Workplace Support Resources
Guidance for Faculty and Staff
UMass Amherst employees balance many responsibilities both inside and outside of work. At times, you or your colleagues may be navigating stress, grief, conflict, burnout, caregiving responsibilities, health concerns, major life changes, or other personal and workplace challenges. Below, find strategies to help you recognize when your colleagues may need support. This webpage provides information about resources available to all faculty and staff as they navigate challenges.
When Something Feels Off
Sometimes concerns are obvious, and sometimes they are simply a sense that someone is struggling or not functioning as they normally would.
Examples may include:
- Noticeable changes in mood, communication, or behavior
- Withdrawal from coworkers or workplace interactions
- Increased frustration, conflict, or emotional reactions
- Difficulty concentrating, managing workload, or meeting responsibilities
- Significant stress, overwhelm, or exhaustion
- Expressions of hopelessness, isolation, or inability to cope
- Concerns related to grief, caregiving, relationships, health, or personal circumstances
- Repeated absences or disengagement
- Behavior that raises concerns about wellbeing or safety
Check In | Listen |
If appropriate, connect privately and respectfully. Examples: “I wanted to check in because you don’t seem like yourself lately.” “You seem overwhelmed. Is there anything you need right now?” “I’m concerned about how things are going for you.” |
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Encourage Support | Respond to Safety Concerns |
You are not expected to act as a counselor or resolve situations on your own. Sometimes the most helpful step is connecting someone with available support resources. Employees may benefit from one or more of the following resources:
(see below for contact information). | If someone appears to be in immediate danger, threatens harm to themselves or others, or you are concerned about immediate safety:
|
Support Resources for Faculty and Staff
Personal and Emotional Support
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Access code: Mass4You
24/7 confidential support services for employees and household members, including counseling, referrals, and crisis support.
Employee Counseling and Consultation Office (ECCO)
413-545-0350 | ecco [at] umass [dot] edu (ecco[at]umass[dot]edu)
Confidential consultation and support for faculty and staff.
Center for Women and Community (CWC)
413-545-0883 | cwc [at] umass [dot] edu (cwc[at]umass[dot]edu)
24/7 Sexual Assault Support andAdvocacy (SASA) Hotline: 413-545-0800Support related to sexual assault, relationship violence, stalking,and related concerns.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for 24/7 confidential support.
Workplace Support & Consultation
Human Resources / AskHR
Support related to workplace concerns, leave, accommodations, benefits, and workplace processes.
Employee Accommodations and Absence Support
Guidance and support for workplace accommodations and leave programs, including medical, family, and protected leaves.
Equal Opportunity and Access Office (EOA)
413-545-3464 | equalopportunity [at] admin [dot] umass [dot] edu (equalopportunity[at]admin[dot]umass[dot]edu)
related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation,interpersonal violence, and workplace accommodations.
Ombuds Office
413-545-0867 | ombuds [at] umass [dot] edu (ombuds[at]umass[dot]edu)
Confidential and informal conflict resolution support.
Workplace Bullying Support
Support and resources for employees experiencing inappropriate workplace behavior or workplace bullying.
Important Notes
- Small check-ins and supportive conversations can make a meaningful difference.
- Employees may also be entitled to workplace accommodations or leave protections.
- If you are unsure how to respond to a situation, contact HR, ECCO, EOA, or UMPD for guidance and consultation.