Work + Life Classes and Webinars

Being in harmony with work and life is a daily learning experience. Indiana University, its partners, and community organizations provide education and enrichment opportunities for those who seek information and strategies.

Events and classes

UPCOMING & RECENT WEBINARS

  • Senior Care & Tough Conversations

    Tuesday, May 10
    Noon-1:00 p.m. (ET) / 11:00 a.m.-Noon (CT)
    Online

    Register now »

    Caring for aging loved ones can bring joys and challenges but may also require tough conversations that you’d prefer to avoid. Clear and proactive communication can make a huge difference in getting to the best outcome. Hear from national experts on aging and caregiving how to approach sensitive topics such as driving, finances, changes in memory and cognition, and end-of-life care. You’ll learn how to navigate these challenging conversations with your seniors, siblings, other family members, and even get advice about how best to approach your employer. The subjects may be tough, but the talk doesn’t have to be!

    This is presented by Care.com + LifeCare.

  • Experiencing Life with a Mental Health Condition

    Tuesday, May 24
    Noon-1:00 p.m. (ET) / 11:00 a.m.-Noon (CT)
    Online

    Register now »

    Millions of Americans are living with a mental health diagnosis and working against the challenges of societal stigmas. What can we do to create a more welcoming, inclusive, and compassionate environment for our friends and colleagues experiencing a mental health issue? In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, join Healthy IU Work + Life as we aim to decrease stigma, biases, and assumptions and raise awareness about mental health in the workplace. Hear IU employees’ personal stories, and their experiences navigating mental health at work and at home. IU Human Resources Employee Relations will share information on resources and support.

  • Building a Resilient Team Amid Uncertainty: Addressing Anxiety at Work

    Thursday, June 30
    1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (ET) / Noon-3:00 p.m. (CT)
    Online

    Register now »

    Thursday, July 21
    1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. (ET) / Noon-3:00 p.m. (CT)
    Online

    Register now »

    This virtual training shares strategies and resources for building an emotionally safe workplace and a resilient team. Leaders will learn how to spot rising anxiety levels among their team members; ease the concerns of employees who are overwhelmed or worried about the future and engage in effective conversations about emotions in uncertain times. This training will also illustrate how team members at all levels can work together to build an environment that fosters camaraderie, productivity, and calm.

    Testimonials: "This topic is one I think all of our leaders need to be trained on! It is critical for today's workforce and especially coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic."

    "Anxiety is something we all experience. There is no one who shouldn't take the course."

    "The skills I learned were very helpful and I think all employees whether in leadership or not could benefit from this."

    Note: This professional development opportunity is one 3-hour virtual session and requires the purchase of the book, Anxiety at Work. The book purchase, ranging from $15-$20 (tax and shipping included), will be charged to your department.

    Facilitators: Angela L. Reese, MSW, LSW, Work Life Analyst, Healthy IU, and Catherine Matthews, JD, Ph.D., Sr. Consultant, Talent and Organization Development, IU Human Resources

  • Working with Children at Home

    Wednesday, June 1
    1:00-2:00 p.m. (ET) / Noon-1:00 p.m. (CT)
    Online

    Register now »

    In today’s world, we are all being asked to do more while still focusing on our children’s needs and wants. This seminar will cover best practices for younger and older children to have routines and structure in this uncertain time. It offers suggestions on how to be most productive while also trying to enjoy family time.

    This is offered by SupportLinc, IU's Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

  • Suicide Awareness

    Tuesday, July 19
    Noon-1:00 p.m. (ET) / 11:00 a.m.-Noon (CT)
    Online

    Register now »

    Suicide is a serious public health problem that causes immeasurable pain, suffering, and loss to individuals, families, and communities nationwide. The causes of suicide are complex and determined by multiple combinations of factors, such as mental illness, alcohol and substance abuse, painful losses, exposure to violence and social isolation. The purpose of this training is to raise awareness of suicide and other serious emotional health concerns, and provide important information about getting help for someone who may be thinking about suicide.

    This is offered by Supportlinc, IU's Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

  • Reviewing Resources and Benefits for Geriatric Care Planning

    Wednesday, July 27
    12:30-1:30 p.m. (ET) / 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (CT)
    Online

    Register now »

    The landscape of senior care can be a daunting one. What options are out there, and how can you understand which is the best for your family? This webinar will outline the primary features of in-home care, Assisted Living Communities, and Skilled Nursing Facilities. It will also offer guidance as to the many IU benefits available to faculty and staff caring for elderly loved ones.

    This is presented by Care.com + LifeCare.

