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2 Fantastic Tools Used By the Best Bosses

February 1, 2016 by Wilma Jones

2 Fantastic Tools Used By the Best Bosses

I returned to book club yesterday after a two year hiatus. A new book lover joined the group since I left, and I ended up sitting next to her. We enjoyed a great meal at Hill Country Barbecue and spirited discussion about this month’s book selection. And of course, current events like our opinion of the latest Republican debate and #OscarsSoWhite.

As the discussion continued, the subject of work and bosses was raised and our newest member told a story about a recent experience in her workplace. She works at a state government agency and a number of temporary employees were being notified that their employment was ending just a few days before Christmas. The manager informing the employees of their fate was quite happy to be handling this duty, in the most Cruella De Vil kind of way.

Our book club friend explained that there is a group of managers at the job who have moved up the ranks in the organization. This particular manager is a part of that group. These supervisors feel that because the people who used to manage them were not very nice to them, that they have the same right to be mean to people below them on the org chart now that they are leaders.

I know these were temporary employees, but it is still important to treat people kindly. The most important relationship we have at work is with our boss. The employees who watched this behavior had been impacted by observing their management behave in this manner. No one wants to be managed by people who don’t care about other people’s feelings.

Really good bosses know there are two tools that should be relied upon when working with their team, whether they are permanent or temporary staff. The first is gratitude. Showing appreciation to your team, especially if you have to perform a tough task, is important.

The second tool is that of kindness. Managers often have to tackle an unpleasant duty when providing corrective action or termination of an employee. The tone and choice of words can make all the difference when you have to give someone really bad information. Appearing to relish the duty is just bad business.

Having been on the giving and receiving end of this unfortunate responsibility, I can tell you from personal experience that if someone finds firing a person easy, they probably aren’t the most caring boss on the planet. But sometimes in a business it’s inevitable. Using gratitude for the contribution that’s been made and kindness in the manner in which you handle the separation can make a big difference in how the employees left behind perceive you as a boss.

10 Reasons to Consider Cycling to Work

January 29, 2016 by Iman

10 Reasons to Consider Cycling to Work

Source: 10 Reasons to Start Biking to Work

Maximizing time is something that most people try to do, and sometimes that includes multitasking. But have you ever thought about multitasking and your morning and evening commute? This option won’t work for everyone, especially if you have a long commute to work. But for those of you that are close to work, start thinking about cycling to work. Here are 10 reasons you should start cycling to work.

It’s all about the dollar – This mode of transportation will immediately save you money by saving on gas and parking. And in the long-term, since you’re driving your car less you’ll have fewer car repairs.
Any bike – Feel free to use any bike for your daily commute, there is no need to go out and buy a $2,000 bike unless you just want to.
It makes sense – Your life is busy with family and work, and sometimes there’s no time to exercise before or after work. A 5-mile commute on your bike will burn 500 calories.
Miss traffic – Everyone hates traffic, but since you’ll be on the sidewalk you’ll miss all of it.
Bike Lane – If you’re not a fan of cycling on the sidewalk, many states have started to create bike lanes for people just like you.
Be kind to the environment – Cycling doesn’t expel over a pound of CO2 like cars do for every mile you drive.
Spread the love – Be a positive influence on your co-workers and other people that see you cycling; they may want to try it now that they see you doing it to.
Work can help – In 2009 employers started offering bicycle reimbursement for employees up to $20 a month. Inquire with your HR department to find out the details.
Join the crowd – As of 2009, there were over 4 billion trips made by bicycle so don’t feel like you’ll be an outlier.
You’ll love it – You get to kill two birds with one stone, working out and getting to your essential places; what’s better than that.

Live A Healthier Life At Work With These Tips

January 27, 2016 by Iman

Live A Healthier Life At Work With These Tips

Source: Healthy hacks for your office space

Today is the day to take charge of your health. We know you’re busy, but we all are. That is no excuse for not taking care of you. Without your health, your family, job and other responsibilities will fall by the wayside, which is never anyone’s intention. Many of us spend at least 8 hours of our time at work; so what better way to start living a healthier lifestyle than at work? Try these 4 tips to get you started:

Sit Less – Get up, stretch your legs, get your blood flowing. Walk to the break room, the bathroom or anywhere else you can get away from your desk for a while. It’s important that you get up from your desk to get a bit of mid-day exercise.

