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The gig economy is on the rise at least according to several studies that predict around 40% of the workforce will be made up of freelancers within the next few years. With this high-profile upsurge of independent workers, you might think that promoting individuality would also be a major Human Resources trend. But, a recent Deloitte global survey showed the opposite.
“Optimism is invaluable for the meaningful life. With a firm belief in a positive future, you can throw yourself into the service of that which is larger than you are.” – Dr. Martin Seligman As managers, we recognize the positive impact that an optimistic work culture can have on employees, with much research and data supporting that optimists tend to be: More successful at work, school, and athleticsHealthier, with longer life expectanciesMore satisfied in relationships and life With all this
We live in a technological age. Devices connect employees continually, and their use (and overuse) can sometimes lead to unintended consequences, including overwork and burnout. The constant presence of tech seems to correlate with another trend—the erosion of the average attention span—with a series of studies showing a decline from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds in 2013.
When things are important to us, we tend to be passionate about them. That seems like a no-brainer, sure, but it’s important to note because that kind of emotion is often a double-edged sword. The same collaborative spark that unites a work team can also fuel their interaction, sometimes turning a discussion into an argument or igniting a full-on blowout.
The dichotomy between introverts and extroverts was once thought to be straightforward, with introverts directing energy inward, and extroverts outward. Recent behavioral science has found that the differences may be more nuanced. People can display traits from both sides of the spectrum and many individuals today self-identify as ambiverts—or someone whose personality lies somewhere in-between introversion and extroversion.
As the saying goes, “To err is human.” We all experience small errors and mishaps throughout our daily lives. These setbacks are no fun, often complicating our day, our work, and adding to stress levels. Even though stress can have a very real impact on employees physically, it often begins as a mental process. When facing life’s setbacks, the way employees view the experience can either intensify—or minimize—the resulting stress response.
Do you ever find that your inner voice is being less than supportive? Cautionary thoughts that help us avoid real dangers can be a good thing. But, if they too frequently intrude during everyday moments, these thinking patterns can sometimes negatively affect our mood and our performance at work. Repetitive negative or irrational thinking processes can contribute to stress and anxiety in the workplace because employees’ thoughts are closely tied to their moods.
Not to be confused with a locust a type of grasshopper known for traveling in a crowd and decimating crops, a locus is defined as the center, or source, of an activity or power. Behavioral experts often use the term locus of control (LOC) when studying or discussing motivation.Employees with an internal LOC feel a greater sense of personal responsibility and control over their work.
Recent studies have uncovered something surprising about happiness and attention. In one study, 15,000 participants were sent signals at random times during their day which asked them to respond to an in-the-moment poll. The poll contained a few questions like these: How do you feel on a scale ranging from very bad to very good?What are you doing?Are you thinking about something other than what you’re currently doing?
If goals are the destinations we want to reach someday, then the systems we put in place are the paths we take to get there. Those paths might be long or short, direct or winding, downhill or up, but we must walk them to reach our goals, no matter what.The more we commit to the system, instead of just the end goal, the more progress we can make. That’s because, unlike a goal, a system is something we can easily put in practice.
Having goals can be an important component of growth and success. However, when we strive towards perfection and ignore balance, we may be limiting our progress.Perfectionism can be more of a hindrance than an aid when it comes to overcoming challenges. Respected educator and positive psychology expert Tal Ben-Shahar suggests that by shifting mentality from perfectionism to optimalism we can be more flexible, resilient and effective in the pursuit of our goals.
Sleep. As far as physical health is concerned, it ranks in importance with eating, drinking, and, yes, even breathing. Despite this, we often sacrifice healthy slumber from our daily routines. Have you ever traded a good night’s rest to finish up that work project? How about to read just one more chapter in a book or to binge-watch a few more episodes in your favorite streaming series?
When you hit a rough patch, what does your self-talk sound like? For some of us, in those moments, our inner voice comes on like a drill-sergeant full of harsh words and criticism. Even people who are naturally supportive and understanding of others may find it hard to offer the same kindness to themselves. An area of behavioral science research observing self-compassion is taking a closer look at how kindly or unkindly we view ourselves, and the effects on mood, health, and overall wellbeing.
