#how to prevent burnout in the workplace

[sreehari28]

Employee burnout is a significant issue in many workplaces, but there are strategies you can implement to energize and empower your employees to overcome burnout. Watch this Webinar to learn more about Employee burnout in workplaces and their strategies!

[calltoamentor]

Learning to Take Up Space

Daily writing promptDescribe one positive change you have made in your life.View all responses We talk a lot about taking up space and knowing your worth in the personal development space, just as much as we talk around it in many recovery spaces. When your life has long been defined by one thing or one event, it is often hard to believe that your existence matters. That you matter. That the…

[blogtey45]

How to Burnout Faster | Walt Hampton

[theambitiouswoman]

Do you really love yourself?

Many times in the past, I believed I was operating out of self-love. However, it was only when I began focusing on personal growth and engaging in shadow work and inner healing that I came to understand that my previous perception was not accurate.

Sometimes, we believe we're being kind to ourselves because we do things that feel good or seem helpful at first. We might do these things because we want to feel better or think they're good for us.

To become aware that something might not be truly self loving, we need to pay attention to how things make us feel in the long run. If something we're doing ends up making us feel unhappy, stressed, or even harms us over time, that's a sign that it might not be coming from genuine self love. So, it's important to regularly check in with our feelings and reflect on whether our actions are bringing us real and lasting happiness and well-being.

These are some examples you may relate to, where we might think we're operating out of self-love, but it may not truly be the case:

Self-Care:

Binge watching TV shows for hours, thinking it's self-care, but it leads to neglecting other responsibilities.

Regularly indulging in unhealthy foods as a form of self-care, but it negatively impacts physical well-being.

Spending excessive amounts on shopping to feel better momentarily, mistaking it for self-care, when it strains finances.

Oversleeping every day, believing it's self-care, but it disrupts daily routines and productivity.

Isolating yourself from others under the guise of self-care, but it can worsen feelings of loneliness.

Skipping regular exercise, thinking you're prioritizing relaxation, but it affects overall health in the long run.

Using substances like alcohol to cope with stress, thinking it's self-care, when it may lead to dependency.

Personality:

Constantly seeking validation from others to feel worthy, assuming it's part of your personality, but it indicates low self-esteem.

Always being the peacemaker in conflicts, believing it's your personality, but it might be suppressing your true feelings.

Refusing to ask for help in any situation, thinking it's part of your personality, but it can hinder growth.

Being overly competitive and comparing yourself to others, thinking it's just your personality, but it can lead to dissatisfaction.

Being excessively introverted to the point of avoiding social interactions, thinking it's part of your personality, but it may contribute to isolation.

Always putting others' needs before your own, assuming it's your personality, but it could be detrimental to your well-being.

Constantly seeking new experiences and never committing to anything, believing it's your personality, but it might hinder progress.

Career:

Overworking and not taking breaks, assuming it's necessary for career success, but it leads to burnout.

Staying in a job you hate because it's what you're used to, thinking it's for the sake of career stability, but it prevents growth.

Avoiding asking for promotions or raises, assuming it's humility, but it might hold you back professionally.

Pursuing a career path solely for financial gain, thinking it's practical, but it can result in dissatisfaction.

Accepting workplace mistreatment in the name of job commitment, thinking it's dedication, but it's detrimental to mental health.

Focusing solely on climbing the corporate ladder, believing it's the key to success, but it may lead to neglecting other important aspects of life.

Not pursuing opportunities for skill development, thinking it's contentment, but it can hinder career advancement.

Romantic Relationships:

Ignoring your own needs to constantly please your partner, believing it's love, but it leads to codependency.

Staying in a toxic relationship because you're afraid of being alone, thinking it's love, but it harms your well-being.

Sacrificing your own dreams and goals for your partner's aspirations, mistaking it for love, when it hinders personal growth.

Avoiding conflicts at all costs, assuming it's love for peace, but it prevents healthy communication.

Idealizing your partner and overlooking their flaws, thinking it's love, but it prevents realistic understanding.

Rushing into a new relationship immediately after a breakup, thinking it's moving on, but it might be avoiding emotions.

Disregarding your own values to align with your partner's, believing it's love, when it compromises your authenticity.

Friendships:

Going along with friends' decisions even when you disagree, assuming it's loyalty, but it might lead to resentment.

Pretending to enjoy activities you dislike to fit in, thinking it's maintaining friendships, but it's not authentic.

Ignoring your own needs to help friends excessively, believing it's friendship, when it impacts your own well-being.

Staying friends with people who consistently bring you down, thinking it's loyalty, but it negatively affects your self-esteem.

Avoiding confrontation with friends, assuming it's maintaining harmony, but it might lead to unresolved issues.

Letting others take advantage of your kindness, thinking it's friendship, when it's actually being taken for granted.

Faking interest in others' conversations to avoid feeling left out, thinking it's friendship, but it prevents genuine connections.

Personal Growth:

Staying in your comfort zone and avoiding challenges, thinking it's self-preservation, when it hinders progress.

Setting unrealistic goals for personal development, believing it's ambition, but it can lead to disappointment.

Constantly seeking external validation for your progress, assuming it's self-improvement, when it should come from within.

Overloading your schedule with self-help activities, thinking it's maximizing growth, but it might cause overwhelm.

Avoiding reflection on your mistakes and shortcomings, thinking it's self-compassion, when it prevents learning.

Perpetually focusing on your flaws without celebrating achievements, thinking it's humility, but it can lead to low self-esteem.

Ignoring your emotional needs in favor of pushing through challenges, assuming it's resilience, when it might hinder emotional well-being.

Physical Health:

Skipping Meals to Lose Weight: You might think that skipping meals will help you lose weight quickly, but it can lead to nutritional deficiencies and harm your body's energy levels.

Overexercising: Working out excessively with no rest can seem like a way to get fit, but it can lead to injuries, exhaustion, and even weakened immunity.

Crash Diets: Trying extreme diets that drastically cut out food groups might seem like a fast way to lose weight, but they often lack important nutrients and can be harmful to your body.

Ignoring Sleep: Prioritizing work or entertainment over sleep might seem productive, but sleep is crucial for your body to recover and function well.

Relying on Supplements Alone: Thinking that supplements can replace a balanced diet might seem convenient, but they're meant to complement, not replace, healthy eating.

Ignoring Pain: Believing that toughing it out through pain or discomfort is a sign of strength, but it's important to listen to your body and seek medical attention when needed.

Not Staying Hydrated: Forgetting to drink enough water might not seem like a big deal, but proper hydration is vital for many bodily functions and overall well-being.