ARCHIVED WEBINARS

Work + Life Navigation

  • LinkedIn Work + Life Learning Library

    IU HR has partnered with LinkedIn Learning to provide current IU staff, faculty, and students with access to an online library of more than 15,000 expert-led video tutorials and courses. Expand and improve your business, technology and creative skills on your schedule, from any device, anywhere.

    Convenience: Access courses when it’s convenient for you from any desktop or mobile device. Courses are made up of short, easy to view videos. Start, stop, and return to learning on your schedule.

    Expert Instructors: Learn from a broad spectrum of industry leaders and experts including members of IU’s own faculty.

    Healthy IU Work + Life Learning Library

  • Tough Conversations: De-escalation Training

    De-escalation Training is 2, 2-hour sessions that focus on building skills to become effective at de-escalating and defusing emotional and stressful situations. These sessions focus on understanding and managing your response to stress, understanding and managing the stress of others, and learning effective de-escalation strategies.

    Program Facilitator: Tiffany Lemons, MPA, Senior Organization Development Consultant, IU Human Resources

    First Session's Recording
    Second Session's Recording

    PowerPoint Presentation
    Handout

  • Having Difficult Conversations about Race and Other Identities: Overview of Intergroup Dialogue

    Intergroup Dialogue (IGD) provides a unique forum to explore issues related to social identities. IGD engages in conversations focused on creating understanding. It works through the conflicts and differences that exist based on social identities. This sustained dialogue process involving four carefully structured progression steps (identified above) allows participants to discuss important, yet uncomfortable issues in a safe, supportive environment.

    This webinar provides an overview of the Intergroup Dialogue training and offers opportunities for participating in an IGD process co-sponsored by the IUPUI Division of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and Healthy IU Work + Life.

    View recording
    Presentation slides

  • Holiday Survival Guide

    We all have special feelings about the holidays. For many, it’s a wonderful time of celebration, family gatherings and joyful times. For others, it's a time of sadness and feeling overwhelmed. In this seminar, participants examine sources of holiday stress and learn strategies for coping and managing their emotions, time, relationships and finances. Participants will also share ideas for organizing holiday tasks and managing holiday demands and explore the role of holiday traditions during this unprecedented time of COVID19.

    Presented by SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program

    View recording

    Handouts

    Presentation slides
    Holiday Tip Sheet Dealing With Stress
    Holiday Tip Sheet Healthy Ways to Handle the Holidays
    Holiday Tip Sheet Make the Holidays Your Own

  • Public Safety, Race and Racial Inequity Town Hall

    Indiana University does not tolerate any acts of racism, bigotry, or prejudice and is committed to creating an inclusive environment where students, faculty, and staff can achieve their full potential.  Learn what IU is doing to work towards a more equitable and just society as education, equity, and public safety leaders express their concerns and offer next steps to mitigate racial inequity in policing and beyond.

    Find the recording here

  • Talking to Kids about Race and Racism 

    Dr. Beverly Daniel Tatum, a nationally recognized authority on racial issues in America and a clinical child psychologist, will explain how you can talk to and teach your kids about race, racism, and protests.

    This live Q&A webinar, hosted by Care.com CEO Tim Allen, will include guidance on how to have important – often difficult – conversations with kids of all ages about race that are empathetic, constructive, and compassionate. Presented by Care@Work by Care.com 

    View recording

    Additional resources:

    Dr. Beverly Tatum’s website 
    TED Talk: Is My Skin Brown Because I Drank Chocolate Milk?
    Social Justice Books
    Common Sense Media
    Something Happened in our Town: A Child's Story About Racial Injustice

  • 8 Dimensions of Wellness - All About You!

    Wellness weaves through 8 dimensions of our lives: physical, emotional, environmental, occupational, intellectual, financial, social, and spiritual. Participants will explore how they currently navigate each dimension, with the opportunity to share and spark ideas in a group setting. After this session, participants will be equipped with knowledge and self-awareness to move forward confidently on their wellness journey.

    Program Facilitator: Julie Newsom, Healthy IU Communications Specialist, CHWC, CPT

    View recording

    PowerPoint

    Wellness Assessment

  • Boundary Setting in the Time of COVID-19

    If you're working from home, setting boundaries between your work and personal life is important. Lena Burt, MSW, Healthy IU Work + Life Intern, shares strategies for creating and maintaining boundaries that simplify and order your environment.

    To view, click here.

  • Working from Home (with Kids)

    Lena Burt, MSW, Healthy IU Work + Life Intern, provides information and content to help you navigate through a workweek that combines the role of employee, parent, teacher, and activities coordinator, among other roles. Beyond having a list of activities for your kids, this presentation also reminds you to be kind to yourself and be flexible with outcomes that may look different than you are used to in the past. 

