Harnessing Positive Reinforcement for Success

Recognition can inspire motivation, reinforce desired behaviors, and strengthen bonds in both personal and professional spheres. WA EAP is offering this recorded webinar starting August 20, 2024. Visit the WA State EAP website and enter the access code WSU. Once you are on the EAP home page, scroll down to “ONLINE SEMINARS” and click the “+” to expand and view this and other available sessions and resources, such as this month’s featured articles on Parenting:

• Article: Mental Health and Gen Z- There is extensive research suggesting that members from Generation Z (Gen Z) are growing up in an age of increased stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Article: Empowering Children- Parents always want what’s best for their children; they want them to grow up feeling secure, confident, and worthy.
• Article: Raising a Responsible Teenager- Tips on raising a teenager to be a responsible young adult.
• Article: Teens and Social Media- Social media can be a positive aspect of a young person’s life, however, it can also have negative effects.

More news from Benefits:

Maximizing Your Salary Increase: Options for Your July 1 or October 1 Boost

Classified staff received a 3% salary increase starting July 1, and AP and Faculty will see a 2% boost in October. With this extra income, you have several options to consider:

• Pay Off Debt: Use the increase to reduce outstanding balances and ease financial pressure.
• Plan a Vacation: Save for a well-deserved getaway and make the most of your time off.
• Boost Your Retirement Savings: Contribute to a voluntary retirement plan to strengthen your future financial security.

For those interested in retirement savings, you can access two voluntary plans with flexible contribution options. You can contribute from $15 per pay period up to $23,000-$30,500 per plan in 2024. To learn more or to enroll, visit the Voluntary Retirement Plans page.

DRS Webinars and Podcasts: Enhance Your Retirement Planning

Attention PERS, TRS, LEOFF, and DCP participants! Did you know that the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) hosts a variety of webinars and podcasts on a wide range of retirement and financial well-being topics? Their recent podcasts are especially engaging and tailored to different generations, offering valuable insights for everyone. These sessions cover essential topics such as plan overviews, withdrawal and retirement options, Medicare and Social Security basics, and comprehensive retirement planning. Whether you choose to attend live or access content on demand, these resources are designed to help you stay informed and make the most of your retirement benefits.

Content Credit: Ann Monroe, HRS Benefits Director; Carey Musburger, Learning and Organizational Development Assistant