“It takes far more energy and work to improve from incompetence to mediocrity than it takes to improve from first-rate performance to excellence.” - Peter Drucker Positive psychology has drawn an interesting parallel between levels of life balance satisfaction and the regular application of our personal strengths. According to decades of research collected by Gallup, using our strengths during the day helps us to be more productive and up to six times more engaged in our work.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience Library Ah, relaxation. It can provide a needed break from stress and anxiety, and yet at the same time thinking about it can touch off those very same feelings. How many times has the phrase “Just relax” triggered the opposite response in you? Some stress in certain doses can be put to productive use, but if it persists, it can have undesirable side effects.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience LibraryHappiness and health go hand in hand. Research shows a correlation between happiness levels and overall wellness with those who cultivate a more positive outlook enjoying richer and more fulfilling lives.While it’s not realistic to expect every day to be the happiest day of your life, taking simple, thoughtful steps can add up to a greater sense of overall happiness and well-being.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience Library. Sometimes our minds drift to the things that we perceive as disappointing in our lives—a slip of the tongue, a day that didn’t go as smoothly as we’d hoped. Although it can be useful to remember these moments in order to learn from them, if we focus on them too much they have a way of bringing us down.Finding the bright side of a less than ideal situation is an important part of developing an optimistic outlook.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience LibraryWhile relationships can sometimes seem like a source of conflict ("Mom, I can't call you every day!"), relationships with family, friends, and colleagues are often our most important resiliency assets. Spending time with people and sharing our feelings and experiences helps us to meet challenges in a healthier way.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience LibraryAnxiety, a form of worry or uneasiness, can be a common reaction to stress. Like other emotions, it can be useful when it makes us pause and reassess our situation or surroundings.Sometimes, if anxiety leads to negative rumination, it can become more pronounced and become a more destructive influence. Negative rumination is a state when strong or uncomfortable emotions or thoughts play on a constant loop in our minds.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience Library These days, many of us either live in cities or commute to them for work. City life offers many positives like convenience, variety, and community. At the same time, it comes with some unfortunate byproducts like crowding, light and noise pollution and sometimes a sense of overload. Not so long ago, most of humanity (a.k.a. our ancestors) dwelled in natural environments.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience LibraryMaking slight changes in the way you think can have a cumulative, positive effect on your outlook. Be mindful of your thoughts. Encourage those that are positive and optimistic. This will help you create perpetual patterns of thought that are more deeply rooted in happiness. Move Past Negativity Remember that everyone has personal struggles and you can never know for sure what motivates other people.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience Library Sometimes we may look outward for fulfillment. We may work to have "more" or look to others for validation. While it's great to seek growth, sometimes in our efforts to attain, we forget to pause and recognize the good already in our lives. Studies show that finding little ways to recognize the good in your life and incorporating that gratitude into your daily routine can help you find a fresh, happier perspective.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience Library As the old saying goes, forgiveness may be divine, and if recent research is right, it may also be healthy.Recent studies indicate that holding a grudge can trigger a prolonged physical stress response—one that can lead to health complications and inhibit emotional and physical healing. On the flip side, letting go of grudges and bitterness has been shown to lead to healthier relationships, greater psychological well-being, less anxiety and stress, lower
Experts have long promoted the power of adopting a growth mindset to build resilience and approach new challenges. In general, when we engage a growth mindset it helps us to view challenges as learning opportunities, more constructively manage criticism and see possibilities around each new corner.Part of the work in approaching a growth mindset requires us to reframe or move beyond disappointing or discouraging experiences from our past.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience LibraryThose who are consistently happy tend to follow a set of habits that generate a more lasting sense of contentment in their lives. Introducing impactful, happy habits into your day can help you build a fulfilled future. Here are some guidelines for building small habits incrementally.Start small and be specific.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience LibraryFeeling a bit sad? We all feel this way occasionally. Next time you need to turn around a bad day, try one of these proven tips to lift your mood and help you feel better.Honor your feelings. Allow yourself to feel your emotions without judgment. Make time for family and friends. Spending quality time with people you care about is beneficial to your wellbeing and can make a big difference when it comes to happiness.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience LibraryBeing in a low mood every now and then is a normal part of life’s ebb and flow, and, can even help us to adapt and build resilience. However, if you experience frequent or extended low moods accompanied by negative or self-defeating thoughts, you may be stuck in a rumination loop.Rumination loops happen when uncomfortable emotions or self-judgment replay in our heads to the point that we get drawn further into a bad mood instead of letting it naturally pas
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience LibraryDid you know that accomplishing new things and failing at them can both contribute to your success? Every accomplished task is a learning opportunity and something to celebrate. Even the small wins give you confidence and motivation to move forward.The same is true for those efforts that don’t go as well. Setbacks give you the opportunity to build resilience and learn new ways to approach a challenge.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience Library How do you approach a situation that makes you anxious? If your standard response is to tell yourself to calm down, you’re in good company. When hundreds of people were polled as part of a Harvard Business School (HBS) research experiment, over 91% of them thought the same way. However, the research itself didn’t agree, giving surprising insight into anxiety and performance.In the HBS experiment a group of 140 students were asked to participate in a speec
