HealthyLife Articles

Tag: Work Life

  • Dealing With Difficult Personalities

    WORK LIFE

    Two coworkers sitting with laptop, talking and drinking coffee.

    Everyone’s personality has its own quirks and idiosyncrasies. In the workplace, you may have to deal with many different personalities, each with a unique set of positives and negatives. Learning how to get along with a variety of people will make you a better co-worker and employee.

    When you tap into people’s strengths and work productively together, you contribute to a work environment where everyone can thrive.

    Acknowledge their contributions

    It can be easy to identify the frustrating parts of someone’s personality. But, everyone brings something to the table. If you focus on what everyone contributes, it can change your whole perspective.

    Get in the habit of noticing what others do well or correctly. Say thank you, or send an email letting them know you appreciate them.

    Pick your battles

    Sometimes people just rub each other the wrong way. It’s a normal and unavoidable part of life. At work, it’s often better to let things go instead of getting upset over every irritation. There will be times when conflict is unavoidable. So, save your energy for when it really matters.

    Ask questions

    Take the time to get to know and understand the people you work with. Find out how they work best so you can develop strategies for interacting with them. For example, if you know a co-worker is slow responding to email, choose another form of communication. Building on each others’ strengths will decrease everyone’s frustration and stress.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Prevent Burnout 2

    Work Life

    Man sitting on roack along a lake with his dog.

    You can get burnout from work or anything that takes more energy than you can give. Burnout is not a one-time event. It builds up over time.

    To prevent burnout:

    *  Reduce long work hours, if you can.

    *  Delegate tasks at work and at home to lessen your load.

    *  Take regular 5-10 minute relaxation breaks during the day.

    *  Do regular physical activity.

    *  Eat healthy foods at regular times.

    *  Get enough sleep.

    *  Plan one or more vacations during the year.

    *  Don’t work on your vacation.

    Discuss, with your family, friends, and coworkers, problems you are having. Talking helps to ease feelings of frustration that feed burnout.

    ays to Well-Being book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Ergonomics For The Home Office

    WORK LIFE

    Women sitting at desk working on computer.

    If you are working from home, either full or part-time, you should ensure your home office is set up ergonomically. A set-up that is not designed for efficiency and comfort can lead to wasted time and poor posture.

    Do a quick assessment of your work space and see if it meets ergonomic standards.

    Things to check when seated at your desk:

    *  Are your head and neck balanced and in line with your spine?

    *  Can you sit upright in your chair with your lower back fully supported?

    *  Are your shoulders relaxed and forearms parallel to the floor?

    *  Are your wrists straight when using the mouse or keyboard?

    *  Is your monitor an arm’s length away and in direct line of sight?

    Home office considerations:

    *  Are you working in a comfortable location?

    *  Can you alternate between sitting and standing?

    *  Do you move regularly to stretch and change position?

    *  Are your most used items within easy reach?

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders

    Work Life

    Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) affect muscles, tendons, nerves, joints, ligaments, cartilage, and discs in the spine. They do not result from slips, falls, or similar accidents. Common Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) are low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis. These are caused by:

    *  Repeating the same motion. This can result in Repetitive Motion Injuries.

    *  Awkward or static postures

    *  Using a great deal of force to do a job

    *  Vibration

    WMSDs can be prevented or reduced using ergonomics. This is the science of fitting the job to the worker.

    One way to prevent and deal with WMSDs is to use proper workstation positions.

    Other Workstation Proper Positions

    *  Keep your head upright and your ears, shoulders, and hips in a straight line.

    *  Keep your work within reach without having to stretch or strain your arms, shoulders, or back. Don’t stretch to reach items on an assembly line. Wait for the items to reach you.

    *  Change positions or tasks often. This avoids repeated stress on a single body part.

    *  Use the proper tools for the job. Use tools made to reduce vibration and/or pressure, if needed.

    Healthier at Home book by the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. www.HealthyLife.com. All rights reserved.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Going Back To Work After A Leave

    WORK LIFE

    Image of 2 construction workers.

