The Des Moines Corporate Games are an annual company-based competition normally held June 1–July 31. Events range from team-based to individual and competitive to recreational. Activities are held in the evening and on weekends, and are free (except cart rental for golf). The games are open to all full-time and regular part-time employees, interns, and retirees.

The current COVID-19 pandemic has forced the Iowa Sports Foundation to get creative with these games. They are developing plans for alternative activities that allow employees to have a positive experience while maintaining social distancing. This will include launching a Des Moines Corporate Games Virtual Challenge. This weekly challenge will be designed to allow companies to compete and earn points while keeping safe. Some of the traditional events will be given this virtual option including the fitness walk, yoga, fitness class, and trivia. Other events may be postponed and moved to a later date in the summer (if possible). They are also planning to add additional opportunities for employees to be active and earn company points.

Corporate Games is still working through the changes but are anxious to get teams put together to start the process.

If you are interested in more information or to register for these games, please send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Drake’s Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) allows participants to set aside pre-tax dollars for child or adult daycare. Per IRS Regulations, participants may adjust their current FSA contribution if a change in status occurs. Such changes include an increase or decrease in the cost of care, or an increase or decrease in the need for care.

To reduce or discontinue your current Dependent Care FSA election, please complete/return the mid-year change form within 30 days of the change in status. Should your need for daycare change in the future, you may adjust your election again within 30 days of the change in status.

For questions, contact Advantage Administrators at 800-383-1623 or Marlene Heuertz at marlene.heuertz@drake.edu.

— Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

If you have some extra time at home while practicing social distancing, why not use it to learn a new skill, brush up on current skills, or take a deep-dive into a topic that has always interested you?

Welcome to “e-learning” where you can learn just about anything you want without setting foot in a classroom. Online courses are offered for credit, not for credit, or just for fun. From learning new computer and tech skills to adopting a new hobby, learning opportunities are available.

If you are not entirely sure what course to focus on first, think about your current position and what skills would help you at work. Also think about something outside of your daily duties that you have always wanted to learn.

Once you have a topic, where do you find classes? While there are a number of available websites, two of the more familiar sites are Coursera and edX. Each site offers both free as well as for a fee courses.  They are often free to audit, or listen to, but you can pay to receive a certificate. Class Central is another good site with a seemingly endless amount of free online courses on a range of topics.

If you are ready to take it a step further, Drake University has a wonderful and growing list of online classes, including bachelor and master’s degree programs. Finally, if you would like to learn a new language, Cowles Library offers free Mango languages training. To access this resource, go to myDrake and click on Mango Languages under Learning Resources.

If taking a full online course is more of a time commitment than you are ready to take, consider watching a webinar. Webinars are a great way to learn more about a specific topic in a short period of time. Check out free webinars on websites such as Hubspot. Or plug into a motivational speaker at Ted Talks.

Taking a class could be the beginning of a journey to more learning. But, even if the completion of a single course is enough, learning a new skill or discipline may be the perfect way to socially connect with others, while expanding your boundaries.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Employee and Family Resources (EFR) is offering weekly webinars to help address our stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Past topics include All about Attitude, Coping with COVID-19, Stress and Resiliency, and Navigating Change in Times of Uncertainty. Access past webinars and view upcoming webinars.

EFR has also created a series of podcasts called Emotion Well Podcast.  These can be found on Apple Podcasts.

If life is weighing you down, EFR offers a variety of Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) resources to help you now or anytime. You can reach EAP by phone (800-327-4692) or visit their website at efr.org/login. All EAP benefits are confidential and available 24/7.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Drake’s Mandatory and Voluntary Retirement Plans provide financial advice at no cost. Participants may obtain education regarding retirement savings and investment strategies with TIAA Field Consultant Paige Philips.

To schedule a Virtual Counseling Session April 29 or May 21 please call TIAA at 800-732-8353.

— Marlene Heuertz, Human Resources

This is your last chance to join us for a HealthyU BINGO challenge in May—with a twist.

Throughout the month, participants will fill up a blank BINGO card (or two) with healthy activities completed from a provided list. But instead of getting together in-person to play HealthyU BINGO for prizes in June, we will set up a video BINGO game using Microsoft Teams.

