WorkLife Connections:
December News
Use Backup Dependent Care to Alleviate Stress Caused by Lapses in Care
child playing with block people
Backup dependent care is fill-in childcare or elder care when the family's primary source of childcare or eldercare is not available during the faculty or staff member's work hours. MSU offers faculty, staff and students two options for backup dependent care for childcare and one option for backup dependent care for elders. 

"We used childcare in our home when our son had a mild fever. This allowed both of us to still teach our classes. We are very grateful for this service and we were very pleased with the service!" -MSU faculty member . 

Flexible Work Arrangements Offer a Win-Win
laptop at an empty desk
Flexible work arrangements can be a win-win situation for both departments and employees. Studies show that work schedule flexibility can yield many benefits, including increased productivity, improved morale, decreased absences and turnover, and improved work quality. 

Flexible scheduling reduces stress and healthcare costs and creates an environment where employees are more satisfied with their jobs and lives. Flexible work schedules at MSU entail arrangements between a supervisor and employee that allow the employee to complete their employment duties while working non-traditional schedules. 

Outstanding Supervisor Award Winner William Wetzel
Wetzel accepting award
Assistant Professor William Wetzel's warmth and attention to his team's work-life balance earned him one of 2019's Outstanding Supervisor Awards.  

"Dr. Wetzel's undying optimism and enthusiasm for learning and teaching about the way the world works is contagious, and this optimism is an ever-present source of encouragement for me and others who work closely with us."
--Luke N. Zehr, M.S., Lab Manager, Wetzel Lab, Department of Entomology.  

MSU's WorkLife Office honors Michigan State University supervisors who have consistently demonstrated sensitivity to the intersection of their employees' work and personal lives. Employees from any MSU unit may nominate their supervisors. Four winners were selected this year, and one will be highlighted each month.

Women's Networking Association:
Meet Debbie Richards 
Donate to WNA during MSU Give Green Day
give green day icon
" The Women's Networking Association has encouraged me to see professional business opportunities across campus at MSU. For me, the WNA builds a collaborative environment that allows freedom of speech and a platform to share ideas, resources, and create new pathways for progress. They bring talented presenters to guide us in our growth. I am looking forward to serving on the WNA Planning Committee! "  said Debbie Richards, member of MSU Women's Networking Association and Business Manager in the College of Arts & Letters.

The mission of the Women's Networking Association is to connect professional women across campus through meaningful and empowering relationships. Providing an opportunity for women to network and support one another is an essential step for building women's leadership at Michigan State University and in the Greater Lansing Community.  

December 3 - Give Green Day
Consider donating to the Women's Networking Association to provide opportunities for women to support and network with one another at MSU.

Spotlight Stories:
Kitty Douglass-Harris
Kitty Douglass-Harris picture with infant son and a quote from the story
" My colleagues have absolutely been the best - I count myself very lucky that they have always supported my needs for a flexible schedule and to make family my first priority, even when things were busy at work. I could not have had such a successful experience without their support." -  Kitty Douglass-Harris

This series highlights Spartans through the Spotlight Stories. The goal is to build community at MSU, show people they are not alone, bring awareness to important stages of the lifespan and promote family friendly policies and workplace.  Kitty Douglass-Harris is a mother of two sons, age 8 and 2, a Fiscal Officer at the Japan Center for Michigan Universities (JCMU), and a Ballet Instructor at the Group Exercise & Recreational Fitness Program; shares her insights on breastfeeding.

We Need YOU to be a Mentor!
participants from 2018 international mentoring program
We have a wonderful opportunity for you to support someone new at MSU! Several new Spartans have enrolled in our International Newcomer Mentor Match Program. These individuals are new to campus and need the social support that you can provide to help ease their transition to MSU and the local community. The process is simple:
  1. Sign up
  2. Get oriented to the program by John Girdwood of the WorkLife Office
  3. Get matched! 

This is an incredibly important and mutually beneficial program. You'll get to meet a new Spartan who will significantly benefit from your support. Help reduce feelings of isolation by stepping up and being a mentor. Please sign up today to get started!.
Share Your Voice at Reflect and Connect
people at a dinner table toasting with grapefruit juice
The Reflect and Connect series provides an opportunity for MSU faculty and staff to come together to examine the impacts of contemporary events/tragedies on work and personal lives and provides a space to explore best self-care/work-effectiveness strategies.

Save the date: December 20

Mixing Holidays and Political Conversations:
Strategies to Turn Down the Heat

Does the potential for political conversations with family and friends at the holidays stress you out?

Participants will learn how to:
  • Suggest conversational guidelines which allow a range of opinions to be respected and shared
  • Listen empathetically
  • Share views in a non-confrontational manner
  • Maximize the potential for "win-win" conversations
  • Improve awareness of campus and community resources to assist the development of these skills
Refreshments will be provided during the 90-minute lunchtime session.


Upcoming Events
DECEMBER

  • December 3 - Welcome to MSU! Bring your Lunch Info Session
  • December 5 - Attention to Detail: Financial Finishing Touches for Women
    •  
    JANUARY

  • January 8 - Women's Mental Health: Increasing Protective Factors to Combat Anxiety and Depression
  • January 10 - New Parent Series: Newborn Traits, Newborn Behaviors
  • January 17 - New Parent Series: Crying, Comforting, and Diapering
  • January 24 - New Parent Series: Bathing and Newborn Health
  • January 30 - International Info Panel
  • January 31 - New Parent Series: Infant Safety and CPR
    •  
    SAVE THE DATE - details available in the future

  • April 23, 2020 - Take Your Child to Work Day
    Please take a moment to provide feedback about Take Your Child to Work Day! 
    We look forward to any input you can suggest.
     
  • October 20, 2020 - WorkLife Office Conference


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    Care.com has More Than Babysitters for You
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