When employees asked for more opportunities to connect and find support, the Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) listened – and responded.
Over the past year, ASAP has significantly expanded its virtual support group offerings in direct response to employees' feedback. These groups have created space for healing, connection and shared understanding during uncertain and challenging times.
One new offering, the Eldercare Support Group, was developed after employees voiced a need for more resources and connection around caregiving. Since launching earlier this year, the group has seen strong attendance and heartfelt appreciation from participants seeking a place to talk through the emotional complexities of caring for aging loved ones.
Another addition – the Support Group for Neurodivergent Employees – grew from a single employee request after a talk by an ASAP facilitator. The result has been a safe, affirming space where neurodivergent employees can find community and improve their overall well-being.
Other offerings, like the Coping with Grief, Loss, and Change group and the Navigating Difficult Relationships group, were created or expanded based on client feedback. Each one reflects a common theme: employees are looking for support, connection, and tools to navigate life’s difficult moments. And they’re finding them.
“So often, folks feel alone and vulnerable in their struggles,” shares Carol Kirshnit, director of ASAP. “Support groups help people to feel less alone and more understood because the other members of the group have walked in your shoes. Groups are also really wonderful in that they offer participants the opportunity to be both the recipient of support and information as well as the person who can impart the wisdom that they have derived from their experience.”
To see a full list of current support groups or suggest a new one, visit theASAP website or contact ASAPHealth@ucdavis.edu.
Now is your time to share your voice
Support groups are just one result of UC Davis Health acting on employee feedback. Currently, there’s another chance to share your voice – the Employee Experience Survey is open and takes just 10 minutes to complete.
Insights from this survey help shape programs like these and guide broader improvements across the organization. Learn more about other organizational improvements here and visit the Employee Experience Survey for additional survey details.
