Employee Wellness

Your Wellness is Our Passion

In support of NOVA’s mission, vision, and core values, the Office of Employee Wellness and Wellbeing (OEWW) actively collaborates with internal and external partners to integrate strategies across the college, enhancing the overall wellness and wellbeing of our employees. Through our collective efforts, we can create a powerful chain reaction across NOVA's educational ecosystem so that every member of our college community has the opportunity to thrive.

Below are highlights of several wellness and wellbeing benefits available to state employees, as well as specific benefits offered at NOVA. For the most current information, please visit the Employee Wellness Portal on NOVAnet.

Employee Wellness Programs

CommonHealth

CommonHealth is Virginia’s Employee Wellness Program, available to ALL employees, including part-time and wage employees and retirees.

The program covers diverse health topics in various formats to meet the needs of different workplaces. A regional wellness consultant supports our college community with up-to-date information on stress, sleep, nutrition, exercise, and more, fostering a culture of wellbeing. NOVA's Campus Agency Coordinators (ACs) act as liaisons, ensuring seamless communication between employees and the Chief Wellness Officer and regional consultant.

DAAPP for Employees

NOVA's Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program (DAAPP) ensures compliance with federal and state regulations, addressing drug and alcohol misuse among employees.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is an information, support, and referral service that helps maintain an organization's health and its employees' wellbeing. With your employee health plan, confidential, independent assistance is offered to state employees and their families. The EAP intake representatives are available to direct you to the appropriate resource to meet your needs. These trained professionals handle your calls with sensitivity and care and work with you to find solutions that fit your lifestyle. Crisis services are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

EAP also offers a wide range of low-to no-cost support services and resources, including up to four counseling sessions for mental health, alcohol or drug abuse assessment, child or elder care, financial, grief counseling, and legal services (e.g., estate planning).

Contact your health plan’s member services department for more information.

Employee Discounts

Check out DHRM's Employee Discounts site for all the great discounts you receive as a state employee!

Employee Emergency Assistance Fund (EEAF)

NOVA Employee Emergency Assistance Fund (EEAF) awards financial assistance to NOVA employees experiencing unforeseen financial hardship. 

Financial Literacy

Financial wellness is a top priority at OEWW. We recognize the importance of financial wellbeing to the overall health of NOVA’s employees. We will provide curated resources to boost your financial literacy and help you to achieve financial independence. We encourage ongoing learning to make wise financial choices and ensure stability. Keep an eye out for announcements about financial wellness events, resources, and Financial Wellness Wednesdays topics. Together, we can achieve financial wellness with the right tools and support.

Health and Wellness Resources

Visit us on NOVAnet for the most updated list of experiences, training, and resources.

NOVAfy

Recognize Colleagues with NOVAfy!

Have you ever wanted to send a quick note of thanks to a colleague for helping you or a shout-out to someone for a job well done? What about a token of appreciation to someone who causes you to celebrate being a part of this community? Well, you can do just that using NOVAfy.

NOVAfy is an e-card recognition program that provides employees with a tool to recognize, encourage, and/or thank each other. NOVAfy is also a fun way to celebrate the work we all do every day that impacts our students. See this guide for instructions on sending your messages.

With just a few clicks, you can dash off a quick note of recognition, thanks or encouragement to fellow employees. Calling out a job well done is a small gesture that positively impacts employee engagement and enhances a sense of belonging.

TimelyCare for Employees

NOVA has partnered with TimelyMD to deliver TimelyCare for ALL NOVA employees. This health and wellbeing platform provides FREE 24/7 access to virtual care! Check out the available services from your smartphone or any web-enabled device (laptop or desktop). TimelyCare is available from anywhere in the United States.

As part of the partnership with TimelyMD, below are the available services for employees:

  • TalkNow: 24/7, on-demand emotional support to talk about anything, including anxiety, relationships, depression, and general stressors.
  • Scheduled Counseling: Choose the day, time, and mental health provider that works best for you (3 visits per year).
  • Self-Care Content: Visit the Explore page within TimelyCare for guided self-care content.
  • Basic Needs Support: Access to free or reduced-cost community resources, including food and housing assistance, transit support, childcare, and financial resources/services/assistance.
  • Faculty + Staff Support: Receive guidance to help students in crisis. To access this service, call 833-4-TIMELY (a 24/7 dedicated phone line).
  • Health Coaching: 24/7 on-demand coaching to support lifestyle changes and developing healthy habits.
  • Peer Community for Faculty and Staff: Connect with Colleagues who understand your experiences and challenges in TimelyCare's Peer Community.

Get started with TimelyCare today! It only takes a few minutes to download the app and access the services. For your convenience, TimelyCare has also been added as a tile on the college’s myNOVA portal.