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Month: November 2025
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DECEMBER 2025
Thanks for all you do for Costco — read a message from Ron
As the year wraps up, we want to say thank you. Your hard work, heart and commitment continue to drive Costco’s success — and we couldn’t do it without you.
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In 2025, more than 96,000 of you took the We’re in This Together (WITT) pledge to learn more about your benefits. You stayed informed through monthly texts and emails with helpful articles, podcasts and videos on topics such as:
- Improving your nutrition and gut health through WeightWatchers and Cylinder
- Supporting your mental health with free counseling sessions through Resources for Living®
- Growing your money habits through SmartDollar® financial coaching and your T. Rowe Price retirement plan
- Preparing for a new addition to your family with Unum’s bonding leave
- And so much more
This is a powerful reminder of how much you care — not just about your work, but about your health and your future.
You also told us in the WITT pledge survey how much you loved hearing from each other. So, we increased our WITT podcasts from quarterly to monthly — 13 episodes this year! Each one featured real voices, real stories and real support from Costco employees.
Thanks for showing up, lifting each other up and continuing to grow. We’re in this together — and we’re grateful for every one of you.
Get ready to pledge next month
Explore your 2026 Benefits Guide now to make the most of your benefits in 2026! Every year brings new opportunities and new ways your Costco benefits can support you. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve pledged before, start fresh in January 2026. Include your spouse or domestic partner so you can both stay informed. It’s a simple way to stay connected to your benefits and make the most of what’s available.
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DECEMBER 2025
3 ways to build community and reduce stress
Feeling connected to others can help lower stress and improve your well-being. When you’re stressed, your body releases a hormone called cortisol. Too much cortisol can make you feel worse over time. But spending time with people you trust can help your body release oxytocin, a hormone which helps lowers cortisol and helps you feel better.
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Here are 3 ways to build more community:
- Find common bonds. Look for groups or people you relate to — whether you’re into classic cars, Dungeons & Dragons, or bird watching. When you feel like you belong, it’s easier to make connections, open up and feel supported.
- Choose what feels right for you. Some people feel most supported by a few close friends. Others enjoy connecting with lots of people. What matters most is finding what’s comforting and authentic to you. Try not to compare the size of your circle to anyone else’s. The most important thing is feeling safe, supported and cared for in the friendships you have.
- Connect in whatever way works. You don’t have to meet in person to feel close, especially around the holidays. Try a phone call while walking or a virtual catch-up with a loved one who’s far away. Or meet new people through online fitness communities, virtual book clubs or even gaming platforms. Digital connections still count.
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2 min read
2 MIN READ
DECEMBER 2025
Loneliness: It’s not just you
Feeling lonely? You’re not alone. In fact, 3 out of 4 Americans say they feel lonely1 — even if they don’t talk about it.
Loneliness isn’t just about being alone. It’s about feeling disconnected, even when others are around. And it can take a toll on your health.
People who feel connected tend to feel better, both mentally and physically. Those who don’t are more likely to feel sick, stressed or down.
That’s why your social well-being — feeling supported, understood and part of something — matters just as much as your physical, emotional and financial health.
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Ways to feel more connected
Stepping away from screens and spending time with people face-to-face can help reduce feelings of loneliness. Social media often highlights only the best moments — the fun, the exciting, the new — not the full story. That can make it easy to feel left out. Here are some small steps to help build connections:- Call or text a friend just to check in.
- Say yes to a walk, coffee or lunch with someone.
- Volunteer for a cause you care about.
- Spend time with coworkers outside of work.
- Share how you’re feeling with someone you trust.
- Limit time on social media and focus on real conversations.
- Set a goal to talk to one new person each week.
Feeling worse in winter? It could be seasonal depression
Some people feel more tired, sad or withdrawn when the days get shorter. This could be seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. It’s a type of depression linked to changes in daylight, and it can last for several months.2
You can take steps at home to support your mental health, like:
- Spending time outside during the day even if it’s cloudy
- Getting better sleep
- Eating well-balanced meals
- Exercising
- Staying connected with loved ones through phone or video calls, especially if you’re not able to spend time with them over the holidays
- Taking a trip somewhere sunny
If those don’t help, talk to a doctor. They may recommend using a SAD sunlight therapy lamp to help ease your symptoms. Counseling, vitamin D, and medication can also help.
Need a little extra support? Resources for Living® is here for you. This free, confidential service offers help with anxiety, depression, relationship issues and other challenges.
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DECEMBER 2025
Beat the cold & flu season with your benefits
The holidays are a time for celebrations. But winter can also bring sniffles, stress and seasonal illnesses. Colds, the flu and other viruses spread more easily this time of year — especially indoors and in close gatherings.
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Here are some ways to protect your health and enjoy the season:
- Drink water — Aim for 8 cups a day to stay hydrated and support your immune system.
- Wash your hands often — Especially before eating or touching your face.
- Stick to your sleep routine — Rest helps your body fight off germs.
- Take breaks from stress — Quiet time with loved ones can boost your mood and well-being.
- Get your flu shot — It’s your best defense and can reduce symptoms if you get sick.
- Open a window — Fresh air helps reduce the spread of airborne viruses.
Your Costco benefits are here to support you — so you can focus on what matters most this season.
If you or a family member feels sick, use the 98point6® app to talk to a doctor in minutes — no appointment needed, no copay required. You can get care, prescriptions and advice without leaving home.
Need a primary care provider? Visit Costcobenefits.com and choose “Find a Doctor” under Health & Wellness.
If you need care while you’re away from home, Assist America can connect you with help for travel emergencies 24/7 when you’re 100 miles or more from home, anywhere in the world. Download the Assist America app and sign up before you leave home for quick access to help if you need it. Use reference number 01-AA-UN-762490 to enroll on the app.
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1 min read
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DECEMBER 2025
Chickpea pasta shells and cheese
Your boxed favorite gets a makeover with bean-based pasta. Chickpea pasta has more protein and fiber compared to traditional pasta. It’s also lower in calories.1 Cook frozen broccoli or spinach with the pasta to add even more fiber.
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Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 5 min | Total Time: 20 min
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
8 oz. uncooked chickpea pasta
3/4 cup low-fat 2% evaporated milk
2 tsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. ground turmeric
3/4 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
Directions:
Step 1
Cook pasta according to the package directions. Drain well and return to the pot.
Step 2
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the milk, cornstarch, salt and turmeric.
Step 3
Add the milk mixture to the pot of pasta.
Step 4
Cook over medium-low heat until the sauce is thickened, 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often.
Step 5
Remove from heat. Gradually add the cheese and stir until melted.
Serving size: 3/4 cupNutrition
Serving size: 3/4 cup | Calories: 319 | Total fat: 8 g | Saturated fat: 3 g | Sodium: 439 mg | Total carbohydrates: 42 g | Sugar: 7 g | Fiber: 8 g | Protein: 22 g
Source: WeightWatchers
1Healthline. Is chickpea pasta healthy? Here’s what a dietitian says.
With WeightWatchers, you can lose weight, eat healthier, move more and develop a more positive mindset. Costco employees can join now for as low as $9 per month, and spouses/domestic partners and dependents can join for as low as $14.50 each per month. Participants must be age 18 or older to join. Sign up at WW.com/Costco or call 866-204-2885.
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