Mental Health Supports - University Of Washington Human Resources

Mental health supports

Supports for stress, burnout and mental health

No matter the source, stress or anxiety may contribute to you feeling unproductive or unhappy at work. Ongoing stress and anxiety may build over time leading to burnout and other negative impacts on your mental health. The University recognizes the links between stress, burnout, and mental health and provides you support through resources and programs that allow for flexibility in your work, connects you with needed resources, or, when needed, allows you to be absent from work.

Warning signs of burnout

Ongoing unhealthy mental, physical, and emotional states contribute to burnout leading to feelings of mental, physical, or emotional exhaustion. Effects may include not sleeping well, making frequent mistakes, having trouble making decisions, loss of motivation, and increased irritability.

Employee flexibility supports and employer-provided resources

Flexible work arrangements, telework, and remote work may help you perform your best by allowing you to set work schedules that accommodate caregiving or other responsibilities or to work in quiet, distraction free environments. Conversations regarding these supports can be initiated by you or your manager.

Information provided at UW’s child and family caregiving resources website, through WA EAP, and SafeCampus may additionally help you find tools and resources to address ongoing problems or concerns. UW Medicine’s Employee Mental Health Resources website provides in one place a variety of resources available to UW Medicine employees, including the UW Medicine Employee Mental Health Support (EMHS) program.

Time off for personal health and wellness

You may request sick time off for your own personal health condition and preventative care, which includes dealing with stress, feeling burnt-out, or to address mental health needs. Additionally, UW has generous vacation time off provisions for staff. At times, other time off options may be useful or appropriate, including a leave of absence. Policies concerning eligibility, accrual, and use continue to apply.

You are encouraged to work with your manager when stress or anxiety start to effect your job performance or satisfaction. Your manager can help identify how to address your concerns including by granting time off with the goal of helping to alleviate work-related stress. Your department HR administrator may also be able to assist you. If you prefer assistance from someone outside your unit, contact your Human Resources Consultant.