How to make a case for working remotely Office employees who want to work remotely should explain to managers the benefits, including increased productivity and decreased absenteeism, writes Johnny Taylor, CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management. Employees also need to explain how they will complete each task, including supervision, while out of the office. USA Today (4/16)Goals are easier to achieve with intentional actions It's difficult to reach goals if you don't take the time to clearly identify them or the steps required to reach them, writes Avery Blank, an impact strategist. When soliciting help from others, explain exactly what role you want next so they know what advice to offer. Forbes (4/16)
Create a Culture of Well-being How can you improve the health and well-being of employees at work, home and in their communities? Learn to build a culture of well-being that boosts performance and enhances the employee experience. Explore the five pillars of behavior change today.
A recent study suggests that where you live in your time zone can affect how much sleep you get each night, as the fading light reacts with melatonin in your body to wind you down. Those on the late end of time zone went to bed an average of 19 minutes later than those on the east side, time that can not be made up when the morning alarm goes off. St. Louis Post-Dispatch/The Washington Post (4/21) Poll question: Do you work in the same time zone as your office? It has been determined that even minor imbalances in time zones can affect your sleep, but what about if you work in a completely different time zone than your office's normal business hours. Do you work in the same time zone as your office? Poll results on Friday.
Empathy is in decline. Now what? The ability to empathize with people has declined this century, according to research by Sara Konrath, and empathy appears increasingly reserved for those with similar opinions and viewpoints. As an antidote, try thinking about empathy as a way to selfishly expand your worldview instead of turning away, argues Fritz Breithaupt in his book "The Dark Sides of Empathy." National Public Radio (4/15)
Your Next Challenge
Messages that sabotage an interview Job candidates signal they lack interpersonal skills, initiative and staying power by using these six answers during an interview, writes Judith Humphrey. For example, describing oneself as a "hard worker who gets things done" indicates an inability to collaborate with others. Fast Company online (4/17)Can you meet an employer's future needs? The workplace will continue to be disrupted due to technological advances, so experts say resumes should demonstrate how quickly you've learned new skills. Augment a resume submission with links to a LinkedIn profile, work portfolio and other resources to create a clearer picture of your potential. CNBC (4/19)
Balancing Yourself
How to press pause on negative thoughts Our mood improves when we challenge negative thoughts we have about ourselves with reminders of past successes, writes therapist Jason Linder. "Realizing that negative thoughts can be triggered by low moods and vice versa, I can notice my emotional states, the thoughts they generate, and continually and gently remind myself that thoughts aren't reality," he writes. Psychology Today (4/18)
The Hawaiian flower Hibiscadelphus woodii had not been seen alive since 2009 and was therefore thought to be extinct. The National Tropical Botanical Garden sent a drone to observe the Kalalau Valley and found a H. woodii plant still alive and growing on a cliff face that humans cannot reach. CNN (4/18)
Our nation will succeed or fail to the degree that all of us -- citizens and businesses alike -- are active participants in building strong, sustainable and enriching communities.
Arnold Hiatt, corporate executive
April is National Volunteer Month, and April 22 is Earth Day