[nenelonomh]

improving productivity

productivity refers to the efficiency of turning inputs into outputs. it's a measure of performance that compares what's produced with the resources used to create it. the three types of productivity include economic productivity, labor productivity, and workplace productivity.

workplace (or personal) productivity refers to how much work is done within a specific time period. factors that influence workplace productivity include motivation, personality, talent, training, environment, support, and time management.

improving personal productivity involves adopting effective strategies and habits. systems. here are some tips:

prioritize tasks: identify high-priority tasks and focus on them first. use techniques like the eisenhower matrix to categorize tasks by urgency and importance. prioritizing is essential for several reasons. it helps you avoid getting bogged down in busywork and unimportant tasks. it reduces overwhelm and provides focus and structure. by focusing on what truly matters, you make progress toward your objectives and optimize your use of time and resources. prioritizing tasks streamline your workflow and increase efficiency. multitasking is less effective than focusing your attention on one task.

set clear goals: define specific, measurable goals. break them down into smaller steps to make the progress manageable. goals provide a compass for your actions. they guide you toward what truly matters, helping you prioritize tasks and decisions. clarity reduces distractions, allowing you to stay focused on opportunities aligned with your objectives. goals also serve as benchmarks, allowing you to measure progress and celebrate achievements.

time blocking: allocate specific blocks of time for different tasks. my favourite tools for this are the notion calendar (it gives a great visual representation of tasks). by dedicating specific blocks of time to tasks, you minimize distractions and stay on track. when you commit to time blocks, you're more likely to complete tasks within those periods. knowing when you'll work on specific tasks reduces anxiety. it creates predictability and reduces decision fatigue.

take breaks: regular breaks improve focus and prevent burnout. step away from your desk, and stretch, or take a short walk. relaxing activities improve well-being and calm the central nervous system. the ideal break duration depends on individual preferences and the nature of the work. some strategies include utilizing the pomodoro technique, or the 20-20-20 rule. for screen-related work, every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. this reduces eye strain and refreshes focus. short breaks (5-10 minutes) are great for quick rejuvenation. longer breaks (15-30 minutes) allow deeper relaxation and can include a walk or light exercise.

stay healthy: prioritize sleep, exercise, and nutrition. a healthy body supports a productive mind. when you prioritize well-being, you create a solid foundation for effective work. chronic stress negatively impacts productivity. practice stress-reducing techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing, or meditation. a positive mindset enhances focus and creativity. prioritize self-care and emotional balance. invest in healthy habits such as good hydration, and balanced nutrition.

remember - productivity is about working smarter, not just harder. experiment with these strategies and find what works best for you!

i hope this post was helpful!

❤nene

[iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia]

Brainrot Housekeeping: a little update

Hey friends!

I'm going to be completely honest and say that, for the next several weeks to potentially the next two months, I'm going to be putting my writing schedule on hold. Posting is going to be whatever creativity I can manage that day.

I mentioned early this past week that some stuff has been happening IRL. To keep it brief and hopefully not too triggering, I've been dealing with harassment of multiple kinds from someone at my workplace for almost a year now, and didn't realize how bad it had gotten until I finally brought it up with my superior for advice.

It's been a whirlwind of events, and with multiple investigations happening now and my physical safety at risk, focusing is a lot harder than it used to be.

I don't plan to stop writing! Writing is one of my favorite things to do - you'll still be seeing plenty of thoughts about the M6 and the Arcana in general from me. ^.^ It's a wonderful avenue for healing and self care when I keep realistic standards for myself to prevent burnout.

This is one of those moments when I need to adjust my standards. Until this whole process is seen through and settled, making two full headcanon posts and roughly 18-24 mini headcanon posts a week is more than I should be pushing myself to accomplish.

My workplace is doing a wonderful job of trying to keep me safe and comfortable, and it's very likely that most of the time I'll be able to keep up with my usual routine! But there may days when I post something different (like fanfic clips, or little shorts) or days when I can't post at all.

As always, I love hearing your Arcana thoughts and ideas, and I'm always open to meeting new friends! Please don't hesitate to connect with me :)

Cheers -

brainrot

[rollfordexterity]

wrote a statement fic in transcript format that takes place in The Entwined Archives, a tma au that myself and the wonderful @simcardiac-arrested came up with! the characters featured are their ocs and can be found on the askblog @dj-wayback. this au obviously is not canon compliant to the original askblog (and no, it's not really canon compliant to tma either, but there are a few minor spoilers). big spoilers for cream's askblog though. fic is under the cut, trigger warnings are listed below

List of content warnings: abuse, graphic animal abuse, animal experimentation, dehumanisation, unethical science, overworking and burnout, hallucinations, dissociation, migraines, shock (medical), burning, descriptions of death by immolation, toxic workplace environment, canon-typical Buried and Desolation content, slightly implied cannibalism (kinda), emetophobia, suffocation, gore, blood, memory loss

Stress Testing

INT. NEEDLESS SEPARATION’S SMALL FLAT - NIGHT, RAINING (TAPE RECORDER)

NEEDLESS SEPARATION

(slightly frantic, almost whispered) …Is this working? Good. I need to - I just - I have to record this somehow. I need to be sure of this. There’s something wrong, it’s all missing, I am all missing, and if I do not say this now it might go missing too. I don’t know what happened but it’s all gone.

[BEAT. THEY TAKE A MOMENT TO COMPOSE THEMSELF.]

I… my apologies. These are not the ramblings of a drunkard or a child with an overactive imagination, I swear it. My memory of these events is lacking, I will admit, but I know that something happened, even if I cannot prove it. I was perfectly healthy before, I would not just hallucinate this, no matter what the doctors may believe.

I should start at the beginning. This started… up to six months ago, I believe. Possibly longer. My sense of time is quite distorted now. At the time, I was fresh out of school, having just completed my Masters in Theoretical Physics. It was a competitive field, but I did eventually manage to find a position as a research assistant with the company Transcendent Life Labs. The job description was a little vague, but I applied anyway, and after an unexpectedly short interview process I was hired. It was mostly the standard interview fare, about work ethic and prioritisation, strengths and weaknesses, et cetera, but there were a number of more personal questions. Asking about my social life, my hobbies, that sort of thing. It did strike me as a little odd, but some workplaces do have a more casual atmosphere.

The supervisor I was assigned to was an accomplished scientist named Finite Waves. My position as their assistant meant that I worked directly with them at an isolated research facility for some time. There was barely anything for miles around and no roads, so I had to stay at the facility in a small room. I had few personal effects, but I did not mind so much given that I did not spend much time there anyway. As we were located quite far out, the lab’s surroundings were surprisingly untouched by people and I faintly recall thinking it was quite beautiful. The other researchers were generally affable, though I rarely interacted with them. Admittedly, the cafeteria food was... lacking, and usually a little burnt, but it was altogether not an unpleasant environment at first.

Finite Waves’ research was about critical phenomena in natural sciences. Critical points are a concept originally from thermodynamics: the point at which a liquid and a vapour can coexist. If you increase the pressure, the equilibrium is broken and the vapour will condense to a liquid. A simple comparison might be that friction can build up at a tectonic fault until it has to give, resulting in earthquakes. There is an idea in criticality that the brain might operate in a similar way in order to make itself more sensitive to certain inputs and stimuli, but prevents itself from completely reaching the critical point. Finite Waves wanted to study how the brain might be pushed past that critical point, how a complete and irreversible change might be induced.

