Work-Life Services Home Page
Work–Life Services (WLS) are six negotiated benefits programs for executive branch employees resulting from a collaboration between NYS and the public employee unions. These programs are designed to increase employee productivity and morale by improving the quality of work and life for employees and include: Employee Assistance Program, NYS–Balance, Worksite Child Care Centers, Flex Spending Account, NYS–Ride, and Pre–Retirement Planning. To view a short video about WLS benefits click here: https://goerlmcpartnership.ilinc.com/join/cmjcsvj (32:27)
Work-Life Services News
EAP: Depression Doesn’t Take a Vacation
In spite of summer’s sun-filled days, relaxed atmosphere, and enjoyable getaways, many people continue to feel depressed. In fact, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, nine percent of adults suffer from depression at any given time, and that includes summer.
Source: www.nimh.nih.gov
Common signs and symptoms of depression:
What is NYS-Balance?
DHR and staff are invited to attend a Tuesday, June 18 overview webinar on NYS-Balance from 1:00 -1:30 p.m.
To register go to:
https://workplaceoptions.webex.com/workplaceoptions/onstage
/g.php?d=710452230&t=a
NYS-Ride
We are pleased to announce a new look for NYS-Ride, the popular benefit that allows state employees to pay up to $245 per month for certain work-related transportation expenses on a pre-tax basis. More than 8,000 participants who use public transportation to get to work currently enjoy the savings this program provides, while contributing to a greener environment by reducing carbon emissions, greenhouse gasses, and dependence on foreign oil.
The NYS-Ride website has been redesigned and updated to provide employees quick and easy access to all the information they would need to learn about the program, calculate their savings and impact on the environment, enroll in NYS-Ride, make changes to their elections, or view their accounts. The fresh new look is inviting as well as easy to navigate. Please visit the website at www.nysride.com.
Enroll in the DCAAccount
Great news for state employees who, in order to be able to work, plan to send their children under the age of 13 to summer day camp! Change in Care Provider (including summer day camp) is an eligible Change in Status event that allows you to enroll in the Dependent Care Advantage Account (DCAAccount) for the remainder of 2013. Also, the Employer Contribution is available to eligible employees who enroll in the DCAAccount to help pay for summer day camp expenses.
Want help paying for summer camp?
Please visit www.flexspend.ny.gov or call 1-800-358-7202 for more information, Employer Contribution rates, or to enroll.
Fun at Worksite Center Summer Camps
Are you looking for a summer camp for your school-aged child? Did you know that many of the NY State Worksite Child Care Centers offer summer camp for children ages 5 - 12?
All of the worksite summer camps are based out of the child care centers so they are conveniently located at various state sites. All the summer camps offer weekly themes to ensure your child will be entertained while gaining knowledge on a variety of topics in a caring environment.
What questions should I ask when I call about enrolling my child for summer camp? Click here for more.
Want help paying for summer camp?
NYS–Ride
Beginning January 2013, the IRS increased the pre–tax monthly transit limit to $245. Employees can call 1–866–428–7781 (TDD 1–866–353–8058) or go to www.nysride.com for more information. By participating in NYS–Ride, state employees are saving approximately $.40 for every dollar spent on their public transportation to and from work. NYS–Ride also saves employees time as the transit pass is mailed to their home address.
Retirement Planning Videos
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. More
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