In a groundbreaking initiative, Temple University has rolled out the Calm Health app for its full-time employees and their families, marking it as the first higher education institution in Pennsylvania to do so. This thoughtful gesture, stemming from the Health and Well-being Division and Human Resources, aims to bolster wellness and mental health amid life’s hectic demands, allowing users to find serenity even during stressful moments. With a calming collection of guided meditations, soothing sounds, and celebrity-narrated sleep stories, the app creates a virtual escape for anyone seeking respite from daily anxieties.
As deadlines loom and fatigue settles in, feelings of stress are all too common. Psychological burdens not only hinder personal productivity but also lead to larger implications for organizations, costing U.S. businesses an astounding $300 billion annually due to decreased efficiency and increased absenteeism, as reported by the American Institute of Stress. In fact, the American Psychological Association’s 2024 Work in America study indicates that 43% of employees grapple with workplace tension.
“Supporting the mental health and well-being of employees is crucial for their prosperity and, by extension, for the success of Temple,” said Sharon Boyle, vice president of human resources. Temple’s decision to provide Calm Health encapsulates the university’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture steeped in well-being. It reflects a dedicated effort to ensure that employees can navigate the complexities of work life with greater ease and resilience.
The Calm Health app, designed by psychologists, offers resources aimed at enhancing users’ understanding of their mental fitness. From tailored breathing exercises to ambient soundscapes and motivational stories, it caters to a wide range of needs. Employees can easily access the app through Temple’s Calm Health website, creating personalized experiences based on a brief screening tool that recommends specific content tailored to their individual mental wellness journeys.
Mark Denys, associate vice provost of health and well-being, emphasized the app’s versatility, noting, “Calm Health is ideal for staff and faculty because it can help focus before a meeting or class and relax after.” This robust platform is especially beneficial for employees looking to cultivate mindfulness amid their bustling schedules, ultimately enhancing their overall productivity and focus.
The launch of Calm Health aligns perfectly with the Health and Well-being Division’s strategic goal to broaden the scope of wellness resources available to faculty and staff. Soon, a comprehensive human sustainability program will roll out, offering tailored health feedback via employee surveys and expanding wellness screenings. This multifaceted approach shows Temple’s dedication to holistic support for emotional, social, and physical health.
As part of a coordinated effort, Temple’s Health and Well-being Division combines multiple service arms to tackle various health topics, including counseling and crisis support. This commitment was officially recognized when Temple earned the designation of Certified Suicide Prevention Institution of Higher Education in Pennsylvania in September 2024. The Calm Health app’s introduction is yet another step in Temple’s mission to provide extensive support and resources for its employees’ wellness.
Temple University has launched the Calm Health app, providing full-time employees and their families with free access to mental wellness resources, making it the first higher education institution in Pennsylvania to do so. The app features guided meditations, sleep stories, and other tools aimed at reducing workplace stress. This initiative demonstrates Temple’s commitment to enhancing mental health and overall well-being in its community.
With the launch of the Calm Health app, Temple University is taking a bold step to enhance employee wellness and mental health. By offering this valuable resource, the university not only addresses the pervasive issue of workplace stress but also champions a supportive culture. This initiative, alongside further programs and resources, illustrates Temple’s commitment to fostering a healthier, more balanced work environment, ultimately allowing employees to thrive both personally and professionally.
Original Source: news.temple.edu