Admittedly, this was not my area of expertise: I am a specialist in quantum mechanics and when I accepted the job offer I had assumed I would be assigned to a department where they were actually doing that. I certainly wasn’t expecting neuroscience. Then again, I do not recall my interviewer actually asking what I had studied. Nor can I remember, well, anything else about them. At the time, I simply accepted that I was lucky to have found a job, and that I should treat this as a learning experience. So in the weeks before my employment was due to begin, I read everything I could find on the subject. I was quite tired by the end, but I concluded that I had a reasonable base of knowledge and if I was missing something I could find out more later.

It turned out to be gruelling, tedious work, but I have always been an efficient researcher and in the beginning I even completed some tasks with time to spare. I used to carry a small sketchbook with me, an old, battered thing I’d used so much that one half of the cover was practically hanging off it, so once my work was finished I would take a break and spend some time drawing. At the time, I reasoned that this was perfectly acceptable — there was no work left, so it would not matter if I was doing this during my lab hours. It helped to alleviate some of the stress of the job, in any case. Finite Waves walked in while I was drawing once, and although he did not reprimand me for it, the look of disapproval he gave me was enough that I was sure to keep the sketchbook in my desk when I was not using it and I became more wary about listening for their footsteps when I was on a break.

However, as the… weeks? Months? As I said, I cannot remember how long I was there — as time passed, Finite Waves increased my workload, and I found that I had far less time for breaks. I started staying in the labs after hours, writing report after report. I was also assigned various tests to run, but they were exceedingly strange. Essentially, I was performing materials testing, looking for the aforementioned critical point at which various items were supposed to “change”. The methodology was somewhat unique, however.

To begin with, I could not understand why I was being given materials like the toys and shelters from the animal specimens’ pens, and it seemed like a waste since the tests I was being asked to run usually damaged or destroyed them. It always felt like I was killing them when that happened, though I could not explain why. They were just objects. Half of the equipment I was using looked like it would be better suited to an abattoir and the other half involved using natural materials to test factors like environmental degradation. On one memorable occasion, I had a small tub of swirling molten golden fluid that completely dissolved the chewed wicker toy I was testing. Finite Waves was in high spirits that day.

It was also unclear what results I was meant to be looking for — I am certain there was a reason for it, but perhaps I have forgotten it.

Finite Waves seemed quite certain about it though. I wondered if the methodology had been approved by an ethics board, especially given the… ah, conditions of the animals. While I was not testing anything on them directly, their health often worsened significantly with the removal of such items and they were not kept together despite being a social species. Many did not even have bedding in their cages. Their keeping and observation was not part of my responsibilities; Finite Waves observed them instead and I believe he was running some other tests that I was not involved in, but I know the creatures were pushed completely to the edge of stability. I certainly noticed symptoms such as fur loss, lack of appetite and sudden bouts of aggression on the few occasions that I had to enter the containment room.

As the project wore on, Finite Waves seemed more on edge, and I will admit his behaviour was disconcerting. Sometimes I would see him performing a dissection on one of those unfortunate specimens after hours, usually a rabbit. He always seemed… slow. Methodical and drawn out, in the way that one might savour a delicious meal. I never saw him smile, but I got the sense that he relished it nonetheless. No one else seemed particularly perturbed by this, so I chose to ignore it for the time being. You meet plenty of eccentrics in this field after all, and while it was a little sickening at times I could hardly ask him about it. Not when I felt as if when he looked at me, he was simply performing another dissection.

The work was exhausting. I did question it at times; what I was doing had moved far beyond the scope of the simple theoretical physics research I had expected, and likely had little to do with proper neuroscience as well. Finite Waves tended to keep me too busy to think about it much, though. I have never been one to shy away from work, but it was far more than I had ever had to do, even during my degree. Soon, I began losing track of time. I would begin a report at two, and come to my senses well into the night with no idea how long I had been sitting there and a splitting migraine that felt as if my head would melt from the pain. More than once, I forgot what day it was, and simply kept going through the motions in a fugue state with black spots at the edges of my vision. Other times, I would bury myself in work with feverish dedication, only to finally finish a report and instantly be overcome with a wave of burning pain. On the rare occasion that I ventured to the cafeteria, I found that everything I ate was bitter and chalky, more ash than food. Curiously, there never seemed to be anyone in there. I assumed it was simply that my hours were odd, and I could hardly focus on the minutiae like that. My mouth was always dry and I could barely stand. The few nights I spent in bed were sleepless, as I spent the entire time curled up with a fan activated to try and cool my searing skin and head. Working could usually distract me from it, though, or at least I felt that it was better to be in pain and doing something rather than sitting around in agony and accomplishing nothing, so I resorted to staying hunched over stacks of meaningless paperwork. My sketchbook went all but forgotten in the drawer of my desk.

I do not know how long this continued. The calendars in the facility blurred into the background until eventually they were gone altogether. Clocks seemed to melt when I looked at them, although this was likely because of the exhaustion impairing my vision and the blistering sensation behind my eyes. My senses constantly rebelled against me; every light was near-blinding, every footstep sounded like a scream. I went days without seeing anyone except for Finite Waves. Longer, maybe. It often felt as if the facility was entirely empty.

Eventually, this came to a head. The irony that I recall this part fairly well is not lost on me. It was one of the few brief moments of clarity I had. I think I could tell that something was off that night.

It was long past dark, so myself and Finite Waves were the only ones still in the main facility. For once, he had requested that I be present for one of his experiments. Although I’m sure I had worked there for some considerable time, it was highly unusual that I was there for any of his testing when it came to the animals themselves. When I entered the laboratory, I immediately noticed the bizarre setup. There was a rabbit with a couple of nodes attached to its head locked in a cage on the central table, frantically trying to dig. It looked at me for a moment, wide-eyed and piercing. Like it knew me. It was so emaciated I barely recognised it as an animal at first, all shivering skin and bones and eyes.

I wanted to run. I should have run. But Finite Waves stared at me and I felt rooted to the spot.

As I approached the table, the rabbit began digging again. Just digging. It scrabbled at the surface of the table as if it could claw its way through the steel, its mangled paws covered in oozing scabs and sores that had clearly been reopened. How long had it been digging? With a growing feeling of pressure behind my eyes and a little sick to my stomach, I watched as Finite Waves activated what looked like an elaborate heating element on the desk, emitting an oppressive warmth which worsened my now-pulsing headache. The pressure was starting to feel crushing — and then I looked back to the rabbit. It kept digging, no longer just frantic but frenzied. The steel table was heating up, causing its paws to blister and bleed, but it just wouldn’t stop digging. Finite Waves seemed indifferent to its struggle, motioning for me to start writing down whatever result he seemed to be getting from this torture. I complied.

I wrote it all down. I noted how the welts on the rabbit’s skin began to tear and ooze dark liquid that evaporated the second it hit the table, how the melting flesh pulled back to reveal a ribcage cracking under the strain of the quickly-mounting pressure that now descended over the room, how it heaved on the bloodstained soil that spilled from its mouth, how it just kept digging -

[THEY BREAK OFF WITH A GASP, TAKING A MOMENT TO SHAKE THE INCREASINGLY FRANTIC TONE.]

