About the Program
As a recipient of multiple national awards including the Healthiest 100 and the C. Everett Koop Award, the BCM Well-Being program inspires and creates a culture of healthy living and wellness throughout the College. We offer onsite, offsite, and virtual opportunities for employees and leaners to participate in events, programs, and workshops.
Part of Human Resources - Benefits, the BCM Well-Being program works with various wellness-related departments, such as ergonomics, and safety. We also work with external wellness-related programs such as United Healthcare, Fidelity, TIAA, and more.
Branches of Well-being
Rooted by Baylor College of Medicine’s core values, the BCM Well-Being program provides resources, initiatives, and opportunities to help our community grow and thrive. The multiple initiatives and resources are created to enrich all of Baylor’s five “Branches of Well-being.”
BCM Well-Being includes BCM BeWell (for eligible employees and spouses), BCM LIFE (for students) and BCM Well-Being Center (for members).
Healthy Body
Baylor supports our community in maintaining their best overall physical health.
- Annual biometric health screenings provide convenient opportunities for employees and participating spouses to learn about their potential health risk factors and how to take appropriate action.
- Blood pressure kiosks in multiple locations provide an opportunity for daily monitoring.
- Gym discounts and our multi-year walking challenge motivates many to be more active.
- Nearby walking trails and custom-designed StairWELLS are an added incentive to incorporate movement into the workday.
- Workplace ergonomic consultations are available to all employees as well as mother’s aid stations.
- Multiple weight and chronic disease management counseling programs equip and empower employees to address their health goals.
- Virtual physician visits through United Healthcare allow participating employees to seek non-emergent care from the convenience of their home or office.
Healthy Mind
The stressors of modern-day life are prolific. Baylor provides resources to help employees and learners develop positive coping strategies and work/life integration. This includes the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), telephonic behavioral health sessions, internal resources, volunteer time off, an Integrity Hotline, and on-site ombudsmen. BCM Well-Being coordinates periodic pet therapy sessions, relaxation events, and mental health seminars throughout the year.
As a leader in health sciences education, Baylor provides resources to ensure that employees cultivate intellectual wellness. Tuition reimbursement is available for eligible employees, as well as, advanced practice opportunities, and leadership/management training. Book and journal clubs provide a platform for employees to connect and learn together. BCM Well-Being coordinates various educational opportunities to expand knowledge in the realm of health and well-being. College counseling programs help employees and learners prepare for the intellectual endeavors of their children.
While spirituality has many possible definitions, it universally embodies a connection to the world around us. Baylor offers presentations on the intersections between health and spirituality, yoga classes, and workshops on the art of mindfulness.
Healthy Environment
Baylor College of Medicine strives to create awareness and action around environmental sustainability as well as creating a physical environment of well-being for all employees. Features include an award-winning recycling program and sustainable commute-to-work benefits. BCM Well-Being creates annual sustainability-focused wellness challenges to further engage employees and participating spouses in the care of our environment.
Bike to Work/School Resources
Baylor College of Medicine was recognized with a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Business award by the League of American Bicyclists. Baylor joins a total of 1,451 current BFBs nationwide, including everything from government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, museums, hospitality establishments, bike shops, and other employers, all united in a commitment to transform American workplaces to be more welcoming to both customers and employees who bike.
Healthy Finances
Learning how to live on a budget, understanding how to minimize debt, and counsel on general financial planning are all critical aspects of holistic well-being. Regularly scheduled seminars on various financial topics and the availability of one-on-one financial advising appointments provides an opportunity for employees to engage in this important branch. Beginning in 2020, employees will have access to a personal financial coach. Beyond education and counseling, Baylor supports employees’ financial future by providing competitive retirement plans.
Additionally, students have access to a variety of financial wellness opportunities.
Healthy Community
BCM Well-Being recognizes the power of community, relationships, and connection. Opportunities to gather are created regularly, including an annual wellness fair, walking groups, and more. We also offer community-based participation opportunities for Baylor employees at various Houston and San Antonio events, such as the BP MS 150, Run Houston series, Reason2Race, and virtual participation within our interactive online wellness portal. Baylor provides benefits to meet the needs of family life, such as subsidized backup care for children and elders. Baylor offers volunteer time-off opportunities so Baylor employees can give back to the Houston community. Baylor also routinely holds onsite blood drives and other activities to benefit the greater community.