Employee Wellness Leave Program | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
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Wellness Leave

The Wellness Leave program offers eight (8) hours of additional leave time per fiscal year to eligible employees who complete wellness requirements!  

To be awarded Wellness Leave Hours, employees must:

    1. Receive a physical examination from a health care provider,
    2. Complete the Health Risk Assessment through BlueCross BlueShield of Texas, and
    3. Participate in two eligible wellness events ↓.  

After completing these steps, the employee will be awarded eight (8) hours of Wellness Leave by submitting the Wellness Leave Certification Form and required documentation to HSCWellness@ttuhsc.edu or their campus Human Resources Office.  

Wellness Leave Hours will be awarded to the employee using the Wellness Get Fit (WEF) leave category. WEF hours will be available for use on the first of the month following submission of all required documentation.  

WEF hour awards are limited to 8 hours per fiscal year. Eligible employees will have the option to submit requests for either the Wellness Leave Program which offers 8 hours of WEF leave or the Get Fit Challenge which offers 4 hours of WEF leave. WEF time off must be scheduled in advance and approved by the employee’s supervisor.

Please note: Awarded WEF hours must be used within the fiscal year and will expire on August 31st. WEF hours are not paid out upon separation of employment.

Wellness Events

The following webinars and activities are approved as eligible wellness events for TTUHSC’s Wellness Leave program. A certificate of attendance is required to be submitted along with the Wellness Leave Certification form for the event to be counted for leave awards.   

May 2024 - Mental Health Awareness

Development, Attachment & Relationships
Thursday, May 16, 10–11 a.m. 
Explore the dynamics of development, attachment, and relationships with Albert Lucio, Wellness Coordinator for the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.

 

Upcoming ERS Themes
  • 2024 – To Be Announced! Check back soon for updates.
 

April 2024 - Understanding Stress and Building Resilience

Mindfulness - How it Works and Building a Practice
Thursday, April 4, 10–11 a.m. 
Join us as we discuss techniques to develop a daily practice. We will explore the neuroscience of mindfulness and the impact on cognitive function, stress reduction, and overall well-being. Whether you're curious about the science of mindfulness or seeking evidence-based tools for personal growth, this webinar offers valuable insights and actionable steps for a healthy mind. 

The Sleep-Stress Connection: How Restful Nights Impact Your Well-being
Thursday, April 25, 10–11 a.m. 
Delve into the relationship between sleep and stress, how we perceive and manage stress, and how a good night’s sleep is foundational for a healthy lifestyle. 

March 2024 - Focus on Nutrition

Sugar Savvy: Your Guide to Making Informed Decisions
Thursday, March 14, 10–11 a.m. 
Join us for a NEW webinar that unravels the complexities of sugar and its impact on health. Lacy Wolff and Alexis Schminke will share sugar science, hidden sources of sugar in common foods, and practical strategies for cutting back. Empower yourself with valuable insights to make informed choices to optimize health.

Principles of Intuitive Eating
Thursday, March 21, 10–11 a.m. 
Learn ways to tune into your body's hunger signals to guide your food decisions. Explore 10 proven principles backed by research, promoting positive body image and well-being while reducing eating disorder risks. Join us to learn how to embrace mindful eating for a healthier lifestyle. 

February 2024 - Focus on the Heart

Healthy Heart, Healthy You
Thursday, February 22, 10–11 a.m. 

January 2024 - Starting Strong Together

Beyond Bookshelves: The Role of Libraries in your Well-being
Thursday, January 11, 10–11 a.m. 

Thrive by Design: Building Strong Habits in 2024
Thursday, January 14, 10–11 a.m.

Get Fit Challenge Kick-off

Get Fit! Texas Challenge
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 through Tuesday, April 2, 2024

December 2023 - Creating an Attitude of Gratitude

Gratitude: Science & Practical Application
Thursday, December 7, 10–11 a.m.

Mental Health during the Holidays
Thursday, December 14, 10–11 a.m.

November 2023 - Healthy Holiday Mindset

Healthy Holiday Mindset
Thursday, November 16, 10–11 a.m.

October 2023 - Self-care

All of the following approved wellness events for the month of October are part of the Adapt & Thrive Virtual Wellness Fair hosted by ERS.

    • Psychological Safety in the Workplace 
    • Men’s Health: Live Better, Longer with Dr. Alex Lesko, MD
    • Journey to Wellness: HealthSelect Wellness Benefits Overview
    • Women’s Health with Dr. Elisa Brown-Pruett, MD 
    • Budgeting & Debt Reduction with Nick Daugherty
    • Boost Your Impact: One team’s journey to one-minute messages

September 2023 - Building Better Brain Health

Building Better Brain Health
Thursday, September 28, 10–11 a.m.

August 2023 - Financial Health & Dimensions of Wellness

Health and Wellness Fair – 8 Dimensions of Wellness
Lubbock Academic Event Center
Friday, August 4, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Baby Steps to Financial Freedom! Featuring Nick Daugherty
Thursday, August 17, 10–11 a.m.

Building Healthy Financial Habits with Patricia Hord
Thursday, August 24, 10–11 a.m.

July 2023 - Movement Mindset

Building a Movement Mindset
Thursday, July 6, 10–11 a.m.

June 2023 - Great Outdoors Month

The Great Outdoors: Texas State Parks Overview
Thursday, June 8, 10–11 a.m.

Wellness for Men-Live Better, Longer
Thursday, June 29, 10–11 a.m.

May 2023 - Mental Health Awareness Month

Women's Health Q & A with Dr. Elisa Brown-Pruett, M.D.
Tuesday, May 23, noon–1 p.m.

Finding Strength in Connection featuring Todd Whitthorne
Thursday, May 25, 10–11 a.m.

April 2023 - Stress Awareness Month

Building Resilience & Managing Stress with Lacy Wolff
Thursday, April 13, 10–11 a.m.

March 2023 - National Nutrition Month

Maximizing your Time and Health with Meal Planning & Mindful Eating
Thursday, March 9, 10–11 a.m.

Please note: ERS provides a certificate of completion by email for individuals attending the live webinars. Individuals may have the opportunity to view prior webinars but a certificate of attendance will not be provided for reviewing past recorded events.  

Questions?

We're here to help. Reach out to HSCWellness@ttuhsc.edu for more information about the Wellness Leave program.