Slow down with intention
April 3, 2024
FM hosts mental health roundtable with FEAP
FM Occupational Health & Safety and FM Diversity, Equity & Inclusion partnered with the UVA Faculty and Employee Assistance Program (FEAP) to host a roundtable session on March 29, focused on mental health in the workplace.
“Mental health is a priority for us at Facilities Management as it impacts our work directly,” Associate Vice President and Chief Facilities Officer Don Sundgren wrote in an email to employees. “This is a reality that touches all of us.”
The construction industry is known to have one of the highest suicide rates, which is why the FM teams have hosted quarterly roundtables with FEAP professionals in addition to presentations with each team within FM focused on mental health.
During the roundtable, representatives introduced the PAUSE initiative. PAUSE stands for:
- P: Pause and take a deep breath.
- A: Acknowledge your emotions without judgement and with self-compassion.
- U: Understand your options.
- S: Select wisely.
- E: Engage in positive action.
The PAUSE technique is meant to encourage employees to slow down and better manage stress. Attendants of the roundtable were encouraged to practice taking a “PAUSE” and discuss common stressors in their work while enjoying donuts and coffee.
To learn more about attending the next roundtable and the PAUSE initiative, reach out to FM-DEI@virginia.edu or FM-OHS@virginia.edu.
Afia Paracha
Communications assistant student worker
UVA Facilities Management
hcx2td@virginia.edu