Here4TN Monthly January 2018

Tips for harmony at workIf you’re like many people, you spend nearly as much time with co-workers as you do with family and friends outside of work. Maybe even more. That’s why it’s worth making the effort to get along well with colleagues. Just like members of a music group, your team will function better if it works in harmony.

Understanding and appreciating other people at work starts with effective communication. If you take time to learn a few key skills, you can interact with people in more constructive ways. These skills can help you:

• Form deeper connections with colleagues

• Improve teamwork

• Be more efficient at decision-making and problem-solving

• Deliver difficult messages in a way that does not damage the relationship

• Thrive in other areas of your life, such as friendships and significant relationships

Here are some skills you can practice:

Attentive listeningWhen a co-worker has an issue, focus closely on the person and the emotions around his or her words. Create an environment where it’s safe to express an opinion that might be different from yours. Letting someone vent may help him or her feel better, even if a conflict can’t be immediately resolved. Don’t interrupt. Listen. Feel where your co-worker is coming from. Focus on the content of the work issue.

Non-verbal cues

Words aren’t the only way people communicate. Gestures, facial expressions, tone of voice and posture are just a few non-verbal cues. Pay attention to your body language.

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Welcome to this issue of your newsletter, Here4TN Monthly. Each month’s newsletter will contain helpful articles that are intended to help you achieve work/life balance and become more aware of the benefits available to you through Here4TN. With topics ranging from financial issues to parenting, Here4TN Monthly has something for everyone.

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For example, crossed arms might tell someone you’re closed off. Keep yourself as relaxed and open as possible, sitting quietly and comfortably and making eye contact. Also pay attention to the body language of your co-worker, which may provide more insight.

Stress relief in the momentYou might hear people say to take time to cool off when you feel stress. But if you’re having a conflict at work, you can’t usually say, “excuse me while I go meditate for 30 minutes.” Stress-relief tactics should fit the situation. Try taking a few deep breaths and/or visualize something calming. If you’re still wound up, it’s probably best to take some time and have the chat later. The key is not to let a stressful reaction make the situation worse.

Recognizing emotionsFear of getting laid off, jealousy, feeling overworked or harboring resentment over a previous conflict might color your dealings with another person. Communicate in ways that draw people in. Make them feel recognized and appreciated. Wouldn’t you want the same from them? Friendliness begets friendliness.

Here4TN can helpWant to learn more about how you can create harmony at work, at your own pace? Visit the Healthy Workplace section of Here4TN, where you’ll find relevant guides, articles, tools and videos. For a referral to a counselor or more resources, reach out to Here4TN to learn more. Or call 855-Here4TN (855-437-3486) to connect with a Here4TN specialist today.

This program should not be used for emergency or urgent care needs. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. This program is not a substitute for a doctor’s or professional’s care. This program and its components may not be available in all states and coverage exclusions and limitations may apply.

855-Here4TN (855-437-3486)

Sources

Stress at work: National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. Accessed December 4, 2017.

Effective communication. Improving communication skills in business and relationships. Helpguide.org. Accessed December 4, 2017.

Stress at work. Tips to reduce and manage workplace stress. Helpguide.org. Accessed December 4, 2017.

WorkLife Services are here to helpWork, children, friends, family — managing all of life’s challenges takes a lot of time and energy. But sometimes those checklists and overscheduled days can get the best of you. Turn to WorkLife Services for help, with just one call.

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This program should not be used for emergency or urgent care needs. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. This program is not a substitute for a doctor’s or professional’s care. This program and its components may not be available in all states and coverage exclusions and limitations may apply.

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Here4TN.com855-Here4TN (855-437-3486)

Let us do your legworkWorkLife Services can provide information and referrals for many of your personal needs. Just call 855-Here4TN (855-437-3486). We’ll do the research and provide you with a list of options in your area, or wherever you need them.

Look to us for information on a variety of services that include:

• Household services. Plumbers who work evenings, housekeepers, carpenters, dry cleaners, auto repair shops, electricians and landscapers.

• Shopping. Clothing, antiques, sporting goods, specialty stores and shopping services for the elderly or disabled.

• Entertainment. Theater tickets, golf, travel arrangements, kid-friendly restaurants, nightclubs, horseback riding and concerts.

• Health and wellness. Fitness centers, urgent care clinics and all-night pharmacies.

