Columbia University
PAE-T2-5: Employee Wellness Program

Columbia University has an Employee Assistance Program, as well as, many wellness programs/initiatives. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is s a confidential service available to faculty, researchers, administrators and staff who ( are eligible to) receive medical benefits from Columbia. The EAP provides a network of specialized services, including short-term counseling, to help employees and their household members cope with everyday issues such as stress,, relationships, depression, drug and alcohol addiction, wellness and the management of adult/elder care responsibilities, among others. All services are provided by Harris Rothenberg, International (HRI) at no cost. Harris Rothenberg's counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Breastfeeding Support Program provides nursing mothers with access to clean, private, lactation rooms equipped with hospital grade breast pumps. Columbia currently has 11 lactation rooms, some of which have multiple pumping stations. The program also includes a free workshop each semester on breastfeeding open to anyone at Columbia. Columbia’s Office of Work/Life sponsors several programs designed to improve the well-being of faculty and staff. These programs include the following: ● Walk to Wellness: This is a free fitness program that includes instructor-led lunchtime walks two days a week, as well as, a walking challenge for those who cannot participate at the designated walking times. Participants receive water bottles, pedometers, and are signed up for a listserv, which provides weekly fitness tips. ● Weight Watchers at Work: There are two Weight Watchers at Work groups meeting at Columbia. This is a weight loss program that combines nutrition/diet guidelines with weekly group meetings ● Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): MBSR is offered each semester for a small fee to faculty and staff at Columbia. The group meets for seven weeks to learn and practice this meditation technique ● Healthy Lifestyle Challenge: The Healthy Lifestyle Challenge (HLC) is a worksite wellness program developed by the Office of Work/Life that encourages Columbia employees to make positive changes which can lead to a healthier lifestyle. It is a five week program desgined to encourage the development/adoption of healthier habits There are many other wellness initiatives at Columbia, which are listed on the Office of Work/Life’s website. http://hr.columbia.edu/benefits/eap