    To view, click here.

  • Vulnerability, Empathy, and Compassion and Your Team during a Time of Change

    In this presentation, Lena Burt, MSW, Healthy IU Work + Life Intern, establishes a foundation of what empathy, compassion and vulnerability are and explains the benefits of infusing these qualities into your team. She also shares tips for building a team culture based in empathy, compassion, and vulnerability.

    To view, click here.

    How to Support the People You Lead in Times of Uncertainty

Mental Health and Substance Use

  • Grief & Loss During Times of Uncertainty

    Grief and loss come in many forms, and affect us all in many different ways. Sometimes it comes when we experience death or dying, but grief can also reach us when we lose relationships, jobs and financial stability, and beloved traditions or experiences. There is no one right way or right time to process our grief. This year has exposed us all to a myriad of losses, large and small. This session will discuss these topics, the impact grief can have on our lives and our well-being, and possible ways to cope.

    Program Facilitators: 

    Kathleen Gilbert, PhD,FT, Professor Emerita, Applied Health Science, Indiana University-Bloomington

    Rebecca Gilbert, PhD, CTRS, Health Educator, Indiana University's Student Health Center-Bloomington

    View the recording

    Presentation slides

  • Mental Health First Aid for Employees

    Do you know what to do if a family member, friend, or co-worker isn’t acting or behaving as they normally would? Would you know what to say to them? Every year, 1 in 4 Americans experiences a mental health issue. Despite these issues being real and common, many of us are unsure how to support a family member, friend, or coworker that we suspect is suffering with a mental illness. Just as you may learn CPR or the Heimlich maneuver, it’s important to understand basic mental health first aid strategies. In this seminar, you’ll learn an easy-to-remember approach to aid others who maybe struggling with a mental health issue.

    Presented by SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program

    View recording

    Handouts

    Presentation slides
    How to Ask R U OK @ Work

  • Preventing Burnout

    At one time or another, almost everyone reports feeling “burned out.” But what does “burnout” really mean? What are the signs of burnout? And if you are experiencing burnout, what can you do about it? In this seminar, participants will learn to identify the root causes of burnout, understand the negative consequences of leaving burnout unaddressed, and learn effective strategies for preventing and overcoming burnout. By learning how to take charge and make changes, participants will be empowered to overcome burnout and create greater balance in their busy lives.

    Presented by SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program

    View recording

    Handouts

    Presentation slides
    Burnout Self-Assessment
    Preventing Job Burnout
    Deep Breathing

  • Self-Regulating Stress Series

    A five-part webinar series tailored to help you self-regulate stress. Learn and practice a variety of stress management skills in this free online Healthy IU Work + Life webinar series.

    View recordings

  • Self-Regulating Stress Series 2.0: Coping During Difficult Times

    This Healthy IU Work + Life webinar series will explore ways to self-regulate daily stress, such as preserving personal energy, managing zoom fatigue and practicing self-care. Learn more by viewing or registering for a webinar below.

    View Recordings

  • Change Management for Leaders

    This seminar is designed to familiarize participants with the elements of change. The goal is to help leaders manage the change process and understand the importance of their role in the process. We will provide an overview of each element and define each as it relates to the leaders’ role in change management. Participants will have the opportunity to share examples from their own experience for each of the elements.

    Presented by SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program

    View recording 

    Handouts

    Presentation slides
    Dealing with Change Self-Assessment
    Dealing with Change in the Workplace

  • Compassion Fatigue

    For many of us, our day to day jobs are not only physically demanding, but mentally exhausting as well. This seminar will help you to understand what compassion fatigue is, learn to identify the signs and symptoms and provide you with practical, real-life strategies to help you combat the negative effects of compassion fatigue in your everyday life.

    Presented by SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program

    View recording

    Handouts

    Presentation Slides
    Life Stress Test
    Professional Quality of Life Scale

  • LinkedIn Mental Health Learning Library

    IU HR has partnered with LinkedIn Learning to provide current IU staff, faculty, and students with access to an online library of more than 15,000 expert-led video tutorials and courses. Expand and improve your business, technology and creative skills on your schedule, from any device, anywhere.

    Convenience: Access courses when it’s convenient for you from any desktop or mobile device. Courses are made up of short, easy to view videos. Start, stop, and return to learning on your schedule.

    Expert Instructors: Learn from a broad spectrum of industry leaders and experts including members of IU’s own faculty.

