Now more than ever, Penn encourages faculty and staff to focus on wellness, self-care, and building resilience. The Be in the Know campaign, in its ninth year, offers the tools to prioritize your health, plus earn up to $300 in rewards.
At a glance, highlights for the 2020-21 Be in the Know campaign include: New campaign year dates (July 1, 2020-June 30, 2021), a new wellness platform partner and rewards program with Virgin Pulse, more virtual wellness and work-life events and resources, and a few important changes to campaign activities.
With Virgin Pulse, Be in the Know participants will experience exciting wellness programs and resources, along with an enhanced rewards structure and new Bonus Actions, says Chris Hyson, senior health and wellness specialist.
“We were thrilled to welcome Virgin Pulse as Penn’s wellness platform partner on July 1, 2020,” she says. “Their focus on building healthy habits and robust virtual programs were timely additions to support Penn’s incredible faculty and staff. Virgin Pulse’s abundant challenges provide essential opportunities to not only focus on an area of your well-being, but to also make connections with your colleagues and the Penn community.”
Due to the impact of COVID-19 and the need to exercise physical distancing, Penn has made some modifications to the 2020-21 Be in the Know campaign.
The “Health Check,” Virgin Pulse’s online health assessment, is the only required activity faculty and staff must complete to receive their earned rewards this campaign year. Participants earn 50 points and $50 in Pulse Cash rewards for completing the Health Check, and also begin receiving rewards for other qualifying campaign activities. Based on your Health Check responses, the Virgin Pulse platform will begin providing relevant wellness information and programs.
“Completing Virgin Pulse’s Health Check is the perfect way to kick off your Be in the Know campaign year,” Hyson says. “As soon as you register on the platform, we suggest you complete the Health Check and begin your wellness journey.”
Because of COVID-19 concerns, a biometric screening will not be a required activity to receive any rewards for this year. However, it remains a priority and awarded activity, and is still required to become a Be in the Know VIP. On-campus screenings will only be offered when deemed safe and space is available. As always, participants can submit results from their health care provider, using the online Biometric Screening Consent Form.
Be in the Know continues to reward a variety of Bonus Actions, or health-related action steps, ranging from preventative health, Penn wellness activities, and Virgin Pulse online options. Attestation Forms on the platform replace Proof of Bonus Actions Forms, easing the process of receiving credit for certain Bonus Actions.
After completing the Health Check, participants can earn up to $250 in Pulse Cash for any combination of Be in the Know activities, including a biometric screening and/or Bonus Actions. Go the extra mile and earn Be in the Know VIP status and special recognition by earning at least 450 total campaign points. Please note that Be in the Know rewards are subject to payroll taxes. With the change to Virgin Pulse, Penn will process these taxes through participants’ paychecks. Taxes will be processed on a quarterly basis (January, April, July, and October) and as your rewards are earned, not redeemed.
“This is the year to focus on your well-being and embrace virtual offerings,” says Jack Heuer, vice president, Division of Human Resources.
“We encourage faculty and staff to take full advantage of Be in the Know, the Virgin Pulse platform, and virtual wellness and work-life events and initiatives. Discover new ways to engage in your health, connect with colleagues, and support all aspects of your well-being,” he says.
For 2020-21 Be in the Know campaign details, visit www.hr.upenn.edu/beintheknow or https://join.virginpulse.com/penn.