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience LibraryCreative Hobbies Can Boost PerformanceEvolving communication and productivity technologies enable us to connect and engage with our work in ways we couldn’t have dreamt of even ten years ago. These tools make it easier for us to dedicate more time to work connection, and statistics show that we’ve embraced that immersion wholeheartedly.50% of salaried workers average more than 50 hours of work per week 55% of workers don’t use all their time off While pas
From the Concern Resilience Library In popular culture, the term “muscle head” gets applied to people who seem to be more about the physical than the mental. As if lifting heavy objects and doing heavy thinking had to be mutually exclusive. It may be time to rethink that label as science is continually connecting more and more dots between physical exercise and increased brain function.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience Library An ancient Latin saying goes, “a healthy mind in a healthy body.” For hundreds of years, it’s been the motto for athletic clubs and sporting associations, which often use it to emphasize that physical exercise and health are essential for mental wellbeing. But, if you dig back to the original, it appears that the author was referring more to the way mental and physical wellness are equally important and inextricably connected.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience Library Research indicates that humans evolved to feel calmed by repetitive behavior and that performing daily rituals can help us to build emotional and mental resilience. Rituals can be an effective and convenient tool for balance, especially in environments or situations that make us feel stressed or pressured in some way.A ritual can be anything that you do repetitively—a series of behaviors done in the same order—at certain times or in certain situations.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience Library “Help one another. There’s no time like the present, and no present like the time.” – James DurstHave you ever thought about volunteering? There is always a need for service and more helping hands. Volunteering offers vital help to worthwhile causes, the community, and to people in need. And not only is it a great way to help others, but it’s also a good way to help yourself.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience Library What do 90 percent of high achievers have in common? It may surprise you, but it’s not high IQ. It’s high EI, or emotional intelligence. Recent studies suggest that people who have developed strong EI skills tend to earn more and enjoy more success in general compared to those who rely on their IQ alone. The theory of EI starts with brain structure and chemistry.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience Library Are you your own worst critic? Do you beat yourself up over perceived flaws, setbacks, and inadequacies? Harsh self-criticism can sabotage us, making us feel isolated, unhappy, and even more stressed. A healthier response is to treat yourself with compassion—that is, extend the same kindness and sympathy toward yourself as you would a family member or good friend.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience LibraryDespite what your social media feeds might show, life has its challenges. If you'd like to be able to handle what life throws at you with greater ease, the following steps can help:Get the Right Attitude. It is so tempting to assume a "victim mentality" and blame others, especially when it really does seem like it was someone else's fault.
From the Concern Resilience Library According to the Beatles, “All You Need Is Love.” And though love is a critical component of romantic relationships, behavioral experts have found that passionate, long-term and successful relationships often start with a foundation of mutual respect. Love adds joy to a relationship and provides emotional bonds that can help carry you through hard times.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience Library How often do we think we’re in control of our attention when it’s the other way around? We want to focus during a meeting, but our attention wants to think about lunch. We want to listen intently to what our significant other is saying, but our attention wants to drag up an unrelated emotional hurt from a years-old conversation.
From the CONCERN: EAP Resilience Library Motivation often comes without a thought—like when you’re hungry, you eat, or when you’re cold, you grab a sweater. Other times it can feel like an epic struggle—like when you are trying to choose an evening jog over the couch and your streaming video subscription. Sometimes it can feel like no matter how inspired you are to change it’s nearly impossible to find the motivation to begin.
From the Concern Resilience Library Our actions, feelings and thoughts all connect, working together to influence our moods. Changing one affects the others. For example, taking positive action can be an easy way to lift your mood. When you do something pleasant, the activity usually makes you feel better. And feeling better can lead to more positive thoughts and a brighter mood.
Substantial research exists about the cost of behavioral health conditions such as stress, anxiety and depression in the workforce. Studies show that the personal toll on employees and the financial cost to companies could be eased if a greater number of workers who need treatment were able to access it. While nearly all employer-sponsored benefit plans include mental health coverage, nearly half of those with behavioral health challenges do not seek or receive treatment.
The gig economy is on the rise at least according to several studies that predict around 40% of the workforce will be made up of freelancers within the next few years. With this high-profile upsurge of independent workers, you might think that promoting individuality would also be a major Human Resources trend. But, a recent Deloitte global survey showed the opposite.
“Optimism is invaluable for the meaningful life. With a firm belief in a positive future, you can throw yourself into the service of that which is larger than you are.” – Dr. Martin Seligman As managers, we recognize the positive impact that an optimistic work culture can have on employees, with much research and data supporting that optimists tend to be: More successful at work, school, and athleticsHealthier, with longer life expectanciesMore satisfied in relationships and life With all this
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