    Healthy IU Mental Health Learning Library

  • Cancer Survivors' Care-Fear of Recurrence: Strategies for Adaptive Coping

    This session is designed to support IU faculty and staff who have been treated for cancer in coping adaptively with cancer-related challenges. Engaging session activities will focus on promoting self-awareness, identifying and pursuing valued goals and actions, and enhancing mindfulness and compassion for self and others.

    Program Facilitator:  Shelley Johns, PSYD, ABBP, IUSM Assistant Professor of Medicine

    PowerPoint Slide Presentation

    If you would like to view the webinar recording, please contact the Work + Life office.

    Handouts

    Define Your Values
    Nutrition and Physical Activity Guidelines
    Three Quick Steps to Mindfulness
    80th-Birthday-Party
    Expanding Patterns of VBA
    FCR7 w/Scoring
    Reading List and Apps
    Values Assessment Rating
    VBA Worksheet
    Fear of Recurrence Coping Skills Flier

     

  • Managing Stress in the Workplace

    In this pre-recorded webinar, offered by Care.com, learn the difference between positive and negative stress, the warning signs of stress overload and strategies to stay calm, present and balanced when the going gets tough.

    To view, click here.

  • The Path from Substance Use to Addictions

    This interactive webinar explores the path from substance use to addiction and the impact substance use has on users’ judgement, health and wellness, productivity, and more. Attendees  learn about drug characteristics, common names, signs of individual use, and the effects drugs of abuse have on their users as well as the community.

    Presented by Jim Ryser, MA, LMHC, LCAC

    PowerPoint Slide Presentation

    To view, click here.

  • Identifying Behavioral Signs and Symptoms of Substance Abuse

    This webinar explores, in detail, behavioral signs and symptoms of substance abuse. Attendees  learn important tips for supporting loved ones who may be challenged with substance abuse, what to know when seeking help, and what to do when contacting IU Employee Assistance Program for support.

    Presented by Susan S. Day, ACSW, LCSW, LCAC, EAS-C, Manager, Indiana University Employee Assistance Program

    PowerPoint Slide Presentation

    To view, click here.

  • Mental Health Matters

    What is the difference between mental health and mental wellness?  Do you know how to distinguish between the two? Is mental health affecting your life at work, home or play? Do you know how to maintain a life of mental wellness? This webinar will teach you why mental health matters and how to distinguish between it and mental wellness.  You will also learn how to recognize signs of when your mental wellness is in jeopardy and how to maintain mental wellness through practiced behaviors, monitoring thoughts and adjusting your actions.

    Program Facilitator: Susan S. Day, ACSW, LCSW, LCAC, EAS-C, Indiana University Employee Assistance Program Manager

    To view, click here.

    PowerPoint Slides

  • Managing the Blues

    The holiday season is a time to celebrate, give thanks, and spend time with friends and loved ones. However, it is also a time that triggers many feelings and concerns related to current stressors possibly resulting in an onset of Holiday Blues, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and Depression. This webinar will identify the signs and symptoms of these illnesses and discuss therapeutic treatment options. Restorative activities such as relaxation and focus, exercise, travel, and more will also be shared to assist participants with managing these illnesses. 

    Program Facilitator: Susan S. Day, ACSW, LCSW, LCAC, EAS-C, Indiana University Employee Assistance Program Manager

    PowerPoint

Aging and Caregiver Support

  • Managing Caregiving in the Era of COVID-19

    The unique circumstances of COVID-19 add an extra layer to the already complex experience of caregiving. Now more than ever, you have a keen awareness of your loved one’s needs and an eye to supporting their continued health. But senior care providers are themselves working to limit the virus’s spread, making it that much more difficult to navigate the senior care landscape. Where do you go from here?

    This webinar will addresses:

    • Ways in which the senior care landscape has been
      impacted by COVID-19
    • Considerations when arranging care during this time
    • Ways to advocate for and support your loved ones during this time

    Presented by Care@Work by Care.com

    To view click, here.

    If you would like a copy of the PowerPoint presentation and handout(s), please contact the Work + Life office. 

  • Aging and Caregiver Support Series

    This two part webinar answers common questions that arise among individuals that are aging or caring for an elderly loved one. Find out what to expect when visiting healthcare providers and tips on talking to providers about any health concerns. Learn keys to healthy aging and preventive behaviors for common ailments afflicting the aging, including Dementia and Alzheimer's. Elements of advanced care planning, such as living arrangements, health care coverage (Medicaid, Medicare, etc.), living wills, and health care power of attorney are also discussed.

    Program Facilitator: Jennifer Carnahan, MD, MPH, MA, IUSM Assistant Professor of Medicine and Research Scientist

    Click to view, week #1 and week #2.

