Earlier this spring, Abi Borener wanted to help encourage her co-workers to take care of themselves while working from home. She decided to launch a week of “MHealthy Habits Bingo.”

“The ‘bingo’ card included things like sharing a laugh with someone, taking a walk, eating a healthy breakfast, or even just changing out of your pajamas,” said Borener, a financial specialist and MHealthy Champion for LSA Finance. “We had about 12 participants and it was a fun way to stay connected and support my co-workers’ well-being during a difficult time.”

Now through Aug. 31, staff and faculty can apply to become an MHealthy Champion. More than 750 employees serve in this role, helping to support a culture of health among their co-workers and in their work area.

Champions serve a two-year term and spend approximately two hours per month on their duties, which include:

• Working with an MHealthy Wellness Coordinator to tailor activities to fit the needs of their co-workers.
• Helping to achieve their unit or department’s health and well-being goals.
• Communicating to co-workers about MHealthy programs and resources.
• Encouraging participation in healthy activities.

“Champion support is especially important as we navigate this new normal and look for creative ways to encourage employee health and well-being regardless of where you’re working,” said Leola Hearing, a project specialist for MHealthy. “Champions identify the unique well-being needs of their co-workers and work with MHealthy to tailor programs.

“If you are enthusiastic about health and well-being, like to motivate others, and want to spark change, we encourage you to apply,” Hearing said. “Our hope is to have a group that reflects our university community’s diverse mix of job roles, age, race and gender.”

Employees interested in becoming Champions should apply by Aug. 31. Prior to accepting the application, MHealthy will contact the candidate’s supervisor for approval.

Tags:

• MHealthy
• MHealthy Champions