- how, when it finally collapsed with a horrible shriek, golden flowers bloomed from the grave that it dug itself and burst into flame from the scorching heat.

The lab was still. The heat and pressure did not abate, but for a second I hoped that it was over. It seemed so fragile, lying there on the table, still blistering and bleeding. The stench of burnt flesh and fur was overwhelming, and the intense heat emanating from the carcass only made my head feel like it was going to split open. I tried to speak, to scream, maybe, but no sound passed my lips. When I glanced towards Finite Waves, though, they looked furious. Trying to keep my composure, I turned back to face them properly, but I am sure they saw through it. The way they looked at me… it was like I was the one lying burned and broken on the steel slab.

They started to march around the room, rifling through desks — looking for something to salvage the experiment, I assumed, although I did not know what. I stayed in the middle of the room watching them. I am not certain what I was expecting to happen, but something deep within me wanted to bolt. Except for the sound of their footsteps on the tiled floor and the quiet crackle of the still-burning corpse, it was agonisingly quiet. Finally, they brandished a small, tattered book from a drawer. It took me far too long to realise what precisely they were holding, but before I could register the dread of seeing them clutching my sketchbook, it was far too late to do anything about it. They stalked back to the central table, and I could only stare in horror and confusion as they set it alight.

It felt like time itself was melting. I was stuck in that moment for ages, watching years of progress go up in flames. As he held my sketchbook in the fire, I saw the pages begin to bubble and blister — I barely understood it at the time, but I am now certain that the dark liquid that dripped from it was blood. I think I heard screaming. Perhaps it was mine, or the book itself. Watching the flames lick the sides of my sketchbook as the pages curled and writhed like tearing skin, I felt the ache behind my eyes become sharper, stabbing until it was scorching, incinerating every neuron and synapse and leaving nothing in its wake.

I cannot possibly convey the pain I felt with mere words. There are dozens of articles online on what happens to you when you burn, reporting every gory detail with morbid fascination, basking in the horror of how the capillaries burst, how the fat melts and how the muscles contract. I read every single one I could find. None of them felt like what happened to me. None of them could grasp how it feels for your brain to cook inside your skull.

I passed out, I think. When I came to, I was lying on the floor. A person whose name I regrettably no longer remember had put me into a safer position — I had gone into shock, apparently. They had been trying to call an ambulance. As it turns out, it is quite difficult for emergency services to reach a lab in the middle of nowhere. I don’t believe they were a coworker of mine; the Hawaiian shirt was hardly appropriate lab attire, but I am grateful for their presence nonetheless. Even if I did initially mistake them for Finite Waves in my confusion. Eventually, an Air Ambulance arrived and I was taken to hospital. My case completely baffled the doctors, as I was uninjured and they could not identify why I went into shock. Eventually, they concluded that I must have been severely dehydrated and gone into hypovolemic shock as a result, that I had just hallucinated all of… that.

I had to stay in hospital for several weeks to recover, but I did return to the research facility to collect my things and resign. Finite Waves was completely absent, and according to sign-in records, had not come in on the day of this incident, nor any day after that. No one recognised my description of the person who called the ambulance either. Aside from my own testimony, there was little to suggest anything had actually happened, save for the charred remains of my sketchbook unceremoniously tossed in a waste paper basket, covered in some dark, dried substance that seemed to have leaked from between the mutilated pages. I tried not to think about it too much.

I cannot shake the feeling that I should have felt more grief in that moment. I had spent a great deal of time perfecting my art, learning how to express rather than merely copy what I saw. And yet it was as if I had never seen it before in my life. I could remember nothing about the drawings within, or how I had done them. My sketchbook was unrecognisable, and all I felt was… empty. As if the very concept of art had burned to ash within me, and taken a part of me with it.

I left rather quickly after that.

Getting back on my feet has been challenging. A number of my possessions seem to be missing, including my phone and laptop, and it is not as if I have any connections at the moment. Even my emergency contact was missing, apparently. I have only vague memories of faceless people who were… perhaps my friends and family. There seems to be very little chance that I might get another job in scientific research — having to leave your last job after having a breakdown and claiming you were violently assaulted by a senior member of staff will do that to a CV.

I did have a stroke of luck, though. Recently, I left my flat to visit a nearby café, and while I was there I ran into a person named Cognitive Dissonance, who seemed to recognise me from… when I was an undergraduate, I think she said? The encounter as a whole was somewhat overwhelming, and I couldn’t remember her at all besides a faint echo of endearment, but the broad strokes seemed to be that we had done some kind of art workshop together and been fairly close. When I mentioned that I was out of work, she suggested I join her at a research job for some kind of paranormal investigations organisation. Fitting, really. I do not think I really have anything to lose at this point, and working for ghosthunters is better than becoming homeless. I was lucky my lease was still going, and my sick leave plus the astounding overtime I was apparently owed paid most of my various debts.

[BEAT. THEY SEEM TO SNAP OUT OF THEIR STORY.]

Ah, I… think that is all of it. My interview for the new job is tomorrow. With any luck, it won’t be such a disaster, and I will have something to do again. These days are getting unbearable with nothing to do except lay down with another wretched headache.

[TAPE RECORDER CLICKS OFF.]

INT. NEEDLESS SEPARATION’S SMALL FLAT - NIGHT, DRY (TAPE RECORDER)

[TAPE RECORDER CLICKS BACK ON.]

NEEDLESS SEPARATION

…I was unsure if I still had this. Wayback’s investigation into Finite Waves reminded me of it. Evidently, my younger self was right to record it: some of these details did disappear from my mind. I had forgotten about the flowers, for example. Hardly makes for a credible statement, but we are far past that point by now.

It is unusual to hear myself talk about Cognitive Dissonance, though. Although we did maintain a good relationship, I never recovered any memories of them and we did not spend much time together. There was so much work to do, of course. They did not remember a great deal of me either then, and now they certainly do not.

It has been several years since my incident now. I have not heard anything further from Transcendent Life Labs, nor Finite Waves. For the most part, I did put it out of my mind. Though I do occasionally wonder if I might have been able to do something. Perhaps if I had hidden my sketchbook better, or left it in my room… No. It is of little relevance.

[THEY COUGH, TRYING TO CHANGE THE TOPIC.]

In some ways, the work I do now is not so different to what I did back then; my job is still to explain and predict strange occurrences. I am just as efficient and hardworking as I ever was — more, even. It is not as if I have anything else to do on the job now. Without any distractions, I get far more done. More recently, I have endeavoured to make sense of these beings that we call Entities. My colleagues believe them inscrutable, but I cannot accept such a lacklustre answer. If these beings must feed, then it stands to reason that they are to some extent living, and can therefore be observed. Categorised. Understood.

It is then perhaps bitterly ironic that for all my tireless research, all those sleepless nights I have dedicated to unpicking the patterns that emerge from supernatural phenomena, I am yet to find a clear answer as to what happened to me, or why. I don't... perhaps it was just another form of test. Perhaps I will never understand at all. And my headaches are getting worse.

