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COVID-19 Wellness and Work Life Resources

We have compiled a list of articles and resources to help our community stay well as we tend to to our physical and mental health and navigate the changes to our lives brought on by the ongoing pandemic.  Information on the College's response to COVID-19 can be found on the Swarthmore COVID-19 website.

Health and Wellness   |   Working Remotely    |   Leadership and Team Management  

Health and Wellness

Independence Blue Cross COVID-19 care and services
This website from our College health plan provider, Independence Blue Cross (IBX), includes information and resources on COVID-19 testing and care, telehealth resources,  emotional health and wellness, and more.

Get health plan alerts and updates through IBX Wire
Receive secure, personalized text messages with coverage information and updates, discounts, and health reminders through IBX Wire. You can also find a doctor or hospital, check a claim status, get a digital copy of your member ID card, and contact a Health Coach, all in one place. To sign up, call 1-888-700-1078 or text IBX WIRE to 73529 and have your member ID card ready.

Virtual fitness reimbursement program from IBX
If you work out regularly and are a member of one of the College's health plans, you may be eligible to get reimbursed for your virtual fitness subscriptions (up to $150 back) by tracking your workouts. For questions about submitting workouts, call 1-800-590-8880 or email support@fitbucksrewards.com. 

Free fitness resources from Health Advocate
Our employee assistance program, Health Advocate, has been sharing helpful resources on staying healthy while working from home on their blog, including a list of free online fitness resources. 

Self-care resources from Carebridge
Our employee assistance program, Carebridge, has created a website with webinars, support groups, and resources related to managing stress, building resiliency, and more. Carebridge also offers consultations with mental health professionals and child care specialists.

Access Covered Virtual Nutrition Counseling from a Registered Dietitian [PDF]
Members of a College health plan, their spouses, and their dependents can access telehealth appointments with registered dietitians as a covered preventive benefit through Wellness Coaches. Sign up by calling 215-799-9099 or emailing myRD@wcusa.com.

Fun Resources from the TriCo libraries
Stream movies, read e-books, and even find new fun backgrounds for your zoom meetings! New resources are added daily, so check back often.

Resources for Improving Your Overall Wellbeing
A great list of resources from the Swarthmore Athletics team focused on fitness, meditation, and fun. Links include access to free yoga and workout videos, cooking classes, virtual coloring books, and more!

The Happiness Lab Podcast 
Based on the psychology course she teaches at Yale--the most popular class in the university’s 300-year history-- Dr. Laurie Santos will take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will change the way you think about and cultivate happiness.

Financial Wellness Resources from TIAA
During this unprecedented time, TIAA financial consultants are available online or by phone to discuss steps to take to feel more financially confident and secure. Login to www.tiaa.org/schedulenow or call 1 - 800 - 732 - 8353 to set up your appointment.

TIAA has also brought together updates, insights, and expert analysis in one go-to resource so it's easy for you to stay informed. At tiaa.org/staycurrent, you'll be able to stay up-to-date on market impacts and the latest thinking with articles, webinars, and more to keep your financial planning on track.  

Working Remotely

ITS Resources for Working Remotely
A fantastic source of information and guidance for students, faculty, and staff.  Resources include tips for better WiFi, help with Moodle, and best practices for Zoom video conferencing.  

LinkedIn Learning Remote Work Resources [Swarthmore login required]
Use your Swarthmore login credentials to access this curated list of courses from LinkedIn learning, with resources on topics like time management, productivity, and zoom learning, to help you make the most of working remotely.

New York Times Access
The libraries offer students, faculty, and staff free access to the New York Times (renewable every 24 hours). To sign up, visit myaccount.nytimes.com/verification/edupass 

Articles on working remotely:

Leadership and Team Management

Managing Remote Work Guidelines [doc]
This guide offers helpful information for those leading teams on how best to access technological support, foster consistent communication, establish clear expectations, and offer meaningful feedback.

Articles on leadership and team management: