Research consistently demonstrates that employees are more engaged and satisfied with their jobs when they are part of a workplace that prioritizes their overall well-being. Our annual report showcases the ways in which University Human Resources (UHR) actively fosters such an environment for U-M’s faculty and staff. Through Health and Well-being Services (HWB) – including MHealthy, Mental Health Counseling and Consultation Services and Child and Family Care – UHR continues to positively influence thousands across the U-M community. Likewise, the dedicated efforts of Occupational Health Services and the Benefits Administration Office play a pivotal role in enriching the lives of faculty, staff and their families.
Our commitment aligns seamlessly with U-M’s adoption of the Okanagan Charter and our aspiration to be a health-promoting university. This shared vision is reinforced by strategic initiatives such as Look to Michigan, underscoring the university’s sustained investment in human health and well-being.
Backed by comprehensive data collection and analysis, HWB programs and services have earned recognition at both state and national levels and consistently achieve high marks in customer satisfaction. We are pleased to highlight this year’s notable achievements and the ongoing impact of our collective efforts.
2025 Highlights:
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The MHealthy Resource Coach Program was nationally recognized with the 2025 C. Everett Koop Innovation Award for addressing factors beyond individual health behaviors that influence overall health outcomes.
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UHR and HWB staff continued to serve on the Well-being Collective advisory council, steering committee and, new in 2025, action teams that will develop recommendations to implement across the university.
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HWB advanced workplace well-being locally and nationally by supporting student opportunities, collaborating with campus and external partners, publishing research, presenting at conferences and planning national events.
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The Faculty and Staff Counseling and Consultation Office and the Office of Counseling and Workplace Resilience handled more than 20,000 interactions with faculty and staff through individual counseling, presentations, support sessions, leader consultations and other forms of outreach.
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MHealthy Rewards, online challenges, goal setting and an entire suite of online resources drew more than 24,000 unique users to the MHealthy Portal. Among those, more than 22,000 completed the annual health questionnaire.
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Combined, more than 14,000 participants joined Active U, in-person physical activity classes and sleep- and nutrition-related programs. Alcohol management participants saw a 79% reduction of weekly alcohol consumption and 75% reduction in the number of negative consequences. Tobacco counseling participants had a 38% quit rate at their six-month follow-up.
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Child and Family Care (CFC) expanded subsidized back-up care services to up to 15 days per year for faculty, staff and students.
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Project Healthy Schools, active in 175 middle schools and reaching over 171,500 students since 2004, continued to show lasting improvements in health behaviors and cardiovascular risk factors.
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Occupational Health Services (OHS) remained the central point of protection against occupational illnesses and injuries, managing more than 37,000 flu immunizations and thousands of health assessments, medical surveillance visits, fit tests and clinic visits.
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U-M Benefits covered more than 127,000 faculty, staff, retirees, survivors and family members, offering a choice of plans that emphasize preventive care and include services that target serious illness, many at no cost to members.
We extend our gratitude to the dedicated HWB and UHR teams, as well as our university leaders and partners. Your commitment and collaboration have made these achievements possible.
Dr. Robert Ernst, U-M Chief Health Officer
Karen Schmidt, Senior Director, Health and Well-being Services