(Lorraine Martinelle ghostwrote this column on behalf of UMass Chan Medical School Office of Well-Being Director Valerie Wedge.) As organizations strive to foster productivity, creativity, and a positive culture in a post-COVID world, prioritizing employee well-being is not only a moral obligation but a strategic investment. Employers who have invested in a comprehensive, holistic mental and physical wellness program find this approach has helped foster a positive work culture, a diverse workforce, and an inclusive environment valuing the organization’s greatest asset: its employees.

For UMass Chan Medical School's Office of Well-Being (OWB), I redesigned OWB's quarterly newsletter, using content submitted to me by OWB staff.

I wrote a press release to promote the news that UMass Chan Medical School was selected as one of the top 100 "Healthiest Employers in America," because of its workplace wellness programs offered by Office of Well-Being. The press release was picked up by local media outlets.

A celebration was held June 5, 2023, at UMass Chan Medical School to recognize employees who achieved milestones in 2020, 2021, and 2022. “It is especially heartwarming, and a great honor for me, to host this celebration at a time when colleagues can finally come together in person and celebrate, following such a long hiatus of in- person events during the pandemic," said Carolyn Brownawell, deputy vice chancellor for Human Resources and chief people strategy officer at UMass Chan.

When Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the football field during a Jan. 2 game against the Bengals, he had experienced cardiac arrest. One week later, on Jan. 11, Hamlin was discharged from the hospital and returned home. Alive. For Amanda Gonzalez, a senior talent associate in UMass Chan Medical School’s Office of Human Resources since 2019, Hamlin’s was a moment she could—unfortunately—relate to, having experienced cardiac arrest eight times— the first happening at the young age of 17, three days before her high school senior prom.

(This story includes quotes and information that I drafted for a press release I wrote. -- LUM) At a presentation about Worcester’s growth Tuesday, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School Chancellor Michael Collins made it clear that his school is part of that growth. “If you look at the economic multiplier of the medical school, you know, it’s close to, it approximates $2 billion...we’re building a 350,000 square foot research building now right outside the door, and there are so many construction workers out there right now putting up the steel,” Collins said.

UMass Chan Medical School has approximately 600 job opportunities, most of the new positions were added due to growth throughout the institution. To help fill these positions, the Human Resources Department will host a Career Fair on Wednesday, March 30, from 1-5 pm at the Beechwood Hotel, 363 Plantation Street, across from the School of Medicine. Those interested in attending are encouraged to pre-register and bring their resumes. Free parking available.

UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester will hold a job fair on March 30 to fill approximately 600 positions. The human resources department will host the fair at the Beechwood Hotel from 1 to 5 p.m. Representatives from various departments will be on hand, including emergency medicine, facilities management, information technology, and psychiatry, according to a release posted to the UMass Chan website on Wednesday.

UMass Chan Medical School has approximately 600 employment opportunities, most new positions added due to growth across the institution. To help fill these positions, the Human Resources Department is holding a Career Fair on Wednesday, March 30, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Beechwood Hotel, at 363 Plantation Street, across from the Medical School.