…I know something is wrong. My skin is cracked and peeling, and I cannot rid my mouth of the taste of ash. Weaving Tales attempted to send me home last week with a temperature, of all things. Hah.

[A CLIPPED, HUMOURLESS LAUGH.]

But it is of no concern. While these conditions are admittedly unpleasant, they are livable. Sometimes you have to deal with things you dislike to get any work done, after all. I cannot stop now.

[TAPE RECORDER CLICKS OFF.]

[punching-fade-rifts]

While there wasn’t anything at the 2023 Game Awards about Dragon Age: Dreadwolf, there was a small protest group outside the building that was about unionizing in game development and the large amount of layoffs this year in the industry. BioWare isn’t mentioned by name but Keyword Studio’s union is mentioned ! Here’s my scans of their brochure they were handing out if anyone is interested!

Updated to add alt text for those with screen readers

[begin alt text]

The Game Awards 2023: The Best Year for Games

The Worst Year for Game Workers

Protesting a year of layoffs

[next page]

The 2023 game industry: $188 billion in revenue

9000+ Layoffs (source: LA Times, videogamelayoffs.com)

…and that’s surely an undercount. It’s hard to overstate just how disastrous this has been for the workers who actually make games and for the health of the industry as a whole.

More layoffs means more competition for fewer open positions. More competition means lower wages and burnout. Burnout and lack of positions force workers out of the industry.

All that talent, gone. And those that remain still suffer! The work piles up in fewer desks, you don’t know if your next. These are poor conditions for working, let alone for the creativity and care needed to create games.

[next page]

Welcome to The Game Awards 2023: She’ll of an Industry Edition

This year has been full of amazing games from Hi-Fi Rush to Armored Core VI.

Unfortunately, the workers creating these games have seen the worst layoffs in decades.

We’ve lost our livelihoods, our colleagues, and our passion. We’re forced to accept lower pay or leave the industry, joining an exodus of talent that grows by the day.

This year has been nothing less than a crisis for the industry.

But we can fight this. Over the last two years, workers have been organizing into unions to defend themselves, and building worker cooperatives to create the spaces we deserve.

We need to keep up the pressure to prevent the collapse of the real industry: the workers that make it.

[next page]

Anti-Union Retaliation

Unions are finally here! They took the industry by storm in 2022 and beyond, but the fight is not over.

Keywords Edmonton United and the Allied Employees Guild Improving Sega (AEGIS-CWA) have been harassed and threatened, and even subjected to illegal targeted firings for daring to stand up to the bosses.

Generative AI

Generative AI is built on the stolen art, writing, voices, and even bodies of artists and actors, and companies aim to use it to replace them.

Even programmers that work on AI aren’t safe. Code-generating AI is here, and threatens to make junior positions even scarcer.

And while these systems have been pushed to replace labor, workers have still needed to fix the generated material, because it’s not that good.

Games are an artform— we should not be automating away human creativity

[next page]

Fight Back

Unions

Tip the balance of power in your workplace! As a union, you can fight the whims of shareholders and save you and your fellow workers’ jobs and dignity!

No more security escorts as you clean out your desk. No more getting locked out of the office without notice. No more finding out you’re unemployed from a press release.

Talk yo your coworkers, party up, level up, and prevail!

Worker Cooperatives

Worker cooperatives are owned and operated by workers. This is a great alternative for workers who are tired of the traditional corporate model and want to take control of their creativity and labor.

Game co-ops are gaining around! Check out KO_OP, Soft Not Weak, Black Flag, Future Club, and more!

[next page]

What You Can Do

1. Wear our pins into the theater! Don’t let security take them, but record them if they do!

2. Post about the layoffs with #TheGameAwards, so it can’t be ignored!

3. Talk to your coworkers privately about unionization- the more people are unionized, the easier it gets and the lore leverage we have.

Learn more at cohost.org/gwsc

[end alt text]

[b-courageous1010]

Day 5: Workplace, Mental Health, and Prioritizing Yourself  

Wellness in the workplace should be talked about more. With how fast pace things can get, it's easy to get off your routine, and your mental health can slip. I had my monthly session with my mentor, and it was surprising that we touched on mental health and how it should be discussed more. It's the elephant in the room, especially since COVID and the shift to remote working. Although everyone knows that corporate culture can be very unhealthy, we also know that the work needs to get done.��Realizing this is what pushed me to take my mental health seriously.

In my last position, I suffered from burnout and promised never to let it happen again. To prevent it, I need to find ways to stay grounded at work and in my personal life. It's essential that I set boundaries and limit my work hours. 

I do this by taking my lunch break daily unless I have something urgent. Taking that hour lets me catch my breath in a sense.    

I log in at 8 and am finished by 5, especially when working from home.   

On the weekends, I avoid opening my laptop so I don't get sucked into work. Instead, I keep track of important dates in my planner.  

I also neglected my personal life in my last position because I was also in school. Since that's no longer an issue, I've been focusing on myself and doing a lot of inner work. I learned that not prioritizing my personal life was affecting my professional life. Such as:   

Not working on my anxiety made me paranoid that I would make a costly mistake that overtook my entire being, and I would be so hard on myself.    

Not checking my depression caused my lack of self-confidence to ooze from my pores, and people could see it a mile away.    

Neglecting my spirituality and not being present in my own life.   

At one point, I reached a breaking point and finally asked for help. Since then, I've taken the advice of giving myself grace and taking time to relax. My focus has been improving my mental health to achieve my full potential.   

I started a journalling routine to reflect on my experiences and think through any issues.  

I introduced yoga as a form of meditation to keep me grounded and present. 

Each morning, I read an entry from a meditation book that helps me confront my codependency.  

I'm working on my inner self and confronting the parts I used to run away from.  

I've realized that it is okay to make mistakes and that growth is more important than perfection. As a result, I'm allowing myself to feel confident and happy in my abilities.   

Since making myself a priority and working on my inner self, I experienced a significant improvement in a short period, Situations that used to overwhelm me no longer affect me. I have gained control over my anxiety and improved my confidence. 

Completing assignments is easier 

I am confident in building relationships with my coworkers   

I can step out of my comfort zone and communicate through emails with ease 

I have also established a routine I can stick to at work and in my personal life.  

While I am still determining where I aspire to be, I am light-years away from where I started. During the conversation with my mentor, we discussed the importance of pursuing interests outside of work. She shared how she spent 3 hours drawing out plans for her backyard renovation project and how fulfilling it was to create something with her hands. This inspired me to think about how I can bring more sweetness into my life. I am considering the following activities: 

Enrolling in an acro yoga class  

Learning a new instrument or reviving my old skills.  

Spending more time in nature and capturing moments through photography  

Reconnecting with spiritual practices, I may have drifted away from. 

I'm grateful for the desire to improve and the willingness to never give up. I plan on having a long career in corporate, and while prioritizing my mental health is half the battle, I know I can handle whatever comes my way.  

Music Challenge Day 5: A song by an artist you’ve love for awhile.