• Personal services. Apartment brokers, caterers, tailors, translators and dog walkers.

• Education. College selection, financial aid, adult learning, and arts and crafts.

When times are tough, we can also help make referrals that include:

• Adult/elder support service. For people who are aging or caring for adult and elder dependents, these may include caregiving, housing, transportation, meal services and senior activity groups.

• Child/parenting support services. Answers to parenting questions, resources for daycare, summer camps, adoption and sick-child care.

• Chronic condition support. Non-medical support and resources for employees and dependents who have a condition like diabetes, arthritis or asthma.

Our referrals are reliableOur resource specialists will search using our extensive database. Then, we’ll make phone calls to find options that meet your needs. You’ll get up-to-date details, including what services are offered, how much they cost, professional credentials and contact information. What might have taken you hours, now takes just one call.

Call us at 855-Here4TN (855-437-3486) to connect with a Here4TN counselor today.

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This program should not be used for emergency or urgent care needs. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. This program is not a substitute for a doctor’s or professional’s care. This program and its components may not be available in all states and coverage exclusions and limitations may apply.

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What can bring great joy, positive health benefits — and add years to your life? Your friendships, of course! Why are friends so good for you? Genuine friends care about each other and bring one another companionship and comfort. They listen and support each other without judgment. And when life throws curve balls, they’re right there to help ease the stress of it all.

Here’s a rundown of some of the other great ways that friends can help keep you healthy:

• Improve your health and reduce stress. Friends in your life can strengthen your immune system, so you get sick less often. Good friends can prevent isolation, which is a factor in depression.

• Help during hard times. Friends who listen and support you can help you weather life’s challenges, whether you’re grieving the loss of a loved one, facing a broken relationship or surviving job loss.

• Cheer you on. Meeting your personal goals, such as quitting smoking or sticking to an exercise program, can help you de-stress. A friend’s encouragement can provide powerful incentive to stay on track. Having a support group of friends and family can help you keep a positive outlook.

• Cheer you up. Your attitude and your mood can get a big boost from friends who make you happy.

• Help you feel loved. Friends allow us to be ourselves and not hide our feelings. They help us gain confidence, see things in new ways and creatively solve problems. And if you’re emotionally involved in a situation, a friend can share objective feedback — to help you see things with a new lens.

• Make you feel needed. Your friends need you as much as you need them. You feel valued and important when you reach out to a friend and help them survive a hard time.

Finding and keeping friendsFriendships take time and effort, but your investment in good friends will pay off throughout your life. Your work and family demands may have caused you to lose track of old friends, but it’s never too late to enjoy the company of new friends, or get

Sources:

Making good friends. Helpguide.org. Accessed December 4, 2017.

Building better mental health. Helpguide.org. Accessed December 4, 2017.

Connect with others. Mental Health America. Accessed December 4, 2017.

Girlfriends’ Health and Safety Tips. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accessed December 4, 2017.

Connect with friends for better health

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This program should not be used for emergency or urgent care needs. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. This program is not a substitute for a doctor’s or professional’s care. This program and its components may not be available in all states and coverage exclusions and limitations may apply.

855-Here4TN (855-437-3486)

back in touch with friends from the past. Here are a few tips for making these connections:

• Reach out. Nothing happens unless someone makes the first move. That someone can be you. Make time to meet face-to-face at a local coffee shop, grab a bite at a favorite (healthy) restaurant or walk around the park for a chat.

• Join a favorite group or activity. Friendship is often started because you have something in common. Whether it’s working out at a local fitness center or discussing the latest best seller at book club, spend your time doing the things you enjoy.

• Volunteer. This is another great way to connect with people who share similar passions that you do. And you’ll be giving your time and effort to help others along the way.

Friends, even new ones, enjoy each other’s company and share easily. If you are uneasy with a new friendship, listen to those feelings. A person who takes advantage of your kindness (including money), is super critical or wants to control you may not be what you are looking for in a friend.

Good friends should lift up your spirits, be trustworthy and treat you with respect. Cherish your friends — they’re just what the doctor ordered!

Here4TN can helpWant to learn more about staying connected for a healthier lifestyle? Visit the Recovery & Resiliency section of Here4TN, where you’ll find relevant guides, articles, tools and videos. For a referral to a counselor or more resources, reach out to Here4TN to learn more. Or call 855-Here4TN (855-437-3486) to connect with a Here4TN specialist today.