Print Archive – Rockwell Automation

Print Archive: April, 2022

Five reasons to go outside today

American adults spend about 90% of their time indoors. That’s a shame because spending time outside can be health-changing. There are countless benefits to being in nature, soaking up the sun and breathing fresh air. And if you’ve been shut in during the pandemic, it’s way past time to get back to nature.

Still need convincing? Here are five key reasons to slather on your sunscreen and head outside today.

1. Better health

Regular sun exposure can help lower your blood pressure, reduce inflammation, boost your immune system and reduce your risk of heart attack. It also helps boost your vitamin D, which is essential for your overall health. (About 40% of adults in the U.S. are vitamin D deficient, which can lead to osteoporosis, cancer, heart attacks and strokes.)

2. Deeper sleep

Struggling to snooze? Time in the sun helps set your internal sleep-wake clock, which can improve your quality of sleep. For additional support in getting a good night’s rest, be sure to watch Sleep Essentials, this month’s on-demand webinar from our Employee Assistance Program (EAP). (Company Code to log in: automation)

3. Improved brain function

There’s a reason people often take a walk outside to clear their heads. Time outdoors is linked to improved focus, memory, mental clarity and creativity. One study even found that daily time can increase gray matter in the part of the brain associated with memory, decision-making and attention. So next time you want to increase your productivity at home or work, step outside.

4. Happier mood

Spending time outside makes you happy! It’s known to increase serotonin levels—a natural mood booster—and help decrease stress, anxiety, depression and anger. Some research suggests that spending time outdoors has a similar effect on your health as meditating does.

Pro tip: Sit outside while listening to the Daily Calm on the Calm app. You’ll get an extra mood boost and earn $100 for completing the Take Action activity.

5. Better workouts

According to WebMD, people work out longer and burn more calories when outdoors. That’s partly because outdoor elements, like wind, grass and uneven surfaces, contribute to your core strength, muscles and cardiovascular fitness.

Why not take advantage and complete your next Take Action activity outside? Swim, walk, ride, run or skate to complete 10K-A-Day, or join a local 5K as your Community Athletic Event.

Want to experience these benefits for yourself? Challenge yourself to spend five to 15 minutes a day outside, two to three times a week. Then take note of how you feel after a few weeks. Chances are, you’ll notice improvements in your health, mood, sleep and activity level—and you’ll be inspired to spend even more time in the great outdoors.

May 2022

Don’t forget to complete Take Action activities! The number of completed Take Action activities is down this year. Let’s change that. Challenge yourself to complete a Take Action activity over the next month. You’ll improve your health and be a step closer to earning up to $500 off your 2023 medical premiums. For an extra health boost, look for a Take Action activity you can complete outside.
Snooze your way to better health. For optimal health, experts recommend at least seven hours of quality sleep each night. Regularly falling short of that increases your risk of health problems like high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes and depression. To avoid that and start a healthy bedtime routine, watch Sleep Essentials, our Employee Assistance Program’s latest on-demand webinar (Company Code to log in: automation). The strategies you learn may help you reduce stress and improve your well-being, too.
Summer Hours are back! Summer Hours begin the week of June 6 and run through Sept. 2. This program compresses a 40-hour week into 4.5 days, typically with Friday afternoons off. Most U.S. regular, full-time, salaried employees can participate. (Employees in certain roles or locations may not be able to participate based on their work.) Be sure to discuss your plans with your manager. And note that given the Independence Day paid holidays, there will be no Summer Hours the week of July 4.
Enjoy a break this summer. Thinking of taking a vacation? Keep in mind that you get three floating holidays—paid holidays you may take any time during the year—in addition to your vacation days. And be sure to discuss your plans with your supervisor or manager so they can ensure a smooth workflow in your department.

Develop a retirement savings strategy

Retirement planning starts with thinking about your future lifestyle goals and how long you have to meet them. To have a comfortable, secure—and happy—retirement, you’ll need to create a savings strategy that accounts for your age, target retirement date, income, debts, medical coverage needs and more.

Whether you’re years or months away from retirement, these retirement planning tools through The Rockwell Automation Retirement Savings Plan—the 401(k) plan can help you plan smarter for retirement.

Retirement Guide
Download this overview of your retirement benefits through Rockwell Automation to learn how to start the planning process, your medical options in retirement and other helpful information.