Mine: I love me some Jon B 💜💜

My Aunt: She absolutely loves her and as it turns out we are both huge Tamia fans 🤗

[jinxstrology]

Gonna shoot you a question before I forget about it.

So. Somehow somewhat, April has been a month that's really fucked up for me. In 2021, it's when I had a huge friendship breakup and also the time where a friend told me I was haunted by some not so nice spirits (idk how true it is but all i know was that i was stressed and scared and wanted to run away from spirituality)

In 2022, I had a huge ass fight with my family in regards to my mental health and I ran away from home for the month and all that shit.

I'm scared for 2023 and I just wonder if there are things I can look at to prevent or to be able to accept shit from happening.

I did you a wee lil reading to see if I can find anything out~

8 of wands (reversed), 5 of pentacles, Justice (reversed), Knight of Pentacles, 2 of Pentacles

What I'm getting here is a definite vibe of instability in April, whether it be mental, emotional, or any other form. There's definitely a lot here trying to smack you over the head with your past experiences and reminding you to learn from them. Beware of burnout, socially or in the workplace, and know that it's okay to cancel plans for your own good. You may worry about your financial security more than usual, or experience some financial difficulties, but they will not be long lasting. Just try and push through as best you can, and the energy blocking your road to financial success will clear out as the month of April closes.

On the positive side, you'll also have opportunities to make choices that will affect your future positively! Learn from your past experiences (again, in a different way) so that you can take the best option when it's presented to you.

The best thing for you around this time is to just keep your head down, work hard, and know that this too shall pass.

And if you need to rant, you know I'm always here xx

[sreehari28]

Providing transparency and honesty is indeed an important strategy for addressing employee burnout. When employees feel that they have access to open and honest communication from their organization, it can contribute to a healthier work environment and help alleviate burnout.

[onlinecbttherapy1]

Enhancing Corporate Mental Health with AXA Therapists: How EMDR, CBT, and Reflective Sessions Drive Success

In today's fast-paced corporate world, mental health has become a crucial factor in driving individual and organizational success. High-performing executives often face immense pressure, leading to stress, anxiety, and burnout. For C-level professionals and corporate teams, investing in mental health services, such as online CBT therapy and AXA-approved therapists, can help enhance well-being and performance. This blog explores how therapies like EMDR, ERP, and reflective sessions can boost mental health in the corporate environment.

The Role of Online CBT Therapy in Corporate Mental Health

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a proven approach for managing a range of mental health issues, from anxiety to depression. In the corporate context, online CBT therapy offers executives and employees a convenient, confidential way to address personal challenges, improve coping strategies, and optimize mental health.

For C-level professionals, working with a C-level therapist through Online-CBT can help tackle stress, improve decision-making, and enhance emotional resilience. The flexibility of online sessions means that busy executives can receive support without disrupting their schedules. In addition, AXA-approved CBT therapists provide a structured approach to addressing work-related stressors, helping clients build mental resilience and thrive in high-pressure environments.

EMDR for Performance: Breaking Barriers to Success

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is often associated with trauma therapy, but it can also be highly effective for performance enhancement. EMDR for performance is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with past experiences or mental blocks that hinder their success.

An AXA EMDR therapist can guide executives and professionals through the EMDR process, helping them reprocess negative experiences that may be impacting their work. By resolving these internal barriers, individuals can unlock their full potential, perform at their best, and tackle new challenges with confidence.

Tackling Insomnia and Sleep Disorders with Online Therapy

Sleep is essential for maintaining mental and physical health, but many corporate professionals suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia. Insomnia therapy online and sleep therapy online provide targeted treatment to address these issues, ensuring that executives get the rest they need to perform effectively.

CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia) is a structured, evidence-based approach that addresses the root causes of insomnia. By combining online CBT with personalized sleep therapy, professionals can improve their sleep patterns, leading to better focus, decision-making, and overall performance.

ERP Therapy for OCD in the Workplace

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be debilitating, particularly in the high-stakes corporate world. ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) therapy is the gold standard for treating OCD, helping individuals confront their fears and resist compulsive behaviors.

An ERP therapist can provide online therapy tailored to the unique needs of executives and professionals struggling with OCD. This approach is highly effective in reducing anxiety, improving focus, and allowing individuals to excel in their roles without being held back by obsessive-compulsive tendencies. For those seeking expert guidance, Online-CBT makes it easy to find a CBT supervisor to oversee ERP and OCD therapy.

Sports Performance Anxiety Therapy for Corporate Leaders

Corporate executives often face the same pressures as elite athletes—constant scrutiny, high expectations, and the need to perform at peak levels. A sports performance anxiety therapist can help professionals manage the mental and emotional challenges of their roles, using techniques typically reserved for athletes. This can be particularly beneficial for executives who need to maintain focus and confidence under pressure, helping them perform better in high-stakes situations.

The Importance of Corporate Mental Health Services

Corporate mental health services are essential for creating a healthy, productive workplace. Mental health issues, if left unaddressed, can lead to burnout, absenteeism, and decreased productivity. By investing in services such as professional reflective sessions, businesses can support their employees’ mental health and well-being.

Professional reflective sessions provide executives and teams with the opportunity to process challenging experiences, reflect on their professional development, and gain insight into their emotional and mental states. These sessions, combined with other mental health services, can help leaders become more self-aware, improve communication, and enhance their decision-making abilities.

Crisis Response and Traumatic Event Services

In times of crisis, businesses need to respond swiftly to protect the well-being of their employees. Crisis response and traumatic event services are vital for helping organizations navigate difficult situations, whether it’s a critical incident in the workplace or an external event that impacts the team.

AXA-approved therapists, including AXA EMDR therapists and AXA CBT therapists, can provide immediate support to those affected by trauma. By offering specialized therapy and support, businesses can ensure their teams recover quickly and maintain resilience in the face of adversity.

Finding AXA-Approved Therapists for Your Corporate Needs

When it comes to mental health, finding the right therapist is crucial. AXA-approved therapists offer a range of services tailored to meet the needs of corporate clients, including CBT supervision, EMDR for performance, and ERP for OCD. Whether you're looking for a C-level therapist to support executive performance or need crisis response services, AXA therapists provide high-quality, accessible care.

Online-CBT makes it easy to find the right therapist for your needs, offering a network of experienced professionals, from AXA EMDR therapists to AXA CBT therapists. With online therapy, executives and corporate teams can access the support they need, whenever and wherever it’s most convenient.

Conclusion

In today’s competitive corporate world, mental health is a key driver of success. By investing in online CBT therapy, EMDR for performance, and professional reflective sessions, businesses can ensure their leaders and teams perform at their best. Whether you’re seeking to address sleep issues, manage OCD, or respond to a crisis, the right therapist can make all the difference. At Online-CBT, we provide tailored mental health services designed to support corporate success. Explore our range of AXA-approved therapists today and take the first step towards better mental health for your team.

