Make the Most of your Time at Work

Build Friendships

Building friendships at work also helps keep you focused on the positive. Having strong friendships at work gives you a built-in support network. Seek out colleagues and coworkers who share your interests, who make you smile or laugh, or who appear to share your goals and values.

Gym or Health Club Memberships 

Studies show that exercise is one way to increase serotonin, the feel-good hormone. Many workplaces include gym or health club memberships or discounts. Gyms and health clubs may also offer yoga, massage, saunas, and other services which promote overall physical, mental, and emotional health. If you have access to such benefits, use them. You will benefit from the greater physical and mental health that results from exercise, and knowing that you can schedule a treat such as a massage or pedicure for yourself can also give you something to look forward to after a long week at work.  

Use Your Vacation and Paid Time Off

Many people feel guilty about taking vacation or paid time off.  They may take it all in one chunk for a big vacation or cash it out when they leave a job. Studies show that people who take time off throughout the year are happier at work because they look forward to the breaks which provide time to reset, refresh, and relax. Be sure to take your paid time before any expiration date.

Employee Assistance Programs

Many workplaces have Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). These programs offer referrals to counseling services for employees in crisis as well as information on other mental and psychological health services. Your EAP may also offer legal advice, information about resources such as gyms and health clubs, and other key resources that foster employee well-being. Many people only draw on their EAP when they are in crisis, but the EAP can be leveraged even in the best of times.

Explore Other Benefits

Employee benefits extend beyond health insurance and the EAP. Many workplaces offer membership to a credit union, direct deposit, automatic savings deposits from your paycheck, discount memberships at wholesale clubs, and more. Your workplace may also have access to travel discounts and other services which you can use to make your life easier. Using your benefits to save money, time, and stress can contribute to greater overall happiness at work. In addition, knowing that your workplace values its employees and seeks to better their lives can make you feel more positive about the organization.

Until next time ...

 

Sheryl Tuchman, SPHR, SHRM-SCP