    Week #1 PowerPoint
    Week #2 PowerPoint

  • Planning for the Financial and Legal Aspects of Long-Term Care

    Presented by Care.com, two leading experts share how you can plan ahead for the financial and legal aspects of long-term care including the various options for care, different payers and resources, how to financially prepare for long-term care, and essential documents everyone over 55 needs.

    View recording

  • Aging Well

    In this pre-recorded webinar, offered by Care.com, addresses common risk factors of aging such as falls, isolation, and memory loss.  Strategies for seniors to remain active and engaged and maximizing quality of life for those living with chronic conditions are also be explored.

    To view, click here. 

  • Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: Caregiving Challenges and Strategies

    This seminar reviews the different forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s, and signs your loved one may have the disease. Despite the devastating nature of Alzheimer’s disease, there are supports out there that can make a difference and help you continue to connect with your Mom or Dad. Learn about caregiving strategies and types of care that can improve the quality of life for both you and your parent.

    Program Facilitator:  Jill McNamara, LICSW, Sr. Manager, Senior Care, Care.com

    To view, click here.

  • Caring for Our Parents and Ourselves

    A Fireside Chat with Care.com's VP of Senior Care and Author Jody Gastfriend

    When it comes time to provide care for those who once cared for us, it can be overwhelming. Taking the time to care for yourself is crucial, but between work, kids and your parents, how do you find the time? This engaging webinar, offered by Care.com, assists you with:

    • Setting realistic expectations with your family,
    • Get the support you need from your employer, and 
    • Ultimately embrace the positive aspects of caregiving.

    To view, click here.

  • Caught in the Middle: How to Cope as a Sandwich Generation Caregiver

    Are you juggling the care of your parents and kids while trying to focus on your job, too? If so, you are probably in the caregiving sandwich and you’re not alone. Nearly half of adults ages 40-59 are caring for both an aging parent and child and most are also in the workforce. If you are caught in the middle, don’t miss this lively and dynamic webinar, offered by Care.com in which you will learn important caregiving strategies and find ways to take care of yourself, too.

    To view, click here.

  • Advocating for a Loved One in a Healthcare Setting

    While you hope to never receive the call that mom has fallen or dad had a stroke, many families are not prepared for what happens next. Knowing the right questions to ask, how to be an effective advocate, and what documents to have in place can make a difference. In this webinar, you will learn how to communicate more effectively with healthcare providers, address grievances, and identify helpful resources.

    Program Facilitator:  Stephanie Gerberding, LCSW, Care.com Senior Care Advisor

    To view, click here.

  • Important Resources for Family Caregivers

    As family caregivers, we are often confronted with a confusing array of choices. How can you sort out the various senior living arrangements, in-home services and care options, so you can determine what’s best for your loved one? How do you find the right support for yourself so you can handle your caregiving responsibilities along with everything else? Learn about the long-term care landscape including resources and costs so that you can be an informed and proactive caregiver.

    Presented by Care.com

    To view, click here

    To receive a copy of the handouts, please contact the Work + Life office.

Breastfeeding and Maternal Health

  • Breastfeeding in the Workplace

    Renee Oswalt, RNC-OB, BSN, LCCE, Darla Hughes, BSN, RN, IBCLC, and Angela L. Reese, MSW

    View Recordings

    Breastfeeding in the Workplace Part 1

    Breastfeeding in the Workplace Part 2

    PowerPoint Slides

    Breastfeeding in the Workplace-IU Benefits and Support

    Breastfeeding in the Workplace Tips

  • Breastfeeding in the Workplace: Planning Your Return to Work

    Angela L. Reese, MSW

    Listen to the presentation.

    PowerPoint Presentation

    Planning for Your Return to Work

    Employees Guide to Breastfeeding

  • Breastfeeding in the Workplace: How to Support Breastfeeding Employees

    Angela L. Reese, MSW

    This workshop shares with supervisors and management how they can support their employees that are breastfeeding.  Areas covered include:

    • Positive impact of breastfeeding for baby, mom and employer
    • Proper environment for expressing milk
    • Breastfeeding basics (time it takes, storage, etc.)
    • Alternate work scheduling

    To view, click here.

  • Pregnancy and Perinatal Mood Disorders

    During and after pregnancy, the body experiences many changes. Some changes may include depression, anxiety, or other perinatal mood disorders (PMD). This webinar explores why PMDs may occur and how to recognize their signs and symptoms. Attendees will learn how to prevent, address and navigate through these disorders - as well as support a partner who may be challenged with them.

    Program Facilitator:  Birdie Gunyon Meyer, RN, MA, CLC

    To view, click here.

Parenting