Mental Health Resources for Ohio State Employees

In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the mental health and well-being resources offered to benefits-eligible Ohio State employees and their families.

Mental Health Awareness Month is recognized during May as part of a national movement to fight stigma, provide support, educate and advocate in support of people with mental illness and their families. Across the country, many people are facing anxiety, depression and burnout at alarmingly high rates. At Ohio State, we support efforts that reduce the stigma of mental health and increase access to resources to help our employees and their family members.

Ohio State offers resources through various convenient formats. The below programs are available to help employees and their families be proactive in maintaining their mental well-being, as well as managing times of difficulty in their personal or work life.

Employee Assistance Program: The Ohio State Employee Assistance Program (EAP) has expanded its resources to support employees and their families on a wide range of challenges, responsibilities and concerns. With a new online member portal, digital tools, well-being resources and work-life services, the Ohio State EAP is available to provide assistance. Faculty and staff have access to counseling services, resource locators for child or adult care, tools to improve financial wellness, legal services, travel planning assistance, cleaning services locators, professional development, and others.

Counseling Services: If you would like to talk through a particular situation or get help with an issue you are facing, you have access to a nationwide network of counseling professionals. With the Ohio State EAP, you or your family members are provided with up to five confidential counseling sessions, per issue, per year, at no cost to you. You can schedule an appointment for in-person, video, or phone- based counseling.

myStrength: myStrength is a digital program for emotional health to help with life’s evolving challenges. From learning activities and guided meditations to skill-building courses, with myStrength, you get personalized support to build a healthier mind for a stronger you. Track your health, enjoy interactive activities, and become inspired by quotes and videos with myStrength. Offered through Your Plan for Health (YP4H), Ohio State’s employee wellness program, you’ll find help for stress, anxiety, substance use, chronic pain and more. You will get a plan designed just for you. You can utilize online tools or connect live with a clinical coach.

Whil: Whil is an evidence-based digital training program offered through YP4H that leverages neuroscience, positive psychology, and adult learning theory. Enjoy on-demand access to mini-courses with audio and video sessions, tips, articles, and exercises that will enable you to build easy-to-learn skills. Whil’s mindfulness content is centered around three tracks:

  • Move: Yoga to exercise the body and mind
  • Thrive: Stress resiliency, focus, and sleep habits
  • Lead: Emotional intelligence, teamwork, and leadership skills

Personal Health Coaching: If you have a personal health goal that includes managing your stress or overall well-being, improving your sleep health or practicing mindfulness, Ohio State Health Coaches are happy to help you set realistic goals and provide you with support and resources to motivate you along the way towards your goals.

Events and webinars: View the YP4H events calendar to find educational health and wellness webinars that focus on topics such as healthy eating, active living, stress management and many other health topics. You can register and join virtual yoga and tai chi classes, Monday Mindfulness sessions, guided meditation on Fridays and more.

HR Focus News

Total Rewards Survey Results and Tuition Assistance Update

Results from Ohio State’s Total Rewards Survey are now available. This important feedback provides insight into the preferences and value faculty and staff place on various offerings as employees of Ohio State. This feedback is one part of the holistic process used to plan future investments in benefits and compensation over time.

New Manage Absence Experience in Workday

New desktop and mobile experiences in Workday now provide a more efficient and user-friendly approach to viewing and requesting time away from work. Manage Absence, replacing the current Absence worklet for employees, reduces clicks, enhances visibility and makes essential absence-related tasks easier to find.

Mental Health Resources & Programs for Employees

Mental Health Awareness Month focuses on prioritizing emotional well-being, reducing the stigma of mental health and increasing access to resources. The workplace plays a vital role in overall health and well-being, and Ohio State is committed to fostering an environment where employees feel supported.

Buckeye Performance Campus Employee Training

Training is now available for campus employees of colleges and units adopting Buckeye Performance.

New Workday Notifications for Timely Business Process Approvals

Starting March 4, a new weekly notification from Workday will help reduce the number of overdue compensation transactions, preventing errors and delays that could impact employees.

Recent HR News

Policy Reminder: Self-Disclosure of Criminal Convictions

The Ohio State University is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for the campus community. The Self-Disclosure of Criminal Convictions Policy, 4.17 provides guidance and outlines responsibilities for self-disclosures.

From Student to Leader: Caitlyn Hull’s Inspiring Journey at Ohio State

Inspired by her experiences as an Ohio State student, Caitlyn Hull turned her passion into a career in women’s health care at Ohio State.

Paid Time Off Policy Reminder and Mental Health Awareness

The Ohio State University is committed to fostering a supportive environment where faculty and staff can thrive. As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month this May, remember that the Paid Time Off Policy, 6.27 offers guidance and promotes the well-being of faculty and staff by helping to balance career, personal and family life.

Ohio State voted on ColumBEST list of top employers

(614) Magazine’s ColumBEST reader-voted awards have named The Ohio State University as a top employer with more than 500 employees. Ohio State has been included on the top three list for 12 consecutive years in the special edition of the local Columbus magazine that recognizes the very best our city has to offer.

Ohio State Listening Survey

Ohio State is conducting the Ohio State Listening Survey to collect feedback from faculty and staff May 1-19, 2025. The survey builds on the 2024 Presidential Listening Survey and asks about your experience at Ohio State.