2024 OHW Executive Summary

IMPACT OF OHW IN 2024

2024 was a milestone year for the Office of Health and Wellness—a year defined by connection, creativity, and transformation. While the numbers speak to the scale of our impact, the true power of OHW lies in the individual stories of resilience, support, and community that emerge from every interaction. Through our diverse programming, OHW touched thousands of lives across all divisions, fostering wellness as a shared value, rather than a distant goal. Relationships flourished at Recess , where one in four employees reconnected with their playful side through arts and crafts, board games, outdoor activities, music, and snacks. These moments of shared joy offered staff a much-needed reprieve and helped strengthen bonds, build trust, and nurture morale.

Our Group Coaching sessions provided focused spaces to process wellness topics and enhance team cohesiveness. These sessions built a foundation for alignment, trust, and connection within teams, reminding staff that they are never alone in their pursuit of balance and support. OHW also prioritized accessibility and individualized care. In confidential One on One Coaching sessions, staff had a safe space to explore personal challenges, build resilience, and develop strategies to thrive both professionally and personally. These 20-minute sessions, available in-person, virtually, or by phone, were instrumental in providing tailored support and actionable solutions.

The reach of OHW extended further through Wellness Presentations , which engaged over 2,000 participants and offered practical tools for self-care, work-life integration, and stress relief. These events reinforced the message that prioritizing wellness is a critical step toward a thriving, resilient workforce. In moments of crisis, OHW provided steadfast support. Post-Critical Incident Responses were delivered to individual staff members and regional offices to assist during challenging times. With OHW’s guidance, staff were able to process and recover from some of the most difficult situations faced in the field of social services. These efforts

were designed to alleviate the stressors of critical incidents and secondary trauma, offering a trusted resource to support employee well-being.

OHW continued to be Outstationed every two weeks at Harmony Haven Children and Youth Center . In-the-moment, hands-on support was available and delivered to Harmony Haven staff. The outstation program emphasized commitment to accessible, consistent, and compassionate services. OHW Virtual Townhall events featured health and wellness experts from the university, medical, and mental health sectors. These voluntary events fostered a culture of learning, engagement, and growth, drawing participation from over a thousand staff members.

Weekly Wellness Wednesday communications emphasized the value of health and wellness while reinforcing the department’s commitment to staff well-being. These weekly publications featured curated tips, articles, and local resources designed to inspire and empower employees on their unique wellness journeys. Pet Therapy was introduced through a new partnership with the Riverside University Health System’s Pet Assisting in Recovery (RUHS-PAIR) program. Certified pet therapy dog, Lili, facilitated human-animal interactions that promoted healing, provided calming benefits, and supported overall well-being.

See them all here

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