Work-Life Services Home Page
Work-Life Services provides New York State employees with a comprehensive network of resources to address their work, home, and life issues.
Work-Life Services Program News
NYS-Ride: Monthly Pre-Tax Limit Reduced to $125
The $230 monthly pre-tax transit limit expired as of December 31, 2011. Since the limit was not extended by Congress, it reverted to the IRS-determined limit of $125 a month and any election amount over $125 will be deducted from your pay on an after-tax basis. Please remember that the limit change does not mean that you have to change your order, as your NYS-Ride account will always accommodate the full cost of your commute, regardless of the limit. However, you will receive the tax credit and savings only for the portion deducted pre-tax from your pay. If you wish to make changes to any of your future orders, please log into your account at www.nysride.com or contact customer service at 1-866-428-7781 (TDD 866-353-8058).
How to Make Your 2012 New Year's Resolutions Successful by NYS EAP
Surveys report that about 80% of New Year's resolutions are not kept. You can increase the probability of your success, if you choose a realistic resolution, plan the steps to accomplish it, and change your thinking from "resolution" to "commitment."
Here are four steps to increase the likelihood of achieving success:
- Clarify: Visualize yourself as having accomplished this goal. Be specific in terms of the outcome.
- Plan: Break down your goal into small steps. Each step must be doable, practical, and realistic. For example, if you want to lose one pound per week, you will need to have a plan to exercise. This would include what exercises you will do and how often.
- Track: Small successes can be motivating. Set up weekly and monthly scorekeeping as part of your plan. Celebrate your successes!
- Be Resilient: You may suffer obstacles along the way. Use these to learn how to redirect your actions. Obstacles are to be expected, so be flexible and willing to change strategies.
Adapted with permission from publication E114 by WorkExcel.com.
More Information
For more information and support to achieve your goals, contact your EAP coordinator or the EAP Main Office at 800.822.0244.
Video Resource on Retirement Planning
A series of short videos — the Planning Your Successful Retirement Video Guide — highlighting key information from the popular DIRECTIONS: Pre-Retirement Planning Seminars is now available. Designed for executive branch employees, the 22 videos were created in partnership with the Office of the State Comptroller, the Department of Civil Service, the NYS Deferred Compensation Plan, and the Social Security Administration. Employees can view the new videos along with other pre-retirement planning information on this Work-Life Services website and also on YouTube at www.youtube.com/user/GOERWebServices.
2012 Flex Spending Account Changes in Status and New Employees
The FSA 2012 open enrollment period ended on November 14, 2011. New state employees hired on or after November 1, 2011 may enroll for the 2012 plan year by submitting a Change in Status application within 60 days of your hire date. Employees who experience a valid change in status on or after November 15, 2011 or during the 2012 plan year, may be eligible to enroll by submitting a Change in Status application. Visit www.flexspend.ny.gov to review the 2012 Change in Status information to determine if your situation qualifies you to enroll during the plan year.
Let's Move! Child Care™
Because childhood obesity is a growing problem, Work-Life Services is encouraging the NYS worksite child care centers to participate in the First Lady's national campaign to promote a healthy lifestyle for children called Let's Move! Child Care™. The five program goals are to:
Get kids moving
Reduce screen time
Make nutrition fun
Offer healthier beverages
Support infant feeding
Parents and child care center staff can find more information at www.healthykidshealthyfuture.org including being a role model, menu planning, and a checklist for child care centers.
Welcome to the Family Packet
Work-Life Services introduces the "Welcome to the Family Packet". Parenting is an exciting and challenging experience. Today's parents often face unique circumstances balancing their work and family responsibilities. As a New York State Executive Branch employee parent, you are entitled to several negotiated benefits designed to assist you with balancing work and life. The "Welcome to the Family Packet" will outline these benefits programs as well as provide educational child care and parenting brochures. We invite you to request a "Welcome to the Family Packet" if you are expecting or recently added to your family through the birth or adoption of a child. Email your request along with your name and home address to: worklife@goer.ny.gov.
"Parenthood, it's not a job. It's an adventure" – –author unknown
About Work-Life Services
New York State and its public employee unions are committed to increased employee productivity and morale through the improvement of the quality of work and life.
The Work-Life Services website helps state employees with:
Life Planning
— Get the tools to make decisions and develop strategies that deal with turning points in your life, such as retirement, midlife, or parenthood.
Addressing Personal Concerns
— Find the services that can help you get over life's hurdles when necessary, including personalized and confidential assistance.