WorkLife Connections:
October News
Contribute to a Healthy Workplace:
How to Build Trust and Reduce Stress
From the Director's Desk:

October is traditionally National Work and Family Month. That's why we host our annual WorkLife Conference in October.  This year, our conference is entitled "Building Community in a Culture of Change".  We all know there have been many changes at MSU lately, and we anticipate ongoing change as we reflect, regroup and reconsider what's necessary to build and sustain the kind of community we want to share. A key feature of a supportive community and productive work environment is trust, and that starts with each of us being trustworthy as individuals, and with administrative practices that are transparent and accountable.  This year's conference will address the importance of trust to having a healthy community, the impact caused by lack of trust, and how to build trust among ourselves and within our various units. 

Work-Life Fit Takes a Village 
Each day the MSU WorkLife Office strives to support faculty and staff by honoring the challenges and needs that managing multiple roles cause between our work and family lives. There is no doubt that the demands of work and family issues often seem to be difficult to balance. Part of this is because life is fluid and our needs change as we move through different phases of our lives and careers. 

MSU formalizes support
for breastfeeding employees
In the fall of 2018, Provost June Youatt and Executive Vice President for Administrative Services Satish Udpa approved guidelines to support breastfeeding faculty and staff at MSU.

Several supports have been in place for breastfeeding employees since 2010, when the Affordable Care Act was passed. One ACA regulation requires that employers need to provide reasonable break time during work hours and a private space for breastfeeding employees to express breast milk. The finalized MSU guidelines build upon the requirements of the ACA, which has led to award-winning support for faculty and staff at the University. 

REGISTER TODAY: 2018 Building Community in a Culture of Change
REGISTER for the 3rd Annual WorkLife Conference:
Building Community in a Culture of Change.
It's easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of change and transitions. At this conference, we will examine the important roles of trust and community in strengthening our foundation in a culture of change. Each of us can contribute to breaking down barriers and building a connected workplace. 

Learn tools for: 
- Navigating change and difficult climates
- Strategies for taking calculated risks
- Connecting with colleagues to build trusting collaborations

Keynote Speaker: 
Dr. Michele Williams, Assistant Professor, Tippie College of Business, University of Iowa


Challenge Accepted: 10 Days of Bus Commuting and a Lifetime of Appreciation
Along with being known as the "Great Lakes" state, Michigan is also often referred to as the "car state." As the birthplace of the auto industry, it's no wonder that so many of us are dependent upon our motor vehicles. In fact, I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I have been known to drive my car two blocks to my neighbor's house every now and again (don't judge me). It's easy to become accustomed to the ease and independence of a car, especially in a state whose culture celebrates the personal vehicle mode of transportation.

Upcoming Events
Free Bowling at Spartan Lanes
Why use the lounge when you can use the lanes?
Every Wednesday from 11 am - 1 pm Spartan Lanes is offering free bowling to faculty, staff and administrators who show their ID. 

Spartan Lanes is located in the basement of the MSU Union. There are a couple of dining options in the Union if you would like to enjoy lunch before or after you bowl. Bring your staff for team bonding, a mobile meeting, or just to get a few laughs. Or go alone or with friends across campus to unwind in the middle of your day.
Visit the WorkLife website!
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479 West Circle Drive, Linton Hall, Suite 116
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