For those who made new year’s resolutions …. are you still keeping them by now?  If you are struggling, then you are like most other people.  Statistics show that only 8% of people stick with their resolutions by the end of the year.  How can you be one of those 8%?

Here are some tips:

1. Choose resolutions that you really really want to achieve.  Motivation is key!
2. Take small steps, and celebrate your successes frequently.
3. When you fail or get discouraged, remember why you want to achieve this goal and start again.  Make a new day’s resolution!

For more tips, watch this interview with Jean Lim.

 

Making new habits for the new year?.

While this may not always be verbalized, this is the message many managers and supervisors want to say to employees who are under-performing at work because of personal problems. The truth is … people cannot leave their hearts at the door when they enter the office! And in fact, heart issues also affect the mind!

 

Consider just one common problem .. depression. A worker may have depression due to a relationship breakup, mounting debts, a wayward child, a missed promotion, or a host of other life situations. Reseach shows that when a person is depressed, parts of the brain that control appetite, sleep, thinking, and behavior function abnormally. The depressed worker who is not getting enough sleep could come to work late, not be able to focus well, and be irritable towards co-workers. Without adequate rest and nutrition, they may be more prone to sickness and absences.

 

Employees with personal problems are not only prone to have more absences and tardiness, they may be physically present but mentally absent. They could be spending time at work attending to their personal problem or just staring into space. They may make poor decisions or more mistakes due to distractions and decreased concentration.

 

A study by the American Medical Association revealed that productivity of troubled employees decreases by 20%. A survey conducted by PowerVision last year on a small sample of employees requesting Employee Assistance services revealed a 10% decrease in the number of hours at work due to their personal problems.

 

Clearly, companies need to look after their employees’ emotional health as much as their physical health. People who are emotionally down need help in finding concrete solutions to their problems and in adopting a healthier perspective to their situation. Managers and HR personnel can be sensitive to struggling employees and offer a helping hand or a listening ear. An Employee Assistance Program wherein confidential professional counseling services are made available to employees can supplement internal resources in providing this much-needed support to maintain employee wellness and productivity.