Faculty Well-being

Faculty well-being is essential for creating a positive and effective academic environment while ensuring the quality of education, research, and clinical care. The following resources support a comprehensive approach to faculty well-being including systems-level strategies to reduce workplace stressors and promote well-being along with individual-level support for those facing challenges.

 

Mental Health and Well-being Resources

• UConn Health’s Human Resources Office fosters employee well-being by providing Work-Life Resources to support resilience and preparedness. A core offering includes UConn Health’s Employee Assistance Program that provides  a confidential assessment, brief counseling and referral service available to all employees and their family members.
• The UConn School of Medicine Graduate Medical Education provides Well-Being Resources for residents and faculty to support the 8 dimensions of well-being including physical health, emotional health, social health, financial health, occupational health, environmental health, spiritual health and intellectual health.
• The ACGME offers several resources for Well-Being in GME focusing on both systems- and individual-level approaches to well-being.
• The AAMC offers Well-Being resources to support faculty, clinicians, researchers, residents, and students. This includes the Medical School Wellness Curriculum Collection with resources to
• The 2022 U.S. Surgeon General issued an Advisory on Building a Thriving Health Workforce offers medical school faculty strategies to protect their well-being and navigate workplace challenges. It emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health by seeking available support services and engaging in peer networks. Faculty are encouraged to advocate for manageable workloads, reduce administrative burdens where possible, and utilize technology to streamline tasks. The report also highlights the value of mentorship, professional development, and work-life balance strategies to sustain career satisfaction. By recognizing their own needs and leveraging institutional resources, faculty can build resilience and contribute to a healthier academic and clinical environment.
• The National Academy of Medicine Action Collaborative on Clinician Well-Being and Resilience offers a collection of resources and tools for health care leaders and workers to reduce burnout and improve clinician well-being.

Addressing the Work Environment to Support Well-Being

• The AAMC’s “Getting Rid of the Stupid Stuff” approach focuses on eliminating unnecessary administrative burdens and inefficiencies in medical education and healthcare. It advocates for streamlining processes, reducing redundant tasks, and creating more time for meaningful work, ultimately aiming to enhance faculty well-being, improve education quality, and foster a more efficient, effective system.
• The AMA Steps Forward open-access resources offers innovative physician-developed strategies that allow physicians and their organizations to thrive in the new health care environment.

 

Crisis and Emergency Support

• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential assessment, brief counseling and referral service available to all employees and their family members. EAP offers confidential assessments, grief counseling, and referrals to all employees and their family members. It also provides virtual mental health training. To schedule an appointment, Email or call 860-679-2877. Requests for appointments are responded to within the hour. For urgent situations after business hours, call 860-679-2877 and follow the instructions to be connected to the on-call EAP counselor.
• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers additional links and resources that may be helpful.
• The UConn Ombuds Office offers a confidential, impartial, and informal space for UConn and UConn Health faculty, staff, and students to discuss concerns and resolve conflicts. It provides guidance, policy information, and support, allowing individuals to control the process and choose their course of action.

 

See the Professional and Leadership Development, Mentoring, and Educational Skills for additional development opportunities that support faculty well-being.