WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Your physical, financial and emotional wellness is a key component of our benefits programs. During October, the Benefits team will prioritize your emotional wellness!
Looking ahead: Planned events and what to expect
Throughout the month, we will share:
- Helpful tips from Optum and others
- Resources to help you manage stress and anxiety
- Inspiring stories
- Onsite events (select locations)
Watch for weekly updates in email, Slack, newsletters, and site communications.
World Mental Health Day
October also acknowledges World Mental Health Day on October 10. If you missed Optum’s webinar Supporting Mental Health Concerns in the Workplace, you can access the recording.
Optum will host local sessions addressing Building Your Resilience or Mindfulness. Watch your local site communications.
Join the Charles Schwab webinar Behavioral finance: How emotions impact financial decisions on Oct. 24 at 3 p.m. ET. This webinar will explore the science behind how we make financial decisions, and learn how to be smarter with your money. Register now.
Support when you need it
Optum (EAP)
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to help you with life’s difficulties. You and your family members can get up to ten confidential counseling sessions by phone or in person per issue per year — for free — through the EAP. Learn more about the EAP or visit:
In the US: www.liveandworkwell.com (access code: PayPalUS)
Global: https://www.livewell.optum.com (access code: PayPal)
Optum Testimonial: Meet Donnie
“I have OCD and have to expend a lot of mental energy and focus to manage what’s going on around me. I have pretty well-honed coping skills for threading that needle, as long as everything goes according to plan. However, after my father passed away very abruptly from lung cancer, my carefully balanced spinning top hit an obstacle and was wobbling, slowing down and teetering toward a possible crash.
When I called, the reps on the phone were warm, caring and friendly. They listened without judgment and directed me to the proper resources. The process was seamless in connecting me with the help I needed quickly. It was a true lifesaver for getting myself back in balance.
Nothing feels heavier than that phone when you think you’re alone, but believe me when I say you are going to be greeted on the other end by someone who cares. If you feel stressed or overwhelmed – at work or at home – reach out. It’s there whenever, wherever you need it. It’s free. It’s confidential, and it provides instant help with any issues or challenges you may be having. I’m so grateful I decided to call.”
Calm
Calm is the world’s No. 1 app for mental wellness, helping millions of people lower stress levels, decrease anxiety, improve focus, and sleep better. With a Calm subscription, you’ll have access to:
- Over 100 guided meditations
- Sleep stories
- Music to relax and reduce stress
- New mindful theme everyday
Learn more about Calm or sign up with your preferred email (confirm eligibility with your PayPal email address).
According to the World Health Organization* an estimated 15% of working-age adults and 12% of people globally have a mental health disorder? Over 29% of global employees utilize Calm to help manage their mental health. Whether it’s through sleep stories, music or meditation, employees are maximizing the Calm app
RethinkCare
Raising children. It doesn’t come with a handbook. If you have a child with learning or behavioral challenges, it can be hard to know what to do. RethinkCare is a program developed by highly experienced clinicians, educators, and leaders in the field of developmental disabilities that shows you behavior intervention techniques to help your child reach their full potential. Set up an account for free! (access code: PayPal)
See what RethinkCare participants have to say
- “We have been using RethinkCare services for a while now and have gotten great tips on how to handle our strong-minded child. My Parenting Expert has done a wonderful job of helping us navigate the ups and downs and we have seen so much improvement. We have tried other methods of getting help and we just weren’t getting it until using this service. It’s been amazing!”
- “Maria, my Parenting Expert, has seriously become one of the individuals in my life that I trust the most. She is compassionate, knowledgeable, and wise. RethinkCare has helped me through my toughest times as a parent.”
- “What a fantastic resource! My consultant was kind, professional, and very understanding. He’s helped me understand a situation that has been present for 10 years and provide actions and goals that I can accomplish. He made sure to level set expectations.”
- “I’m getting great feedback and ideas to best support my daughter. It’s like therapy for myself during the process. I have so much less anxiety about meeting her needs as her mother because I now know how to help her in a way that works for both of us.”
Employee Resource Groups
PayPal’s diverse workforce includes people of many different ethnic and culture backgrounds, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status and abilities. Being a part of a community can improve our emotional wellness. Learn more about our eight ERGs (must be on the PayPal network) and join the community.
Resources
Quiz: How much do you know about mental health
Helpful articles
Can we talk? Tips for starting conversations about mental health.
Five things that belong in your mental health emergency kit
Using positive affirmations to empower yourself
Reframing anxiety as a tool for introspection (access code: paypal)
Anxiety is more common than you may think (access code: paypal)
Other resources
Find your calm with box breathing (video)
Anxiety and panic and what can help (manager podcast)
Understanding anxiety (10-minute on-demand webinar)
RethinkCare parental resources