As we announced in August 2016, Drake is partnering with the company Royal Recognition, Inc. in celebration of our faculty and staff as they reach many milestones in their years of service to the University. With this collaboration, we now have access to a platform that automates service anniversary and retiree gifts. This allows all employees celebrating their 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35+ year anniversaries, and retirees to choose their gift of choice from an expansive online catalog.

Employees receive an e-card on or about their service anniversary or retiree date with information on how to select their gift, which is then mailed to their home. Employees with 20, 25, 30, 35+ year anniversaries and retirees will still be recognized at our annual anniversary and retiree event in the spring.

This online platform has taken the place of the former award system and was effective with all service anniversaries and retirements on or after Sept. 5, 2016. So far the response from employees has been extremely positive. An employee who recently celebrated a service anniversary said “The service anniversary gifts look great, and I was impressed with the wide selection of items.”

We look forward to what the future has in store for our organization and all of our dedicated employees. For more information, contact Human Resources at drakehr@drake.edu.

—Laura Schwarz, Human Resources

As part of the Drake Employee Wellness & Engagement initiative, a biometric screening and wellness (health risk) assessment is offered once a year to those participating in Drake’s Medical Benefit Plan. The screening includes a full cholesterol profile, blood glucose, blood pressure, height/weight, waist circumference, body composition, and a consultation with a health care professional.

In 2016, 98 percent of those enrolled in the Wellness Plan participated, and 89 percent of those enrolled in Drake’s Medical Plan participated in a biometric screening and assessment. That is compared to 97 percent and 82 percent, respectively, in 2015.

Our top three biometric risks (from the biometric screening):

Our top three modifiable risks (from the wellness assessment):

LDL, Blood Glucose, Sleep and Exercise were also listed in the top ten.

Knowing your numbers is important, but giving you the tools and resources to improve those numbers and reach your goals is where change happens. Beside wellness programs and classes, there are many valuable resources available for faculty and staff.

Fitness Facilities
Being active can help reduce a number of the risks listed above. The Bell Center may be the answer. Facilities include a fitness room, gym, pool, racquetball courts, fitness studio, indoor track, and locker rooms. The Roger Knapp Tennis Center is also open to employees and features six indoor and six outdoor courts. Group exercise classes are offered throughout the year by certified instructors and include Yoga, Pilates, Bootcamp, and Zumba. The Intramural program includes sports such as basketball, racquetball, and volleyball. And a Faculty and Staff Golf League is available during the summer months.

Nutrition Coach
What and how much you eat can directly impact your numbers, but you don’t have to starve yourself to succeed. Contact Lucas Flaherty, Sodexo dietitian, for a one-on-one appointment to get your questions answered and develop a nutritional plan.

Health Coach
You may want to make positive changes in your health and wellness but don’t have the resources or guidance to succeed. A health coach can be your partner in taking charge of your health, recognizing bad choices, and helping you to make better choices that are sustainable. If that sounds like you, we have certified health coaches available on campus. Contact Nora Stelter or Wendy Mobley-Bukstein for more information or an appointment.

Medication Therapy Management
If you are on multiple prescription medications, you may benefit from Medication Therapy Management. A member of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences can give you a comprehensive review of all your medications. Contact Nora Stelter or Wendy Mobley-Bukstein for more information.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
To discuss issues affecting your day-to-day health and productivity, including stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, substance abuse, and legal and financial concerns, the Employee Assistance Program at Employee & Family Resources is a valuable resource. Contact them at www.efr.org/myeap or (800) 327-4692.

Wayne Gretzky (Hall of Fame hockey player) said “You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.” Is it time to take a shot at making a change in your life for the better? Feel free to contact Linda Feiden (linda.feiden@drake.edu or 271-1880) for more information.

—Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Human Resources has developed the BUILD program to provide opportunities to connect with colleagues from across campus and pursue professional and skill-building opportunities.  Just in January and February alone, HR has provided a variety of topics, including a session focusing on presentation skills, “Presenting with Presence;” technology skills, “Did U Know: Information Technology Services;” fitness-focused skills, “Get Up Stand Up;” and nutrition, “Healthy4U – Small Changes, Big Impact.” The complete listing of sessions is on blueView’s Employee tab, along with a registration form.  (Registration is preferred, but not required.)

—Debra Wiley, Human Resources