[resiliencyprogram]

The Impact of Resilience Programs on Employee Wellness in High-Stress Industries

High-stress industries, like those of emergency services, health, and finance, push employees very hard indeed. Such intensities in the workplace may result in high levels of stress and, subsequently, burnout. In light of this fact, many organizations are now turning to organizational resilience training programs to help and support employees with wellness.

Ultimately, these programs aim to enhance productivity in general.

The Importance of Organizational Resilience Training

The resilience training for an organization is significant in the aid of employees with professions of high stress. It provides strategies that enable individuals to adjust and recover from the stress caused by their job. These strategies range from techniques of monitoring stress to mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral approaches. With the equipped strategies, employees learn to bear stressful situations.

The training on Organizational Resilience builds long-term resilience in addition to dealing with immediate stress. It helps employees to confront future adversities without being wary of them. Consequently, it gives organizations an effective workforce able to work under pressure.

Organizational Burnout Training

Burnout training for an organization is an essential constituent of a resilience program. Burnout is a very grave issue in high-stress surroundings: besides emotional exhaustion, the depersonalization process may also reduce personal accomplishment. In this regard, organizations that invest in burnout training show employees the signs of burnout and how to take care of it.

Burnout training generally consists of workshops and seminars on workload management, work-life balance, and building coping resources. This offers practical resources for the employee to handle stress in a manner that will help to prevent burnout. Companies that provide training in burnout experience reduced employee absenteeism and increased productivity and efficiency.

Implementing a Resilience Program in High-Stress Industries

There is an element of resilience within the context of a high-stress industry. For example, an analysis of specific stressors that are affecting the employees can always help in tailoring a general program of resilience that can best deal with issues.

The training can incorporate burnout training into the resilience program. The combination indeed includes employees in what they need by taking a very holistic approach. The initiative could also include wellness programs, such as mental health resources and stress-management workshops. Regular feedback from employees can enhance, refine, and strengthen the program.

The need for a resilience program in India grew. Most of the time, a resilience program includes practices that are culturally accepted and address local stressors. In such a way, it is guaranteed that this program corresponds to the peculiarities of Indian employees' needs, and therefore, it could be more effective with respect to employees' wellness.

In-Measurements of the Programs

Let the effectiveness of programs be met with ease by organizations through the use of clear metrics and methods for evaluation. The KPIs that are commonly used include less absenteeism, less stress levels, and more employee satisfaction. Surveys or feedback sessions contain insightful information about how effective the program is and areas for improvement.

Productivity and employee engagement are some of the ways in which changes can be tracked to evaluate the success of the program. A good program translates into better engagement and motivation on the part of the employees, which results in better organizational productivity.

The Future of Resilience Programs

With the changes in the workplace, several functions of programs bring new meaning. High-stress industries consistently face extraordinary challenges; programs provide support to the employees' well-being. Companies that support these programs have outstanding records of retaining talents and thus reduce their turnover.

Employee programs may be more integrated with all other employee wellness programs. This kind of approach supports overall for the employees in their mental and physical wellness. A comprehensive wellness program will increase the level of overall organizational success and satisfaction among employees.

You may also read:

What Diet for Stress Management is Best to Build Students Resilience

Resilience Program for Students: Building Mental Strength for Success

Conclusion 

A Resilience program in a stressful workplace can make a difference. Organizational Resilience Training, given other general burnout training for organizations, helps nurture capabilities among employees in handling stressful situations and prevents burnout. Organizations invest in the Resiliency Program to help build resilience among employees.

[ignitetrainingsolutionss]

The Importance of Conflict Resolution Training in the Workplace

Conflict is an inevitable part of life, especially in workplaces where diverse personalities, opinions, and priorities converge. Managing these differences effectively is critical for maintaining a productive and harmonious work environment. This is where Conflict resolution Training plays a crucial role. This training equips employees and managers with the skills needed to handle disputes and disagreements constructively, transforming potential clashes into opportunities for growth, collaboration, and improved performance.

Why Conflict Resolution Training is Necessary

Conflict in the workplace can arise from various sources, including miscommunication, differing expectations, competition for resources, or personal issues. Left unresolved, these conflicts can escalate into bigger problems, leading to decreased employee morale, reduced productivity, and higher turnover rates. Organizations that invest in Conflict resolution Training can mitigate these risks by helping employees understand how to manage and resolve conflicts effectively.

Benefits of Conflict Resolution Training

Enhanced Communication Skills A key component of Conflict resolution Training is teaching effective communication. Employees learn how to express their thoughts and feelings clearly and listen actively to others. This fosters better understanding and reduces the chances of miscommunication, which is often the root cause of conflict.

Improved Problem-Solving Abilities Conflict resolution training emphasizes the importance of finding mutually beneficial solutions. Participants are taught to focus on the issue rather than the individuals involved, encouraging a collaborative approach to problem-solving. This not only resolves the current conflict but also enhances employees' overall ability to handle challenges in the future.

Reduction in Workplace Stress Conflict can create a tense work environment, leading to increased stress for all parties involved. Conflict resolution Training helps to alleviate this stress by providing employees with the tools and techniques to address and resolve disputes quickly and amicably. A more peaceful work environment leads to higher job satisfaction and overall well-being.

Increased Team Collaboration Effective conflict resolution fosters teamwork and collaboration. When employees feel that their concerns are heard and addressed, they are more likely to work together towards common goals. Conflict resolution training helps build trust among team members, which is essential for successful collaboration.

Decreased Employee Turnover Unresolved conflicts can result in dissatisfaction, burnout, and eventually employee turnover. By providing employees with the skills to resolve conflicts, organizations can create a more supportive work environment, reducing the likelihood of employees leaving due to unresolved issues.

Enhanced Leadership and Management Skills Conflict resolution is a vital skill for managers and leaders. Conflict resolution Training provides managers with the knowledge to mediate disputes within their teams effectively. Leaders who can resolve conflicts impartially and fairly are more likely to be respected and trusted by their employees.

Key Components of Conflict Resolution Training

Effective Conflict resolution Training programs cover several critical areas that help employees and managers alike develop the skills necessary to manage disputes. Below are some of the core components:

1. Understanding Conflict

Participants first learn about the nature of conflict, including its causes and effects. Understanding why conflicts arise and how they escalate is crucial for prevention and resolution. This aspect of the training also covers the different types of conflict, such as task-related disputes, interpersonal conflicts, and role-related conflicts, all of which require different strategies for resolution.

2. Communication Skills

Communication is at the heart of conflict resolution. Training programs focus on teaching participants how to communicate effectively, which includes active listening, paraphrasing, clarifying misunderstandings, and expressing oneself assertively without being aggressive. Effective communication minimizes misunderstandings and helps to create a more open and respectful work environment.

3. Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to recognize and manage one's emotions, as well as the emotions of others. Conflict resolution training includes EI as a core component, helping participants understand the importance of empathy, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. When employees can manage their emotions effectively, they are better equipped to handle conflict without letting emotions get in the way of resolution.

4. Conflict Resolution Techniques

Several proven techniques are taught during Conflict resolution Training, including:

Mediation: In mediation, a neutral third party helps the disputing individuals come to an agreement. Participants learn the skills necessary to act as mediators, guiding the parties involved towards a resolution that benefits both sides.

