WorkLife Connections:
May News
Developing Cohesiveness:
Building a Culture of Trust
slide from the presentation talking about the Art of Thinking period Full description is available on the website
Todd Bradley and Carrie Galdes from MSU HR highlighted how the T-shaped professional - with both depth of knowledge and breadth of application - can contribute to a team by bringing the deep knowledge of an area to creative connection with team members across disciplines. 

John Girdwood Joins the WorkLife Office
John Girdwood
We are excited to have John Girdwood join our team, and here he is to introduce himself.

"There is no better place to be than smack dab the middle of our beautiful MSU campus, and I'm thrilled to be here now serving you as Research and Education Program Coordinator at the WorkLife Office!" exclaimed John Girdwood.

Please join us in welcoming John, and come for an appointment or chat soon.

Workshops Provide Tools to Define, Recognize, & Handle Stress Plus Much More
laptops at a table to show people in a meeting
By Jaimie Hutchison

The MSU WorkLife Office offers presentations to groups of faculty and staff on a variety of topics. Many of these presentations are given during staff meetings or other meetings where staff or faculty gather. One of the most requested presentations is, "Finding Your WorkLife Fit". "Finding Your WorkLife Fit," focuses on how to manage the multiple roles in ones life. 

Take Your Child to Work Day Recap
children learning about recycling at Community Food and Environment Institute
Michigan State University fully embraced this year's theme of "envision your future" during Take Your Child to Work Day on April 25. More than 30 units across campus participated in Take Your Child to Work Day this year. 

International Newcomer Mentoring Program Explores New Cultures and Communities
2019 group of international newcomers along with their America matches at the end of year potluck
By Yera Patel and Jaimie Hutchison

The International Newcomer Mentoring Pilot Program matched community volunteer mentors and international faculty newcomers for several months, to ease the transition to the U.S., Michigan and MSU. Community mentors learned about the international newcomer's culture, traditions and rich ideas that they bring to the East Lansing and MSU community.

Keeping Your Kids Safe at Summer Camp
a large group of teens sitting on a grassy hill
It's no secret that children all over the world will be gearing up to attend summer camps in a few months, and while that's exciting, there are some things that we need to discuss when it comes to safety and preventative measures.
Creature Comforts:
The Health Benefits of Pets
golden retriever puppy looking at the camera with a smile
By Margit Cox Henderson, Ph.D

It was "total pandemonium" when Dr. Bill Thomas released one hundred parakeets into the beauty salon of the nursing home because his order of birdcages was delayed. But he was determined to transform this bleak setting into a lively, welcoming home. Bemused, the elderly residents watched the spectacle of the staff "chasing the parakeets through a cloud of feathers" while trying to transfer them into cages for delivery to the residents' rooms. When the chaos settled down, birdsong filled the air, residents had a sense of purpose and health outcomes improved dramatically.
Thank You to Our Terrific Interns and Student Assistants from the Past Year
Work Life Office interns Yera Patel and Larry Eiden and Hudson Bennett
Thank you to our student assistant and interns for all of their help during the past year and semester. They assisted with events, research, and so much more! The WorkLife Office is better because you were a part of it. A special congratulations to Hudson on his graduation from MSU!
  • Yera Patel: Junior, International Relations Major, James Madison College
  • Larry Eiden: Freshman, International Relations Major, James Madison College
  • Hudson Bennett: Senior, Social Relations and Policy Major, James Madison College
So You Think Your Supervisor is the BEST?
Outstanding Supervisor Award nominations are due
image of last year winner along with information to nominate supervisor by July 9 at the WorkLife Website
The Outstanding Supervisor Award honors Michigan State University supervisors who have consistently demonstrated work/life sensitivity and support of the professional/personal needs of the employees in their unit.

Winners announced for National Boss Day in October.

Upcoming Events
MAY
SAVE THE DATE
  • A full event schedule for the fall will be available online
  • September 20 - Fatherhood Forum
  • October 8 - WorkLife Conference

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    Do you have a request for a workshop not already on the calendar? Is there something specific you'd like to have presented or discussed with your team? We've now made it even easier to connect with us for those requests.

    request a workshop button image
    Planning for Summer

    Summer Camps
    Many summer camp listings have come out recently. Trust me, you want to do your research early in order to secure the camps your kiddos are interested in.

    Things to Do at MSU
    This activity guide assists all families in exploring their community and helps them become acquainted with this rich environment. Whether you are an MSU faculty, staff or student or a community member, you will find activity information for people of all ages on campus and in the Greater Lansing area.


    Care.com has More Than Babysitters for You
    Make summer plans and let your cat keep an eye on someone else - use care dot come slash m s u
    Whether you need ongoing help taking care of your kids or parents, a back-up pet sitter, or even someone to help you set up a party or organize your garage, you can depend on Care.com!

     Check out Care.com/msu
    Visit the WorkLife website!
    Connect with us!
    479 West Circle Drive, Linton Hall, Suite 116

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