The Well-being Word
Associate Vice-Chair of Well-Being
Hi Friends!
If I asked you, “Would you rather go to the dentist or attend a networking event?”—I’m willing to bet many of you would choose the dentist! For a lot of people, networking stirs up all kinds of feelings (and very few of them are positive): dread, awkwardness, anxiety, imposter syndrome… the list goes on. Networking definitely has a bit of a bad rap.
But last week at the Women of WUDA Retreat, I spoke about just that—networking, why it matters, and how shifting our perspective can make all the difference.
Here’s the truth: success is rarely a solo journey. One of the most overlooked—but powerful—tools for boosting collaboration and overall well-being in the workplace is networking. When done with intention, it can build meaningful relationships, encourage knowledge sharing, and foster a more supportive, connected environment.
When employees build connections across departments, they create bridges—bridges that make communication smoother, reduce misunderstandings, and promote collaboration. By gaining insight into one another’s roles, teams can work together more efficiently, with fewer conflicts and more shared wins. Networking fuels relationships, builds trust, and opens the door to more effective teamwork.
(Interested in diving deeper into roles and goals? Come to the PIA SAFE Training!)
And it’s not just about teamwork. Networking also has a powerful impact on workplace well-being. Human connection is essential for our mental and emotional health. Strong professional relationships can reduce stress, boost morale, and make the workday feel a little lighter.
Finally, networking plays a big role in personal and professional growth. A diverse and robust network can unlock new opportunities—whether it’s a leadership role, a special project, or a collaboration you hadn’t considered. Growth fuels engagement, motivation, and inspiration.
In the end, networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards or small talk—it’s about building a stronger, healthier, more connected workplace.
Yours in wellness (& networking!)
Erin
What’s ahead?
- April 18 | WashU Community Mindfulness Gatherings
- April 26 | PIA SAFE Spring Training
- April 30 | Mindfulness & Anti-Racism Speaker Series: Kaira Jewel Lingo
- May | Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
- June | LGBTQIA+ Pride Month
- August | Where in the World was WUDA this summer? Send your summer adventures to Erin Herrera or Kelsey Arends to be included in the roundup!
Tips for networking at work
Networking at work doesn’t have to feel forced or uncomfortable. By incorporating small, intentional habits, you can build strong professional relationships without much extra effort!
1. Be Approachable and Engaged
- Smile, make eye contact, and acknowledge colleagues by name and with a simple “hello.”
- Show genuine interest by remembering names and small details about coworkers.
- Keep your office door open when possible to encourage casual conversations.
2. Take Advantage of Informal Spaces
- Use shared areas like breakrooms, hallways, and elevators to strike up light conversations. (Contrary to popular belief, it is, in fact, not illegal to speak in an elevator!)
- Sit with different groups during lunch to meet new people.
- Arrive a few minutes early or stay a few minutes late after meetings to engage in casual chat- This includes Zoom! Don’t be afraid to throw that camera on a few minutes early and chat!
3. Join Committees and Workgroups
- Volunteer for workplace committees, task forces, or social planning groups.
- Participate in interdisciplinary teams or cross-departmental projects.
- Get involved in initiatives related to professional development or wellness.
4. Offer Help and Seek Advice
- Offer to assist colleagues with tasks, projects, or brainstorming solutions.
- Ask others for their expertise or input—people enjoy sharing their knowledge.
- Express appreciation when someone helps you; gratitude strengthens relationships (Send a Take 2!)
5. Be Present at Workplace Events
- Attend staff meetings, team-building activities, and social events when possible.
- Engage in after-hours gatherings or networking events if comfortable.
- Use these opportunities to meet people outside your immediate team.
6. Use Technology to Stay Connected
- Send a friendly email or message to colleagues you don’t see often. Private chat with someone on Zoom and ask about their weekend!
- Share relevant articles or professional insights with coworkers; send them that soup recipe you mentioned at lunch!
7. Make the Most of Interdisciplinary Interactions
- Discuss patient cases or workplace challenges with colleagues from other departments.
- Learn from professionals outside your specialty to broaden your perspective.
SAFE Accolades
The Department of Anesthesiology is proud to recognize 13 individuals who have received accolades through the SAFE (Supporting a Fair Environment) Reporting platform during the
Third Quarter of Academic Year 2025-26.
