WorkLife Connections:
March News
International Networking
Breakfast Serves up Conversations
picture of globe for graphic interest
The WorkLife Office is partnering with the Academic Advancement Network and Office of International Students and Scholars in an effort to connect internationally minded colleagues across campus.

We invite you to attend this free networking breakfast on March 26 in the Kellogg Center if you have:
  • Lived outside the U.S. for an extended period of time before accepting employment at MSU
  • Never lived or worked in the U.S. before
  • Studied in the U.S. but have never worked in the U.S. before
  • Or, if you are a faculty, staff, scholar or post-doc with an international background, no matter how long you've been in the U.S.
If you are unable to attend this event, please be sure to sign up for the international listserv to be notified of future events and opportunities. 

MSU Named Age-Friendly University
Photo from MSU Today of grandparent and child riding bikes through campus
The WorkLife office is pleased to have MSU's campus designated as an Age-Friendly University. This accomplishment reflects the work done that makes the campus a welcoming and inclusive place throughout the life and career span. Clare Luz, associate professor in the College of Osteopathic Medicine, spearheaded the international initiative to have MSU designated as an Age-Friendly University. We are proud of Dr. Luz and WorkLife Office Consultant and AgeAlive Leadership Council member Lori Strom, whose work leading AgeAlive has improved campus for our aging population. The WorkLife Office is a proud supporter of AgeAlive.

What is an Age-Friendly University?
Dublin City University in Dublin, Ireland established the Age-Friendly University (AFU) criteria with the World Health Organization in 2012. The AFU network consists of institutions of higher education around the globe who have endorsed AFU principles and committed themselves to becoming more age-friendly in their programs and policies. The Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) also endorses the AFU principles and invites its members and affiliates to call upon their institutions to become part of this pioneering initiative.


Learn more about AgeAlive
March is Women's History Month
Women's History month artboard with face made of shades of purple surrounded by yellow honeycombs and flowers
There are a lot of things happening on or around campus during March to honor and celebrate phenomenal women this month.  Please see the list of options to get involved. MSU WorkLife Office's Jaimie Hutchison has served on the Womxn's Herstory Month Committee with representatives from all over campus. If you have any questions about any of the events, she can connect you. 

In addition, the March 11th Women's Networking event will focus on women and work-life fit. All professional women are invited to attend at no charge. This program will be zoomed as well .   

Spotlight Stories: Gayle Nelson
Gayle Nelson_s wedding photo with husband and bonus son
" Being a 'bonus-parent' is a really complex process. On top of all these new responsibilities, and having to work with someone who isn't your spouse (and may or may not like you), there is definitely some emotional issues that can crop up." -  Gayle Nelson, Director of MS Business Analytics in the department of Accounting and Information Systems in the Broad College of Business, talks about the realities of being a bonus-parent (step-parent).

Spotlight Stories highlight the lives of Spartans. 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. 

What PwC Learned from Its Policy of Flexible Work for Everyone 
Walrus arching its back photo by Vicki Jauron
"To build a culture of flexibility, you must first reimagine what flexibility means today," wrote Anne Donovan, author of the Harvard Business Review article on flexible work.

Flexible work arrangements can be a win-win situation for both departments and employees. They can be a useful method to maintain unit service while supporting the personal needs of employees.

Check out the finance
and retirement planning resources
person at computer checking stocks
Michigan State University offers two approved retirement plan vendors: Fidelity Investments and TIAA. MSU Human Resources has compiled an outstanding "Retirement Plans Enrollment Guide" (updated as recently as Jan 2020). The WorkLife Office is here to help you make sense of it all, supporting you as you navigate your financial journey and career! 

Outstanding Supervisor Award Winner 
Erin Gorman
Erin Gorman and her team around a banner that says Erin is the Greatest Supervisor
Research Administration Manager of the Health Colleges Research Services in the College of Human Medicine  Erin Gorman's direct reports will tell you that she is supportive, accommodating, and considerate, but it is her professional acumen that enables her flexible leadership style. A participative leader with a great mind for organization and structure, Erin keeps her four-person office running like a well-oiled machine.   

"Working in a multigenerational office, she respects each person and treats them with dignity and care. Our team continues to grow and continues to be sought out from others eager to join this team, as Erin is truly supportive of one's own professional development."

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.

Deadline is March 13
to Sign Your Unit Up to Participate in
Take Your Child to Work Day 
Take Your Child to Work Day icon with April 23 2020 date
MSU will be participating in this annual nationwide event  with a full schedule of activities on campus. 

Ways you can participate: 
It's easy to participate.  There are different timeframe choices and flexible options.
To host a tour or career exploration program, please fill out this form  no later than March 13, 2020. 

Upcoming Events
MARCH

  • March 6 - Breastfeeding: Benefits, How Breastfeeding Works
  • March 11 - WNA The History of Work-Life Balance and Women
  • March 13 - Breastfeeding: Baby is Here! Getting Started
  • March 18 - Healing Butterfly and Flower Garden Opening Reception
  • March 20 - Breastfeeding: Lifestyle, Expressing and Storing Milk,
    Returning to Work
  • March 23 - Women's History Month Celebration
  • March 26 - International Networking Breakfast
  • March 27 - Breastfeeding Transition
     
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