    Many people take a leave of absence from work at some point. It could be for a life event, such as maternity or paternity leave, or because of an illness. A leave of absence is usually an extended period of time off that goes beyond vacation or other type of leave.

    No matter how long your leave is, going back to work can be a big adjustment and cause you plenty of anxiety. But, you can make the transition smoother if you prepare for your new routine. Try these tips:

    *  Get organized. A week or two before you go back, start jotting down things you will need to do every day. Whether it’s packing lunches, walking the dog or dropping kids off at daycare, it helps to have it all written down to feel more in control of the situation. You can then create a schedule or to-do list which helps make it more manageable.

    *  Start moving back to your work schedule. It can be quite a shock to go back to a 6 a.m. work shift if you’ve been staying up late. At least two weeks before you go back, start transitioning your sleep schedule. Give your body time to adjust to getting up at that same time and change your bedtime accordingly. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep so you can feel rested and productive.

    *  Allow for extra time in the morning. Set your alarm for earlier than you think you need to. You’ll be glad to have the extra time without rushing in the morning. Or, you may find that it takes you longer to get ready than you thought.

    *  Talk with your supervisor before going back. You can discuss your specific job duties and schedule. And, you can touch base about any changes or updates that may have taken place while you were gone. This could save you time and stress on your first day back.

    *  Discuss breastfeeding in advance. Moms who plan to pump breastmilk at work should ask their supervisor or human resources department about this before going back. Come up with a pumping schedule that works for you and your employer. Discuss where you can pump. You’ll need a clean and private area with access to a sink.

    Going back to work can be less stressful with some planning and open discussion with your employer. Don’t wait until you go back to deal with these questions and details.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • The Right Work Posture For You

    WORK LIFE

    Illustration of correct posture while sitting at a desk.

    Many people sit at a computer as part of their daily job. If a chair, desk or workstation isn’t working for you, it can cause sore muscles and joints and even an injury. To stay safe and healthy at the computer, follow these ergonomics guidelines.

    Remember to get up and move whenever possible! A walk during your lunch break, taking the stairs or doing stretches at your desk can help you feel energized and burn a few extra calories. Look for ways to get your body moving, even if it’s only for five to 10 minutes. A little exercise is better than none at all.

    Monitor:Monitor should be at eye level or slightly below. Monitor to eye distance:  20 to 40 inches

    Arms:Armrests should allow shoulders to relax. Elbows should be close to the body. Minimal bend at the wrist.

    Chair:Backrest should conform to the spine. Chair should have lumbar (lower back) support.

    Legs:Thighs parallel to the floor.

    Feet:Feet should be flat on the floor. Use a footrest if needed.

    Take breaks:Every 20-25 minutes

    Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 3 Ways To Be A Positive Force At Work

    WORK LIFE

    Image of co-workers talking.

    *Give – or share – the credit.If you are recognized for a job well done, accept it graciously, but don’t forget about those who may have helped. If a co-worker or team had a hand in your achievement, be sure to mention them.

    *Always use “please” and “thank you.”We often forget these simple words when we’re busy and trying to get through a long to-do list. But they can have a big impact on how others respond to you. A (genuine) smile also helps.

    *Don’t take feedback personally.As hard as it may be, try to accept constructive criticism gracefully. Remember it’s not a personal attack, and consider the other person’s point of view before responding or getting upset.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • How To Be A Team Player At Work

    WORK LIFE

    Concept drawing on table to being a team palyer at work.

    You’re bound to run into many different personality types at the workplace. And when you’re working as a team, it can be challenging to adjust to different work styles.

    The American Management Association says teamwork leads to better problem solving and productivity. But it’s not as simple as just saying you’re part of a team. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best possible outcome with your group:

    *Use your strengths.People have different talents and skills that make them who they are. Offer to use your unique strengths to help get things done. Don’t wait to be asked; volunteer to help when you can.