SAFE Reporting is an integral part of WashU Medicine’s ongoing efforts to ensure that we uphold the highest standards of professionalism in our workplaces and learning environments. It enables clinicians, scientists, educators, staff, residents, fellows, postdocs, students, and other members of our community to safely report either positive or concerning behaviors, with or without identifying themselves.
This tool is a key resource for recognizing outstanding contributions and flagging unprofessional or abusive behaviors. By utilizing the SAFE Accolades tool, members of our community help to cultivate an atmosphere where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
Calm App has changed to Calm Health
Whether you’ve been using the Calm app regularly or didn’t know it was available to you—great news! If you’re enrolled in WashU’s health plan through UnitedHealthcare (UHC), you have access to Calm Health, a new and enhanced experience designed to support your mental and emotional well-being.
What’s changing:
We’re moving from the standard Calm app to Calm Health. It includes the same mindfulness and relaxation features, plus expanded resources tailored to your overall well-being. Note: access to the standard Calm app will no longer work moving forward. Your saved content and favorites will not transfer to Calm Health.
What you need to do:
To access Calm Health, start by setting up your account:
- Visit https://uhc.app/calm
- If prompted, sign in to your account on myuhc.com or the UnitedHealthcare app. If you don’t have an account, select Register to create one.
- After signing in, click “Go to Calm Health” – this will pull your SSO (single sign-on) information and allow you to begin registration.
- Sign up using Google, Apple, Facebook, or email—then download the Calm Health app and log in using the same method.
- If you already have a Calm account, select “Log in with your Calm account.”
- Follow the prompts to finish setup.
Tip: You can also register directly through the Calm Health app, but this requires more info (including access code UHC and your Member ID). We recommend starting from the link above for a smoother experience.
To help with the transition, please see the following resources:
- New Member FAQ
- Quick Start Flyer
- A flyer introducing our Nurse Advocates, who are here to support you!
Not sure if you’re covered through UHC?
We’re currently exploring options for employees who aren’t enrolled in a United Healthcare plan. If you’re unsure or think this may apply to you, please reach out to Deven Stepney (devens@wustl.edu) for support.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
As May approaches, we’re proud to reflect on and celebrate the important contributions that Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPIs) have made in our shared history.
Stay tuned for our upcoming newsletter from the Office of Professional Growth & Inclusive Culture, where we’ll share meaningful ways to celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, both in your personal life and within our professional community!
Highlights from the Third Annual Women of WUDA Retreat
The Women of WUDA hosted their third annual retreat on Saturday, April 5, at Barnett on Washington. Women from the department gathered to connect and network, hear from women in medicine, and participate in wellness activities.
PIA SAFE
PIA SAFE is a peer-based program in the Department of Anesthesiology designed to address concerns about negative behaviors, conflicts, and microaggressions experienced by department members.
Interested in joining PIA SAFE?
Our spring retreat is on April 26, 2025, from 8-11 a.m.
Check out the PIA SAFE website or email Erin Herrera (erinherrera@wustl.edu) to learn more!
WUDA Supporting Parents Group
This program not only aims to foster a supportive and connected community for parents within our department, but also serves as a tool for others so they can stay up to date on key WashU/BJC benefits, policies, and more.
This group is dedicated to creating a resource hub and community where parents feel informed, empowered, and connected throughout their parenthood journey. We aim to provide easy access to information on all aspects of parenthood and to connect parents within our department.
The Well-developed Podcast
It is difficult to learn and perform well when you are not at your best. The Well-developed Podcast is a space to validate, normalize, and explore the ways we bring our whole selves to work. Learn how to capitalize on your own unique strengths, preferences, and sense of self to improve and develop your well-being!
Have an idea for a podcast topic? Share your suggestions using the form at the bottom of our webpage. Thanks for influencing our podcast’s evolution!
Take 2 for the Team
Introducing “Take 2 for the Team,” a new initiative and app designed to promote gratitude and positivity among our anesthesiology department’s team members. This digital peer-to-peer gratitude program encourages us all to take just 2 minutes each day to acknowledge and express gratitude towards a fellow team member.
You can find the app on our departmental INTRAnet, making it accessible to everyone in the department. Using the app is a breeze —simply compose a thank-you note, and your heartfelt “Thank You!” will be sent directly to your colleague’s inbox.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate our colleagues and their contributions to our well-being and happiness.