Retirement Process Timeline Tool
Model different retirement dates and see what steps you need to take for a smooth transition into retirement.

Rockwell Automation Service Center (RASC) and YourBenefits™
Use the Pension Modeler, start the Pension Plan payment process, get copies of SPDs, and find answers to questions about retiree medical, COBRA coverage, post-retirement benefits and more.

Fidelity (Rockwell Automation Service Center at Fidelity)
Access financial tools, calculators, articles and free retirement planning workshops. Process your distribution election for The Rockwell Automation Retirement Savings Plan—the 401(k) plan. Manage your annual contribution rate based on your savings goals.

Edelman Financial Engines
Take advantage of free, unlimited investment planning tools. Or, for a fee, experts can create a retirement planning strategy for you that includes your 401(k) plan and other income sources.

Termination Benefits Summary
If you are considering leaving Rockwell Automation for another opportunity or retirement, download the Termination Benefits Summary to learn how leaving the Company impacts your benefits.

Visit raquickfind.com/Retirement for a complete list of your Rockwell Automation retirement tools and resources—including Savings Plan details, contact information and downloads.

You work hard to make a meaningful contribution at work. Let our benefits, tools and resources create a meaningful contribution to your retirement.

Keep in mind …

Aspects of your personal situation might require you to seek additional guidance regarding your retirement benefit decisions and review any decisions you make with a financial or tax advisor, accountant or attorney.
The Rockwell Automation Retirement Savings Plan—the 401(k) plan is available to all employees, including those who are scheduled to work less than 20 hours per week. After 30 days of employment, you are automatically enrolled at a 3% pre-tax contribution rate (unless you make an election).
Annual limits apply to your Rockwell Automation 401(k) plan contributions and any contributions you made to another employer’s 401(k) plan. For more information, consult the Retirement Summary Plan Descriptions.

April 2022

Find joy in a new hobby. Increase your wellness by finding the perfect hobby for you in this free webinar from the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). (Company Code to log in: automation).
Get excited about the annual Company 401(k) contribution. The Company contribution for 2021 (the Non-Elective Contribution) was deposited into your Rockwell Automation Retirement Savings Plan—the 401(k) plan account on March 31, 2022. Log in to the Fidelity NetBenefits website to confirm the deposit. If you need assistance, contact the Rockwell Automation Service Center at Fidelity at 1.877.765.4015 between 7:30 a.m. and 11 p.m. Central Time.
Note the Annual Funding Notice. The 2021 Annual Funding Notice for the Rockwell Automation Pension Plan is now available on raquickfind.com. The Defined Benefit Pension Plan is required by the U.S. Department of Labor as part of the Pension Protection Act of 2006. For more information about the Rockwell Automation Pension Plan, contact the Rockwell Automation Service Center through digital.alight.com/rockwellautomation or call 1.877.687.7272.
Better manage and spend your HSA and FSA funds. Find easy-to-understand educational resources and a wide selection of eligible Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) products for purchase through HealthEquity. With the HSA/FSA Store, you get access to integrated and seamless payments on purchases from your FSA and HSA, special discounts on eligible products, and 24/7/365 member support. Access the HSA/FSA Store from your HealthEquity account portal. Access the FSA Store from your personal dashboard on the Alight Smart-Choice website.
Find work/life balance with the 5 Buckets Principle. Join us for this free, interactive Beacon Health webinar sponsored by RASWE ERG. You’ll learn how to prioritize your finances, friends and family, work, health and community. Attend virtually on Monday, May 2, from 12:00 p.m. to 1 p.m. Central Time. Register here.

March 2022

Go from tired to inspired.
Learn how to get around burnout, prevent it and keep yourself engaged in work and personal life with this free webinar from the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). (Company Code to log in: automation.)
Get help from the Health Pros^®.
Your personal Health Pro through Alight Advocacy can help you understand your medical option, verify coverage, transfer medical records, schedule appointments and resolve billing errors. Call 877.687.7272 or email AlightHealthPro@compassphs.com to get started.
Don’t forget the FSA deadline.
If you used a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) in 2021 to pay for eligible health and/or dependent care expenses, you must submit your 2021 expenses for reimbursement no later than March 31, 2022.
Jump start your health goals and save money.
If you haven’t already, complete the online Health Risk Questionnaire (HRQ) for the 2022 Health Management Program. You’ll get an overall picture of your health, avoid a $100 medical premium penalty and be on your way to earning up to $500 in incentives with Take Action activities.
Thinking about retirement?
Take the time now to ensure a smooth transition. Learn about your retirement benefits, download the Retirement Guide, and review the Termination Benefits Summary to understand what happens to your current benefits.

