Employee Wellbeing

Who we are

WellCoug is a part of Human Resource Services, created to support faculty and staff across every employee type and location. Through collaboration within WSU and external partners, we work to provide resources and offerings to empower each individual to take ownership of their wellbeing.

HRS Team Members: Maria Royall, Wellbeing Program Analyst & Ann Monroe, Benefits Director

WellCoug Advisory Committee: This committee is currently being developed; more information will be available shortly.

WellCoug Champions Network: This group exists to help connect all faculty and staff with the wellbeing offerings and support available to them. The Champions Network is currently recruiting for the 23-24 Academic Year; more information will be available shortly.

Beliefs and Values

At WSU, wellbeing is not only part of our core values, but it is an essential piece of carrying out our land grant ideals. Wellbeing sustains us in our day-to-day work and upholds us in challenging situations, as well as sets the framework for growth and advancement.

We utilize the National Wellness Institute’s (NWI) wellbeing promotion model and framework. This includes their categorization of the dimensions of wellness, assessment tools, and promotion competency model.

• Education first: We believe sustainable change and holistic wellbeing must be built on a foundation of education. Knowledge is a key piece of motivation and behavior change, and this approach allows us to reach the people who need support the most.
• Strengths-based: We start by capitalizing on present interests, opportunities, and abilities rather than focusing on deficits first. This approach builds self-efficacy, helps minimizes stigma, and gives people the confidence to be active participants in their personal wellness journey.
• Whole-person approach: We understand individuals have vastly different needs, interests, abilities, and lives. The interactions between an individual and their family, organization, community, and social system have a significant impact on an individual’s experience and wellness journey. We lead with compassion, and in doing so make wellness inclusive, accessible, and attainable for each unique person.

Core Programs

• The Washington State Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a free, confidential program created to promote the health, safety, and wellbeing of public employees. The EAP offers no-cost confidential support and referral services to help with personal or work-related challenges.
• SmartHealth is Washington State’s voluntary and confidential wellness program. This interactive web program helps you take steps to improve your health and wellbeing, while having fun and connecting with others online. You can earn SmartHealth points by participating in activities throughout the year; points earned between January 1 and September 30 are used to establish eligibility for the next year’s wellness incentive. To install SmartHealth on a mobile device, download Limeade from your app store and enter program code: SmartHealth. SmartHealth FAQs
• Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is a no-cost, online program designed to identify people living with pre-diabetes and help them make lifestyle changes to improve their health. All PEBB medical plan subscribers and adult dependents (18+) are eligible to take the DPP screener and see if they qualify.
• Living Tobacco-Free helps you breathe easier, feel better, and have more energy to do what you enjoy. Tobacco cessation support is available through our medical plan providers, as well as public assistance through the CDC and Washington Department of Health.

Latest Resources

• Wildfire Resource Guides
• NWI 21-Day WELL Challenge
• Community Violence Resource Guide
• Navigating Difficult Times Resource Guide
• Mass Violence Event Resource Guide
• Parent & Caregiver Resources
• Aging & Long Term Support Agencies
• EAP Suicide Prevention & Intervention Resource page
• DOH Behavioral Health Toolbox for Families