To get started send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu. Deadline to register is Thursday, April 30. All participants will receive an email with an attached packet that includes directions, a list of HealthyU BINGO activities, and a blank BINGO card. You are welcome to make multiple copies of this card for your whole family.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Employee and Family Resources (EFR) is offering weekly webinars to help address our stress and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. Past topics include “All about Attitude, Coping with COVID-19, Stress and Resiliency,” and “Navigating Change in Times of Uncertainty.” Access recorded webinars.

EFR has also created a series of podcasts called Emotion Well Podcast. These can also be found on Apple Podcasts.

If life is weighing you down, EFR offers a variety of Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) resources to help you now, or anytime. You can reach EAP by phone (800-327-4692) or visit their website at https://www.efr.org/login/. All EAP benefits are confidential and available 24/7/365.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

Join us for a HealthyU BINGO challenge in May—with a twist.

As usual, the goal is to fill up a blank BINGO card (or two) with healthy activities you complete from a provided list. This will be done over the month of May. The twist: Instead of getting together as a group to play HealthyU BINGO for prizes in June, we will set up a video BINGO game using Microsoft Teams.

You are not required to participate in the online BINGO games if you wish to complete the card without the game. But, I think you will have fun!

To get started send an email to linda.feiden@drake.edu. Deadline to register is Thursday, April 30. All participants will receive an email with an attached packet that includes directions, a list of HealthyU BINGO activities, and a blank BINGO card. You are welcome to make multiple copies of this card.

Please feel free to reach out with questions. This is a great event for your whole family.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has spurred a surge in financial stress and anxiety. It can be a scary, stressful time for many reasons. And, if you have to worry about how to get by financially, the added stress may cause you to feel completely overwhelmed.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to address both your financial situation and your mental health, so you can make the best decisions for you and your family during this difficult time.

First, accept that your life is going to be different for a while and focus on tasks you can control. Prioritize your own physical, mental, and emotional health. Keep active, sleep right, limit alcohol and caffeine, make healthy food choices, practice mindfulness and stay connected to family and friends. Additionally, follow the CDC guidelines to socially distance, wash your hands, and stay home. If the news is creating anxiety, limit your exposure, while still staying informed.

Next, it is time to make a plan. Here are a few suggestions to get you on financial track.

Take stock of where you are with your money. Make a list of everything you own, owe, earn, and spend. This is your starting point and your method to find out where you are at right now.

Start or build an emergency fund. If you are just starting out, aim to put aside $1,000. Begin by taking some of the dollars you might normally spend on dining out and entertainment and put some of those dollars into this emergency fund each month. Over time, build this up to the equivalent of 3–6 months worth of living expenses.

Take a page from Marie Kondo. Take a look at your loan statements, credit card bills, memberships, and subscriptions. What are you paying? Are there better deals out there? Do you really need it right now? For example, since fitness facilities are closed, can you pause or stop your gym membership? There are plenty of free resources that will allow you to keep active while socially distancing.

Swap take-out for home meals. It is always a great idea to help local restaurants by ordering take-out. But if you are watching your finances, reduce take-out dining to once a week and try to create some new recipes at home.

Check your interest rates. If you are using multiple credit cards for your purchases, try to use the card with the lowest interest rate so you will be paying less in interest when you do pay off your bill. Even a few percentage points difference can save you money.

Become familiar with community and government resources.  State and federal governments are continually taking steps, including the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) and the recent CARES Act, to help provide relief. Check websites such as usa.gov, iowa economic development, and coronavirus.iowa.gov.  Locally, some cities are providing free meals for children as well as other programs to ensure families are getting through this tough time.

Become familiar with the Drake University COVID-19 website.  You will find information, including steps Wellmark is taking to help Drake Health Plan participants with respect to COVID-19.

Keep calm about your investments. Right now you might be tempted to pull out of the volatile markets and retreat to safety. But if you are feeling uneasy, take a deep breath and make an appointment with your financial advisor to go over your portfolio.

Ask for help. If you are struggling financially or emotionally, don’t keep it to yourself. There is help out there. EFR offers a variety of Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) resources to help you now, or anytime. You can reach EAP by phone (800-327-4692) or visit their website at https://www.efr.org/login/. All EAP benefits are confidential and available 24/7/365.

Lastly, take a moment to appreciate yourself. You are going through a hard time and you’re approaching it with incredible resilience. We will get through this together.

— Linda Feiden, Human Resources