Fresh Air – Get some fresh air. Some offices may trigger allergies because of furniture, chemicals in the carpet, paint or even someone’s perfume. Going outside to get some fresh air can clear up your sinuses, as well as your mind.

Standing around – In an effort to help you to sit less, ask your company about a stand-up desk. These desks will allow you to transition from standing to sitting during the day as you please while working.

Aromatherapy – Citrus smells can significantly change your mood for the positive and lift your spirits. Skip the artificial scents and go straight for essential oils like lemon, orange and grapefruit.

Now that you have these 4 tips take them and share them with your co-workers so you all can live a healthier life at work.

This article covers the mindfulness pillar of the Living Happier@Work program.

10 Easy Exercises to Do at Your Desk

January 25, 2016 by Wilma Jones

10 Easy Exercises to Do at Your Desk

The news about the dangers of being sedentary throughout the day are somewhat alarming. Sitting is the new smoking, they say. Even if you work out 30 minutes daily, it doesn’t reduce the risk of sitting in a chair at a desk for 8+ hours each day.

The only way to reduce your risk is to sit less and move more every day. Even if the movement is simply to stand a few more minutes every day. OK, that’s one suggestion. Now here are 10 more exercise ideas to help you get a little workout at the job.

1. Take the stairs up to the office whenever you can.
2. Take a walk around your floor every hour or so. (If you can’t walk the floor, how about the lobby? Or maybe you can grab your coat and walk once around the building for some fresh air.)
3. Wall sit. Stand with your back against the wall. Then lower yourself and push your knees out like you’re sitting in an imaginary chair. Hold for at least 30 seconds. (If that’s easy, bend one leg, ankle to knee and hold.)
4. Hold the yoga Prayer Pose while seated in your chair. Push your palms together and exercise your arms.
5. Stand at your desk. (Especially nice when you’re listening to a conference call.)
6. If that is too easy, do squats while standing at your desk.
7. Hamstring curls. Stand behind your desk chair. Use one hand to hold the chair. Lift one leg at a time and try to push your heel toward your bottom.
8. Do alternate leg raises while waiting for a document to print.
9. Glute squeezes while sitting in your chair. This one is easy – squeeze your butt. Hold for a least 15 seconds. Repeat.
10. Do the desk chair swivel and work your abs. Swivel your butt to the left and your chest to the right. Work those obliques. Now twist in the opposite direction.

Whether you work in a corporation sitting at a desk or from home on at your own business, or something in between, the less time you spend sitting on your bottom everyday, the happier and healthier you will be. [LINK] Keeping your body moving is good for your body and your brain, so these things can also help you be more successful at the job.

Do you have other ideas for ways to add a little exercise while at the job?

Running, Easy As 1, 2, 3

January 22, 2016 by Iman

Running, Easy As 1, 2, 3

Source: An Olympic Track Star Teaches You How To Run

Exercise is a staple in any well-rounded wellness practice. However many people don’t know what kind of exercise is best for them. Lots of people try yoga and Pilates as they are talked about a lot when it comes to mindfulness, but these types of exercises are not for everybody.

Enter your good friend running. When you’re running, you’re able to enjoy quiet time with yourself, and you can focus on the positive. (In addition, the endorphins kick in and make you feel better.)

But do you know how to run…like really? We know you can put one foot in front of the other and move fast, but do you know how to run properly? If you’re curious on how to improve your running here are 3 tips to get you moving faster, better.

Mirror action – This may sound silly but when you can see yourself doing things you make better corrections. Get in front of the mirror and march in place; knee up, knee down to form a 90-degree angle. Do this for 30-second intervals, 6 times.
Relax – Many people tighten their body when they run. Next time you’re running, lightly close your hand and rest your thumb on your pointer finger. This motion forces your head and neck to stay down and relaxed, therefore helping your entire body relax.
Never heel first – Your toe should always hit the ground first when you’re running. Running like this will make for a much better running experience.

Does running or walking help you to be more mindful?

This article covers the mindfulness and exercise pillars of the Living Happier@Work program.

2 Fantastic Tools Used By the Best Bosses

2 Fantastic Tools Used By the Best Bosses

10 Reasons to Consider Cycling to Work

Live A Healthier Life At Work With These Tips

10 Easy Exercises to Do at Your Desk

10 Easy Exercises to Do at Your Desk

Running, Easy As 1, 2, 3

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