Employee Wellness

Mission Statement

Sonoma State University promotes a culture of wellness amongst faculty and staff to encourage personal and professional productivity, physical and mental well-being, and to promote a healthy lifestyle. We believe that healthy employees are more productive, happier and better prepared to thrive.

The Employee Wellness Program is a voluntary program that is available to all employees and to be utilized during (not in addition to) appropriate rest breaks. Lunchtime fitness classes are considerate of a 30 or 60 minute lunch break so that employees may plan accordingly.

Employee Wellness Program benefits include:

  • Yoga Classes
  • Mindfulness and Self-Care Classes
  • Kaiser Permanente Wellness Webinars Kaiser Permanente Flu Shot Clinic
  • Vitalant Blood Drives
  • CSU Wellness Challenges
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Employee Wellness Opportunities

Yoga Classes

Lunchtime yoga classes are open to all experience levels and are a great opportunity to meet employees from other units, while also taking a break to stretch and have a midday reset.

  • Mondays and Thursdays (12:05 - 12:55pm, Ives 80): Meditative Yoga with Jeanne Janae 
  • Tuesdays and Wednesdays (12:05 - 12:55pm, Ives 80): Yoga Flow with Kim Purdy

Mindfulness and Self-Care Classes

Please check back in the fall!

Wellness Webinars

We are excited to share the line-up for Wellness Webinars offered by Kaiser Permanente this month! Regardless of your health plan, these are offered to all of our employees. Webinars are available on demand for six months after the live stream.

Good for You, Good for the Planet

Understand how changes to improve your well-being, like nutrition, fitness, and sleep, can also help the environment for a healthy planet and to fight climate change.

  • Date: July 17, 2024
  • Time: Noon - 1pm
  • Register
Dementia
Learn about the prevalence and diagnosis of dementia, the effects on mental and physical health, and enhancing quality of life. 
  • Date: July 25, 2024
  • Time: 12:30 - 1:30pm
Summer Safety: Beat the Heat
Focus on summer health concerns such as sun exposure, insect protection, and outdoor food safety.

Calm Meditation Sessions

15-minute de-stress exercises using the Calm app.

July 10, 2024 (10 - 10:15am)
Join here at the time of event
 
July 24, 2024 (2 - 2:15pm)
Join here at the time of event

Kaiser Permanente Flu Shot Clinic

Please check back in the fall!

Vitalant Blood Drives

Please check back in the fall!

Local Marathons

Get ready to lace up your sneakers as the SSU Employee Wellness Program has secured exclusive discount codes for two local running events featuring distances for all levels. Whether you are a seasoned runner or wanting to try something new, you are invited to join us and walk, run or even skip your way to the finish line.

Santa Rosa Marathon 
August 24-25, 2024
5k, 10k, half, full marathon
https://santarosamarathon.com/ 
25% discount for any distance
 
Clo Cow Half Marathon
September 22, 2024
5k, 10k, half marathon
https://www.clocowhalf.com/
15% discount for any distance
 
Please email employeewellness@sonoma.edu for the discount codes. 

Employee Assistance Program - LifeMatters by Empathia

The employee assistance program (EAP) is designed to provide professional assistance to state faculty, staff and their families (dependents and permanent household members) in assessing and resolving personal matters that may be affecting well-being or job performance. View the LifeMatters brochure or LifeMatters guide for additional information regarding the wide array of resources available. Employees can also download The LifeMatters® App for convenient access to materials.

Benefits include:

  • 24/7 telephone assessment/counseling (1-800-367-7474)
  • Access to MyLifeMatters (please email payroll@sonoma.edu to obtain the campus specific password)
  • 3 free in-person counseling sessions with a local counselor
  • Work/life resources and referrals
  • Financial consultation with a certified financial counselor
  • Legal consultation with an attorney
  • Smoking Cessation Program
  • Access to Spanish-speaking counselors
  • ...and more!

Empathia Webinar

Succeeding Through Kindness
In the rush to get things done, kindness sometimes falls by the wayside. This webinar explores how making kindness an active value can lead to better relationships and more fulfilling experiences.
Available on Demand

Empathia Monthly Promotional Content

Stay Prepared This Safety Month
Make Your Next Move a Success
Manage Stress with Exercise

New Empathia Programs and Website

Campus Recreation Center

While the Campus Recreation Center is not affiliated with the employee wellness program, we would like to support our campus community and share employee membership opportunities.

  • 7-day free trial - Each faculty and staff is eligible to receive a one-time seven day free trial for the Rec Center. This will allow you to explore the facility and programs at any time during the year. If interested, please sign up at the front desk of the Rec Center.
  • Membership options - Discover a variety of membership options available to SSU faculty and staff by signing into the RecPortal with your SSU credentials, stopping by the Rec Center front desk, or by calling (707) 664-3486.

If you have questions, feedback, or suggestions for our employee wellness program, please feel free to contact employeewellness@sonoma.edu.