New Year's Resolutions for Duke Employees

Working at Duke gives you lots of opportunities. See how many of these New Years' resolutions you can add to your list of ways to improve 2007.

1. I will take a class to improve my career -- and let Duke pay for it. The new Employee Tuition Assistance Program will reimburse staff up to $5,000 per year for tuition related to your job or continued career growth at Duke. Duke will pay for up to two classes per semester or quarter at any higher education institution in North Carolina that is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools -- not just Duke.

2. I will save for retirement -- and let Duke help. Financial advisers say that saving for retirement should be a priority. At Duke, bi-weekly paid employees can take advantage of the voluntary 403(b) retirement account in addition to their Duke-provided pension plan. Monthly-paid employees can put money into a retirement fund. If they save at least 3 percent of their wages, Duke will contribute additional money to the retirement fund.

3. I will get a free ergonomic check of my workstation. Call the Occupational and Environmental Safety Office (OESO) at 919-286-1722 or email ergonomics@mc.duke.edu to schedule a free ergonomic checkup. You can also visit their website for ergonomic tips.

4. I will think of my colleagues and nominate them for Duke awards and recognitions. Duke University sponsors several awards each year, including the Presidential Awards, Teamwork Awards, and Diversity Awards. Winners are given cash awards.

5. I will sign up to receive updates on new discounts available to Duke employees through the PERQS program. Duke employees can get discounts on items ranging from ice cream cones to vacations at Disney World. Sign up to get regular email updates at www.hr.duke.edu/discounts/.

6. I will take advantage of free counseling sessions through Personal Assistance Service (PAS) for myself or my family, if needed. PAS offers assessment, short-term counseling, and referrals to help resolve a range of personal, work, and family problems. PAS services are available to Duke faculty and staff and their immediate family members.

7. I will join the credit union and save money on financial services. Duke University Federal Credit Union offers a full range of financial services -- as well as free classes on money management. For details, click here.

8. I will take advantage of Duke's programs to help me stay healthy. You can participate in a Prospective Health program, join the Run/Walk Club, get a free flu shot, get a discount to a work-out facility through the Duke Fitness Club, attend a free HealthCheck and take advantage of smoking cessation benefits, just to name a few options. In addition, during 2007, most smoking cessation benefits are available to your spouse or same sex partner.

9. I will visit Duke Gardens, Duke Libraries and Nasher Art Museum, for free. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens offers 55 acres of gardens in the heart of Duke's main campus. The Duke Library system allows employees to check out books, videos, and other material. And the Nasher Museum of Art, opened in 2005, offers free admission to Duke employees.

10. I will visit the HR website to find out details about these and other benefits that can help me make the best of 2007.