University of Wisconsin–Madison

Employee Assistance Office

Confidential consultation services for UW–Madison employees and their families

News and Updates

Learn how to use mindfulness to slow down and reduce stress

LifeMatters and the Employee Assistance Office are offering a virtual webinar, Mind-Body Wellness, on Monday, March 20, noon-1 p.m. via Zoom. Mind-Body Wellness offers attendees an opportunity to slow down and learn practical mindfulness exercises, including:

  • Conscious breathing
  • Gentle stretching
  • Guided relaxation

This webinar is offered at no cost to all UW-Madison employees. Register online to receive the Zoom link.

View “Addressing Burnout” Webinar

On 2/22, LifeMatters presented “Addressing Burnout: Creating a Healthy Mind” to UW-Madison. Access a captioned recording of the presentation here.

Multiple ways to connect with a counselor

You can connect with an EAO counselor by phone, video chat, or onsite at the Lowell Center using a video phone. The onsite video phone allows you to meet with a counselor in a comfortable and confidential space. This option is ideal for those who are concerned about confidentiality if they were to meet virtually or by phone in their work space or their home. You can specify how you would prefer to meet when you make an appointment.

Timely Assistance with Life’s Challenges

When personal or work-related concerns become difficult to manage, UW–Madison’s Employee Assistance Office (EAO) can provide timely solutions for life transitions, physical or emotional health issues, and relationship challenges.

EAO professional staff offer counseling and consultation at no cost to UW–Madison faculty, staff, graduate student employees, significant others, and family members.

With the help of the Employee Assistance Office, employees and leaders develop the skills they need to understand and cope with challenging issues before they develop into more serious concerns. Services include:

Confidentiality

The services of the Employee Assistance Office are confidential; no records are kept. Anything you discuss with the EAO consultant will be kept confidential, and will not be released without your authorization, except under special circumstances as governed by Federal and State regulations. See the Confidentiality Policy for details.

Schedule a
confidential appointment

608-263-2987
eao@mailplus.wisc.edu

Lowell Center
610 Langdon Street
8 am–4:30 pm

24/7 Access to Counselors

Learn more about LifeMatters

In Immediate Crisis?

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call or Text 988

Ayuda en español:
Nacional de Prevención del Suicidio
1-888-628-9454

Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals:
TTY users can use their preferred relay service OR dial 711, then dial 1-800-273-8255 to connect.

Crisis Text Line
Text 741741

Call 911 for other life-threatening emergencies.

Personal Counseling

UW–Madison provides no-cost resources and solutions to faculty, staff, graduate student employees, their families and significant others. Consider reaching out to the Employee Assistance Office when you need help with work-related or personal challenges such as the following:

  • Work-related stress
  • Personal stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Caregiving
  • Alcohol and drugs
  • Relationship challenges
  • Conflict
  • Mental health
  • Grief and loss

There is no cost for services provided by the Employee Assistance Office. You may use the services of the Employee Assistance Office during work hours with no loss in pay. If you need services beyond what we can offer, we may refer you to other campus or community resources.

24/7 Access to Counselors

The Employee Assistance Office (EAO) has expanded its services to provide employees with free and confidential statewide coverage, and 24/7 telephone access to professional counselors in support of employees’ personal and work-related concerns.

Learn more about LifeMatters

Workplace Consultation

Managers, supervisors, deans, and department chairs work with the Employee Assistance Office to define and address workplace issues. Examples of common concerns include:

  • Conflict management
  • Stress and change management
  • Organizational dynamics
  • Personal issues affecting performance
  • Respectful workplace behaviors
  • Support after a workplace crisis, loss or trauma

Services may include consultation, coaching, and recommendations regarding group facilitation or training for those in the work unit.

Newsletter Provides Quick Tips

The EAO News for Managers provides user-friendly advice on dealing with a variety of workplace issues and working effectively with your Employee Assistance Office.

Well-being Training

EAO provides customized training opportunities and presentations to audiences across campus. In some cases, we may be able to develop a new presentation to meet your needs. Training may be requested by supervisors, deans and directors, human resources professionals, wellness committees, conference planners, and others.

We have presented on a wide variety of topics in the past, including:

  • Employee Assistance Overview
  • Recognize, Respond, Refer: Suicide Prevention for Employees
  • Creating a Positive Work Environment
  • Stress Management
  • Burnout

To request a presentation, please contact the Employee Assistance Office at eao@mailplus.wisc.edu or 608-263-2987.  To ensure we can prepare and schedule a presentation, EAO typically requests at least two weeks’ notice.  In all cases, we encourage you to reach out to discuss your needs and logistical details.

UW–Madison Wellness Symposium

Find tools and resources to support your well-being at the annual UW–Madison Wellness Symposium.

Responding to Stress

This webinar will help you attune to stress in your life, better understand how it functions, and to gain skills to more effectively manage it.

Other Contacts and Resources