January 2019 – July 2022
STEMNoire — a group that seeks to boost the representation of and support Black women in STEM fields — is replacing its inaugural research conference with a week (July 13-19) of virtual story-telling, self-care, and community building. Events include guided meditation and cooking demos. https://www.stemnoire.org/bwis-week
There are steps you can take to guard your home against wildfires. First, maintain adequate defensible space around your home by clearing away dead plants, grass, and weeds. Second, use landscaping that is less likely to catch fire. Learn more about fire-resistant landscaping in this UC video. https://youtu.be/gCARseErIi4
Employees can return to Lab sites to work because they follow the rules about social distancing and cleaning. The other important component of returning to onsite work is the Health Pledge. See why your colleagues are taking the pledge. https://youtu.be/pDDKA0Z58CQ
A Wellness in the New Normal session on managing anxiety and workload, and integrating physical activity, takes place July 7 at 12:15 pm. Connect with Lab colleagues via a facilitated discussion to share challenges you may be facing and/or tips or tricks that have helped during this difficult time. https://calendar.google.com/event?action=TEMPLATE&tmeid=NXJvdGlhazJhdjZqMzd0Z2I1N2VwMjByaTBfMjAyMDA3MDdUMTkxNTAwWiBsYmwuZ292XzRzNHJyZzEybDZlcWc2bmNtYzJrdDB2Y2dnQGc&tmsrc=lbl.gov_4s4rrg12l6eqg6ncmc2kt0vcgg%40group.calendar.google.com
Working from home, inadequate childcare, homeschooling, and being with your children 24/7 are just some of the challenges parents face during COVID-19. Be Well at Work‘s parenting support group offers tips and resources to help deal with these issues. Their first meeting is on July 8 at 12:30 p.m. https://diversity.lbl.gov/2020/06/22/be-well-at-work-supporting-parents-and-caregivers-of-children-july-8-2020/
Caregivers are dealing with unique challenges during COVID-19: elders living alone, physical distancing, travel restrictions, program closures, and limited services. To help with these issues, Be Well at Work’s Elder Care Program has a new support group that will meet on Tuesday, July 7, at 11 a.m. https://diversity.lbl.gov/2020/06/22/be-well-at-work-caregiver-connect-eldercare-program-july-7-2020/
How many people (and canines) does it take to move a herd of goats? It’s no joke…several Facilities workers, a herder, and three dogs — followed by a very important clean-up crew of one! While most staff are working from home, the Lab’s beloved goats are back to help reduce the risk of wildfire. https://youtu.be/rMey3U0j61A
As the work-at-home situation continues for most Lab employees, it’s more important than ever to ensure you’re giving your body a break from the computer. Join us at 9:30 a.m. each morning for a 10-minute stretch session led by your fellow Berkeley Lab colleagues. https://diversity.lbl.gov/2020/06/25/join-us-daily-10-minute-breaks-for-self-care/
More than 100 Lab employees recently participated in the UC Walks virtual event, with over 5,000 minutes of exercise. Check out these photos of your colleagues walking, riding, jumping, and dancing — on their own or with their kids, partners, and pets — at beautiful locales all over the Bay Area. https://sites.google.com/view/ucwalksatlbl2020/home
Nationally there have been reports of increased domestic violence since the shelter-in-place orders were issued. Stress over health, money, or relationships can be contributing factors. The Lab’s Equal Employment Opportunity Office and Affirmative Action Title IX Office has issued a guide. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yT5MKn96m25n6TCZEmlQZ9lkoQ721Hh1/view?usp=sharing