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Top 10 work life resolutions for 2009
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We leave 2008 with some of the most progressive initiatives toward the elusive quest for work life balance - in the face of a cacophony of disheartening workplace news. But even with unemployment at record highs amidst recession, there is much to look forward to in our time of "change."
We are living in extraordinary times. As much as we want corporate America to wake up to the need for more flexibility and more affordable health care, we are left to our own devices. Our working and living experience is merging more than ever before.
For many it's because they have to work longer hours at the job to keep the boss happy, but for others it's because they have taken a risk to create a business that is truly aligned with their passion - a more purposeful work life scenario. The lines are blurring more than ever before which calls for more awareness of how we work and live in 2009. Here are Judy Martin's Top 10 Work Life Resolutions for 2009.
- Human connection at work: Behind every e-mail, Tweet, and Linked-in message in our high-tech global marketplace is a human being. Get to know the people, not just for businesses purposes. Keep yourself in a frame of mind that allows for relationships beyond networking. We can't do it all - but we can do some of it better. Pick up the darn phone, have a slow lunch, visit a colleague before we all get replaced with computers.
- Design a work life serenity plan: We're not talking woo woo, necessarily. What gives you a sense of quiet, peace, serenity? Exercise, meditation, deep breathing, knitting? Promise yourself that at least three times a week you'll engage in an activity that's stress-reducing.
- Flexibility in the workplace: Investigate and carefully consider any work life initiatives your company offers. Often these programs just sit on a website and are not always used to their fullest. Speak with your boss, management or human resources to explore how these programs might work for you.
- Relinquish fear of having a voice at work: This is particularly difficult in a downsized environment, but being able to discuss ideas of how to improve the workplace environment might come as a breath of fresh air. Navigating this one is tough, but if you keep a positive tone, you might be heard.
- Set information-overload parameters: Do you read a bazillion websites every day? How many RSS feeds do you check out daily? What is your preferred information delivery method? Create guidelines and stick to them. We are so tempted by the next click of the mouse and are easily distracted to the point of losing our focus.
- Spend time with family and friends: This is a no-brainer, but something that often gets left for last if there is time. This is downtime which feeds the soul. Make an effort to schedule it if need be.
- Focus on internal needs: Health is paramount. Assess your physical and mental well-being. Now is a good time to get things in order with the motivation of 2009 around the bend. Our lives have changed dramatically over the last year due mostly to the economy. That kind of stress impacts us on every level.
- Learn a new skill or take a class: This will help you at your current job and will certainly make you more marketable for future positions. This should be a must for 2009. Think outside the box.
- Stay informed on company business: This means actually reading the newsletters, the Human Resource material and keeping an eye on any news regarding your company - and trends within the sector. This should not be a stress-inducing exercise, but instead looked at as a way to stay ahead of the curve.
- Contemplate your own work life scenario: Do you like what you do and if you could do something else what would it be? Leaving a position without having something else to go to is not advised in the current economic climate, but it doesn't mean you can't put feelers out there. First focus on what you value and make a wish list of other jobs that fit that new profile. It might not happen overnight, but setting an intention goes a long way toward manifesting something new.
For more info: Write Judy at info@judymartinspeaks.com. Visit her blog at worklifemonitor.com.
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