’t end up in the wrong hands.
Find more on savings tips and other insights on the TIAA website.
You can also schedule a free on-campus counseling session with a representative from one of Penn’s retirement savings plan providers to help you with your investment choices.
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Penn’s New-Child Benefits
Expecting a new baby, adopting a toddler, or welcoming in a foster child can bring joy and excitement. But along with the elation comes new financial responsibilities and the challenges of balancing work and your home life. Penn provides a variety of benefits to help parents get off to a great start.
Time Off
Many parents will need time off when a new child arrives. Penn’s New Child Policy outlines the types of leaves available. Other policies regarding needed time away from work can be found in the Human Resources Policy Manual.
Health and Life Insurance Coverage
Parents don’t have to wait until the annual benefits Open Enrollment period to add their new dependent to Penn health or life insurance. In fact, faculty and staff enroll their new child in their benefits plan within the first 30 days of a birth or adoption. You can enroll online or contact the Penn Benefits Center at 1-888-PENN-BEN (1-888-736-6236). Be sure to review the University’s health care plans online for coverage and cost details.
Additional Benefits
Penn’s Adoption Assistance Program provides reimbursement for up to $5,000 in eligible adoption expenses. If you have healthcare expenses not covered by your insurance, a Health Care Flexible Spending Account can help you save on taxes for eligible medical expenses. When it comes time to enroll your child in day care, Penn has an option for you. You can use a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account to help you save on taxes for daycare expenses.
Work-Life
Penn offers many services to ease the tensions and help parents achieve a work-life balance. These services include:
- The Employee Assistance Program provides free, confidential one-on-one support for personal issues and major life changes, such as a new child. The EAP is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-888-321-4433.
- Nursing Mothers Program offers resources, support groups, and lactation rooms to assist new mothers.
- Penn Children’s Center provides childcare for children ages three months to five years.
- Personal Assisted Search, offered through Care.com, helps new parents with a wide range of dependent care challenges such as finding child care, school-age care, summer camp programs and elder care services.
- Backup Care provides temporary in-home and in-center backup care services 7 days a week, day or night, while you work.
- Snow Day Child Care provides day care for children ages 12 weeks to 12 years when Philadelphia public schools are closed but Penn is open.
Expectant parents, or those who are new to parenting or child care, can also attend the New and Expectant Parent Briefing on March 7 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
Visit www.hr.upenn.edu/work-life for more details about Penn’s family-friendly benefits.
Healthy Meals: Lemon-Garlic Salmon Foil Pack with Green Beans and New Potatoes
Wrap up American Heart Month with this easy all-in-one recipe. Bake salmon and vegetables in foil for a colorful, flavorful dinner packed with heart-healthy nutrients.
Find the recipe here.
Click here to send us your healthy recipes and tips
Did You Know: The Power Down Challenge Makes Penn Greener
This year’s Power Down Challenge takes place March 19–23, and features events and innovative programs to make Penn even greener. The campaign includes a campus-wide Energy Reduction Challenge. In 2017, the challenge reduced consumption by 11.4% in a 24-hr period--the equivalent of planting 5,143 trees. Visit Power Down Tips to learn how you can save energy at work and at home.