    *Don’t place blame.When things don’t go well, it’s usually not helpful to blame someone else. Instead, look at the problem and work together to find ways to solve it.

    *Listen without talking.When others have ideas or opinions, listen to their side before jumping in with your thoughts. Listen with the goal of understanding their point, not adding your own.

    *Be aware of different work styles.You may be on a team with someone who does things differently than you. Instead of trying to correct them, see if you can learn something from their way of doing things.

    *Be dependable.The best team players are those who get things done on time. Missing deadlines could cause trouble for others on your team or jeopardize your project.

    *Communicate.If you’re running into problems or have too much on your plate, tell your team about it. Someone else may be able to help so you can keep the project running smoothly. People may have no idea you’re struggling – unless you speak up and tell them.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • Thinking About A New Job?

    WORK LIFE

    Concept image of women writing a career outline.

    Boredom. Anxiety. Restlessness. If these terms describe your feelings at work, don’t be afraid to make a change, said Amy Gregor, coordinator of career services at Indiana University.

    “Career change is a natural life progression. Most studies show that the average job seeker will change careers-not just jobs-several times over the course of his or her lifetime,” she said.

    But before you turn in your resignation, take some time to carefully assess the situation. It is very difficult to find satisfaction if you don’t know what you need. Gregor offers the following suggestions:

    *  Take a hard look. Start with a self-assessment of likes and dislikes about your current position. Are there certain aspects that you do enjoy? Get specific about your list of grievances. Are the hours too long? Are you bored? Is the pay too low? Do you wish you had a healthier balance between work and family life? You might find that some of the negatives can be addressed within your current position. “It is possible that your boss has no idea you are unhappy and would be perfectly willing to change things if you propose a new plan,”  Gregor said.

    *  Bad habits? Certain habits tend to make people unhappy at their jobs regardless of the circumstances. “If you never take a lunch, have poor time management skills, and never use your vacation time, most people will burn out. If you bring that approach to another job or career you may continue to have the same levels of dissatisfaction,” she said.

    *  Don’t put it off. Once you’re certain you need to leave, start taking steps to transition as soon as possible, Gregor said. “Don’t wait until you are at the point where you are so frustrated you’re willing to burn bridges,” she said.

    *  Rediscover your passion. Think of times when you felt most successful. Ask yourself what you really love to do. What do you do for fun? Answering these questions can help you get a sense of what career path to pursue.

    *  Still not sure? “If you’ve analyzed your likes and dislikes, but you’re still not sure what career path to take, consider taking a career assessment. The key is investing in the time to rediscover yourself, and using your self-assessment to steer your new career search,” Gregor said.

    *  Network. Don’t just dive into the help wanted ads. Test the waters by talking with people who work in various career fields. Talk about your dreams. “During this time it may be helpful to talk about your plan with the people you trust most, such as your family, friends, alumni contacts, pastor, trusted counselor, financial advisors, and maybe even your doctor,” Gregor said. “It will be important to gain support during any times of transition.”

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine

  • 3 Ways To Find Joy At Work

    WORK LIFE

    Image of co-workers talking and smiling.

    Your job is a part of your life. But if you’re less than happy with it, your health could take a hit. The U.S. Surgeon General states that mental and emotional well-being are critical to your overall health. Not to mention, if you find ways to be happy at work, you may find more success and satisfaction with your career. Here are a few ways to make work more enjoyable each day:

    1.Think about your motivation.Write down two reasons why you go to work each day. Look at those reasons each day to remind yourself why you’re doing it.

    2.Take note of daily progress.Big or small, think about something good that you did at work each day. Congratulate yourself for achievements or ways you’ve improved in certain areas or abilities.

    3.Find healthy outlets.Sometimes work stress can’t be avoided. If you can accept the fact that stress will happen, the next step is to find a way to cope. Find a fun new hobby, take a class, go for a walk, or try meditation.

    © American Institute for Preventive Medicine