Spring into health with preventive care

The COVID-19 pandemic affected almost every part of our lives—including our preventive care. Many of us had to put off routine care to focus on staying healthy at home. Still, routine preventive care is one of the most important steps any of us can take to prevent serious illness. If you’re behind on your regular exams and screenings, now’s the time to get back on track.

Did you know?

Annual physical exams with a primary care physician are the best way to manage your health long-term. Tracking your health stats year over year means your doctor can note changes to your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, bone density and more, and manage them accordingly.
Most people don’t experience cancer symptoms in the earliest, most treatable stages. Screenings help you recognize cancer before it becomes symptomatic when treatment has the highest chances of success.
Vaccines are preventive care. You can protect yourself and your family from common, preventable illnesses like the flu, HPV, hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, COVID-19, shingles and more with vaccines.
Dental cleanings and X-rays help prevent more serious and costly dental problems.

Schedule your preventive care today

Under our medical options, eligible preventive care for you—and your covered dependents—is free when you use an in-network physician. This includes annual physicals and screenings, well-child care, well-woman exams, prostate exams, flu shots, vaccines and more. If you’re enrolled in one of our dental options, your annual dental exams, cleanings, and X-rays are also 100% covered.

Charges may apply if you use an out-of-network physician or dentist. So always make sure you use an in-network provider. Need help? A Health Pro^® through Alight Advocacy can help you schedule your preventive care with in-network providers. Call 1.877.687.7272 or email AlightHealthPro@compassphs.com to work with a Health Pro.

Focus on your mental health, too

Your mental and physical health are connected—so be sure to check in on both regularly. Regardless of your participation in a Rockwell Automation health plan, you have 24/7 access to free, confidential mental health care and support through Workplace Options. For more information or to talk with a trained counselor, call 1.855.897.4044 or go to the Workplace Options website (Company Code: automation).

Keep in mind …

Everything you share with a Health Pro or Workplace Options counselor is completely confidential.
Charges may apply if you use an out-of-network physician or dentist.
A Health Pro® through Alight Advocacy can help you schedule your preventive care with in-network providers. Call 1.877.687.7272 or email AlightHealthPro@compassphs.com to work with a Health Pro.
For more details on covered preventive care, read the Summary Plan Description (SPD) on Your Benefits.

Show yourself some love

Valentine’s Day is about showering others with love and appreciation. But what about yourself? Everyone needs self-care and that means you. Here’s a list of Rockwell Automation benefits tailor-made for your overall well-being. You’ll be even better at loving others when you start with yourself.

Workplace Options EAP.
As a Rockwell Automation employee, you are automatically eligible for self-care and support through our Workplace Options Employee Assistance Program (EAP). This benefit is at no cost to you, and you don’t even have to enroll to use it. Speak with a licensed clinical professional by calling 1.855.897.4044 or visiting Workplace Options (Company Code: automation).
Bright Horizons^®.
Bright Horizons provides high-quality child and elder care, tutoring and test prep, student loan repayment programs and more to help you manage your with life with less stress. Get help caring for loved ones by calling 1.877.242.2737 or visiting Bright Horizons (username/password: your employee email address and ID number).
QuadMed Mindfulness and Stress Management.
Learn how to mindfully manage your stress in six sessions covering topics from identifying your stress level, mindful eating, recharting your life, and becoming more resilient. What’s more, this course counts as a Take Action activity in the 2022 Health Management Program. Select the Incentive tab on the Rockwell WebMD portal to get started.
Vacation benefits.
Use your vacation days to find joy and balance with time away from work. Depending on your years of service, you may have up to 25 days a year for vacation. There’s no pay in lieu of unused vacation days, and they don’t roll over at the end of the year.
Benefits apps.
Make life easier by downloading your benefits apps today–so you have them when you need them. You’ll find helpful apps for your medical and prescription drug benefits, Teladoc, Calm, and more.