WorkLife Connections:
May News
Perspective Taking Revisited:
Multiple Paths to Understanding
woman talking on the phone
Summary of webinar from April 7, 2020
By Dr. Barbara Roberts
We all struggle with new ways of communicating, learning, and working together in this virtual online world. The WorkLfe Office tackled some of the challenges in a webinar on April 7, 2020 titled "Perspective Taking, Revisited: Multiple Paths to Understanding". We explored various ways to appreciate another person's perspective to build trust, compassion, and camaraderie. Built from Dr. Michele Williams' suggestions to actually practice taking different perspectives before assuming anything about one another, we viewed perspective taking through the work of different authors, helping participants to find their favorite to take into their next conversation...

Applying Flexible Work Strategies
While Working Remotely
father and toddler sitting on the floor coloring
By Dr. Barbara Roberts

Many questions about how to use flexible work strategies when working from home have come to our attention recently, in the Fireside Chat, in our Coffee Conversations, and in webinar chat boxes. We thought it might be helpful to share some ideas here...
The Time In Between
woman at computer taking a course
By Jaimie Hutchison

Professional development is important, even in times of crisis. It helps us to learn new skills, further our skills in key areas and allow us to continue to be lifelong learners. Now that many people are working from home, we wanted to provide some ideas for you to further your professional development.

Career Resources 
Whether you are looking to change jobs/careers, update your documents, or find professional development opportunities, take a look at the great resources we've pulled together.

International Networking Tips
picture of globe for graphic interest
An International Networking Webinar took place on March 26, 2020 via Zoom. This event was intended to continue to build a network of individuals who have lived outside the United States and now work at MSU. Resident experts from each sponsor were present to answer any questions. The highlight of the event was a Q&A session with the panel.

My Remote College Experience
Picture of Megan Lee as the student intern
MSU's transition to online classes and remote work has changed the college environment for the time being. This is how the experience has been for me. I've included tips for supporting student employees.

Let's Name It.
What You May Be Feeling is Grief 
man sitting on the ground with his hands in his hair looking anxious
By Jaimie Hutchison, MA, LPC
I was accepted to present at a national conference in New York City this June. It was exciting to think about sharing workplace wellness initiatives with my colleagues from across the country and beyond. Then, the Coronavirus pandemic hit...

TIAA Financial Resources:
Guiding You through Turbulent Times
TIAA graphic
TIAA has compiled resources to keep you focused on your long-term goals and get expert tips and information to help you.

Nominate your Supervisor for an
Outstanding Supervisor Award 
graphic text of outstanding supervisor award
The Outstanding Supervisor Award honors Michigan State University supervisors
who have consistently demonstrated worklife sensitivity and support of the professional/personal needs of the employees in their unit. 

Applications due by July 31,2020
Awards rewarded in October
Upcoming Events
MAY

  • May 4 - Mental Health Series - Supporting Children and Teens: Self Harm and Suicide
  • May 5 - Support for Children and Teens who are Grieving: Ele's Place Part II
  • May 6 - Staying Well: What to Watch for and What Helps
  • May 7 - How to Recognize & Minimize Burnout in Uncertain Times
  • May 7 - WNA: The journey to "Jeopardy": A Study in Persistence 
  • May 8 - Revisiting Elder Support: Ideas for Helping Elders Live through Staying in
  • New Events added weekly: check the calendar
    •  
    SAVE THE DATE - details available in the future
  • October 20, 2020 - WorkLife Office Conference

    •
    CATCH THE REPLAY
    Some webinars are recorded and available for replay along with the transcripts. 

  • Professional Relevance & Visibility in Times of Uncertainty and Change
  • Ergonomics 101: Fundamentals, Tips, and Tools for Every Body
  • Tracking Your Professional Success
  • Let's Name It. What You May Be Feeling is Grief. Grief and the Coronavirus
  • How to Support Your Colleagues Working from Home
  • Support for Children and Teens who are Grieving: Ele's Place
  • Principles for Working with Children at Home (Stacey Pylman & Amy Ward)
  • WNA Responding to Harassment in the Workplace & Online
  • Practicing Reset Skills w/ Lisa Laughman
  • Best Practices for Engagement Strategies for Working Online (Zoom help)
  • Psychological Safety and Transparent Communication at Work: Strengthening Collaboration and Innovation
  • Perspective Taking, Revisited: Multiple Paths to Understanding
  • Elder Law w/ Local Attorney Brad Vauter, JD
  • Not Another "How to be More Efficient Story"
  • Supervisors and Flex Work
  • Five Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace
  • Caring for the Elderly and Checking in on Your Parents/Grandparents, etc.
     
    •  
    Follow us on Facebook for more information and upcoming events

    Join WorkLife Listservs

    The WorkLife Office manages several popular listservs. These email lists are an effective way for MSU faculty and staff to communicate directly with a group of people just like you!   Join a Listserv   
    Request a Workshop for Your Team

    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 or check out the "Request a Workshop" button on our homepage.   
    request a workshop button image
    Care.com has More Than Babysitters for You
    Picture of concerned woman on the phone with the words - When mom calls and needs help use care.com. Register to search for Free with you MSU Net Id on care.com
    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

    Forward to your friends and co-workers to SUBSCRIBE 

    UNSUBSCRIBE to no longer get the WorkLife Connection.