Employee Assistance Training and Education
Employee Assistance offers workshops on a variety of issues either by request from departments or by open enrollment in classes. Topics include, but are not limited to: stress management, instant relaxation, and coping with transition/change.
**New** Perinatal Support Group
When: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 (2nd Wednesday of each month) from 12-1 pm via Zoom
Facilitated by Julie Resnik, LCSW , Employee Assistance Counselor
Navigate early parenthood with support! Our virtual group for expectant parents and parents of 0 - 2 year olds offers a safe space and community for sharing, gaining insights, and connection. Babies and non-birthing partners are always welcome.
To register and be included on bcal invites, please email: kpatchell@berkeley.edu
Monthly Meditation and Mindfulness for Faculty and Staff
The regular practice of mindfulness meditation has a demonstrable impact on psychological and physical health, improving mood, decreasing stress, strengthening the immune system, and supporting sleep.
Be Well at Work Employee Assistance and Work/Life invite faculty and staff to join us for a monthly meditation group which will offer a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation during the work day. Each month will focus on a beneficial intention to guide us.
No registration is required and no prior experience with meditation is necessary. All are welcome.
Virtually
- First Wednesday of the month at 12:15 - 12:45 pm
- Third Thursday of the month at 2 pm - 2:20 pm
If you would like these sessions added to your bCal for scheduling notifications and the Zoom link, please email kpatchell@berkeley.edu
Monthly BIPOC Support Group
Every 2nd Tuesday of the Month, 12 - 12:50 pm
Facilitated by Kiran Johl, LCSW. Employee Assistance Counselor
This virtual space is for faculty and staff to join together to explore BIPOC-related topics including workplace experiences, care for self and others, and mental health. Participants are encouraged to share as much or as little as they feel comfortable. Group is facilitated by an EA counselor, and participants are welcome to bring topics of interest to discuss.
Email kpatchell@berkeley.edu for registration, zoom link, and bCal Scheduling
ENROLLMENT
UC Berkeley and LBNL Faculty, Staff, Visiting Scholars, and Postdocs:
- Click on the “enroll” hyperlink to take you to the UCB Learning Center.
- Enter your CalNet Passphrase.
- Click "Submit."
All workshops listed below are being held virtually on Zoom.
Please email employeeassistance@berkeley.edu to submit accessibility needs for these events.
Fall 2025 Stress Management Workshops
Addressing Ambivalence: Why Change is Hard
Thursday, October 9th, Noon - 1 pm via Zoom
Speaker: Kiran Johl, LCSW, Employee Assistance Counselor
Why is behavioral change sometimes so difficult? Our internal world (thoughts, beliefs, emotions) and external world (environment, circumstances, priorities) can all get in the way of us enacting change. This workshop highlights a specific model of change (the transtheoretical model or six stages of change) that can help demystify the change process. Strategies for supporting oneself or loved ones through change will be discussed.
Mindfulness @ Work to Reduce Stress & Burnout
Thursday, October 16th, Noon - 1 pm via Zoom
Speaker: Pierre Khawand, CEO, People-OnTheGo
In today's ever-changing work environment, stress and burnout are prevalent challenges that not only affect our productivity but also our overall health and well-being. This webinar is designed to provide you with practical mindfulness techniques that can help you manage stress effectively, avoid burnout, and enhance your resilience. You'll learn practical techniques that integrate mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and the growth mindset, helping you achieve greater emotional balance and promote mental health and well-being.
Maintaining Your Mental Health Over the Holidays
Wednesday, November 11th, Noon - 1 pm via Zoom
Speaker: Julie Resnik, LCSW, Employee Assistance
The holidays can bring joyfulness, a break from work, and cherished opportunities to spend time with friends and family. However, this time of year can also lead to increased stress, conflict, and feelings of isolation. In this workshop, participants will gain practical strategies and actionable tools to navigate the unique pressures of the holiday season. We will tackle common challenges such as managing familial disagreements, establishing healthy boundaries, effectively prioritizing responsibilities, and coping with grief, empowering you to maintain your well-being and find more peace during this often-hectic period.
Workshop Topics by Request
Please contact us at (510) 643-7754 or email employeeassistance@berkeley.edu to request an Employee Assistance workshop for your department.
Topics include:
- Resilience
- Mindfulness and Stress Management
- Enhancing Focus and Productivity at Work
- Emotional Intelligence
- Creating Healthy Boundaries
- Healthy Habits
- Customized options to fit your department's needs
Elder Care Training and Education
The Elder Care program offers monthly educational workshops and webinars on topics related to elder care and caregiver resilience. The workshops are presented by professionals and experienced caregivers. These workshops are open to current UC Berkeley and LBL employees and generally take place on a weekday from 12:10-1:30 pm.