Negotiation: Negotiation skills are essential for resolving conflicts in a way that satisfies all parties. Training programs teach employees how to negotiate effectively, ensuring that solutions are fair and reasonable.

Compromise: Sometimes, conflicts can only be resolved through compromise, where both parties give up something to reach a resolution. Conflict resolution training helps participants understand when compromise is necessary and how to achieve a fair balance.

Collaboration: In situations where both parties can work together to find a mutually beneficial solution, collaboration is key. Conflict resolution Training teaches participants how to foster collaboration, turning conflict into a creative opportunity for teamwork.

5. Conflict Resolution Styles

Each person has a preferred style of conflict resolution, such as avoiding, accommodating, competing, compromising, or collaborating. Understanding these styles allows individuals to recognize their own tendencies and adapt their approach to different situations. Training programs help participants identify their conflict resolution style and how it impacts their interactions with others.

6. De-escalation Techniques

In some cases, conflicts may become heated or even hostile. De-escalation techniques, which are a part of many Conflict resolution Training programs, are essential for calming situations and preventing conflicts from spiraling out of control. These techniques involve maintaining a calm demeanor, using neutral language, and creating a safe environment where both parties can express their concerns without fear of retaliation.

Creating a Conflict-Resilient Workplace Culture

While conflict resolution training is essential, it’s equally important to foster a culture that promotes openness, trust, and respect. A conflict-resilient workplace doesn’t avoid conflict but instead views it as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Here’s how organizations can cultivate this culture:

1. Promote Open Communication

Organizations should encourage open and honest communication at all levels. When employees feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and concerns without fear of negative consequences, conflicts are less likely to escalate. Regular check-ins and feedback sessions can help identify and address potential conflicts before they become problematic.

2. Encourage Accountability

Employees should be encouraged to take responsibility for their actions and their role in any conflict. Conflict resolution Training helps participants understand the importance of accountability, which is crucial for resolving disputes and preventing future issues. A culture of accountability ensures that conflicts are addressed proactively and fairly.

3. Lead by Example

Leadership plays a critical role in shaping workplace culture. When managers and leaders demonstrate effective conflict resolution skills, they set a positive example for their teams. Investing in Conflict resolution Training for leadership ensures that managers can handle disputes effectively and promote a culture of collaboration and respect.

4. Provide Ongoing Support and Training

Conflict resolution is an ongoing process, and organizations should provide continuous support and training for their employees. Regular workshops, refresher courses, and access to conflict resolution resources can help reinforce the skills learned in initial training programs. This ongoing support ensures that employees remain equipped to handle conflicts as they arise.

5. Implement a Clear Conflict Resolution Policy

A formal conflict resolution policy that outlines the steps employees should take to address disputes is essential for maintaining a conflict-resilient workplace. This policy should be communicated clearly to all employees and provide guidance on how to resolve conflicts at every level of the organization.

[watchingmywork]

From To-do Lists to Success: Transforming Your Workflow With Effective Productivity Management

Achieving optimal performance in today’s fast-paced digital world is more than just a buzzword—it’s necessary. Whether you’re a solo multitasker or part of a larger team, effective business planning can be a game-changer for success.

By transforming your workflow, you can streamline processes, increase productivity, and achieve more with less effort. But how exactly can you harness the power of performance management to improve your business?

Ready to increase your productivity and take control of your future? Let’s get started.

Understanding Productivity Management

It is not a professional multitasking strategy; it’s about smart business. This includes organizing your tasks, setting clear goals, and using tools to help you stay on task. The key to business planning is to effectively prioritize your time and resources, ensuring that your efforts are aligned with your goals.

Think of your business as a well-oiled machine. Every business is a cog in the machine, and business planning is the oil that keeps everything running smoothly. Without it, you risk burnout, missed deadlines, and inefficiencies that can slow your progress. But with practice, you can turn even the most messy workdays into manageable and productive meetings.

The Role of Technology in Productivity Management

Technology plays an important role in increasing productivity in the digital age. With the right tools, you can automate common tasks, track your progress in real-time, and collaborate with your team with ease.

Here are some important tools that can help transform your workflow:

Task Management Software: Tools like EmpMonitor, Asana, Trello, and Monday.com allow you to break down tasks into manageable tasks, assign them to team members, and track their progress.

Time Tracking Tools: Apps like Toggl and Harvest help you understand where your time is going. By tracking time, you can identify concerns, streamline your work schedule, and focus on more important tasks.

Improved Collaboration: Tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom make communication and collaboration easier, ensuring everyone is on the same page, no matter where they are. These platforms are important for remote or seasonal teams.

Productivity Tools: Tools like Zapier and IFTTT allow you to automate common tasks, like sending an email or editing a spreadsheet. Automation reduces the burden of manual tasks, freeing up time for more important tasks.

Strategies for Effective Productivity Management

While tools are essential, they are only part of the equation. Effective productivity management also requires strategic planning and a disciplined approach to making them work. Here we listed some strategies-

Prioritize Your Work: Classify tasks by urgency and importance. Focus on what really matters. To maximize impact, tackle the most important tasks first.

Set Clear Goals: Set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound (SMART) goals that will guide your career and keep you on track with your focus on it.

Adopt the Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between to maintain focus and prevent burnout.

Reduce Distractions: Identify and reduce distractions by setting boundaries, using tools like Do Not Disturb mode, and creating a focused work environment.

Reflect and Adjust: Review your strategies regularly to determine what is effective. Modify as needed to keep improving your workflow.”

These strategies help you work smarter, be more organized, and reach your goals more effectively.

Checkout the video - How to Download & Check Employee Productivity Reports With EmpMonitor | EmpMonitor How-To Tutorial

Conclusion

Transforming your business with workplace productivity isn’t just about getting more done—it’s about working smarter, reducing stress, and reaching your goals more effectively. Using the right tools and strategies not only increases your productivity, but your life also improves. Embrace the power of performance management and see how your performance will change from an internal source of stress to a wellspring of success.

[ruchirathor]

Building Resilience in the Remote Workplace: Navigating Challenges and Thriving

Introduction

The rise of remote work has reshaped the modern workplace, offering flexibility and autonomy. However, it also presents unique challenges that can impact employee well-being and productivity. Building resilience is essential for navigating these challenges and thriving in a remote work environment.

Understanding the Challenges of Remote Work

Remote work can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and a blurred work-life boundary. The lack of face-to-face interactions and the constant distractions of home life can make it difficult to stay focused and motivated. Additionally, remote employees may face challenges related to communication, collaboration, and maintaining a positive work culture.

Strategies for Building Resilience

Create a Dedicated Workspace: Establish a designated workspace that is free from distractions. This will help you mentally transition into work mode and improve productivity.

Maintain a Routine: Stick to a regular schedule, including set working hours and breaks. This helps maintain a sense of structure and balance.

Prioritize Communication: Schedule regular check-ins with your team and manager to stay connected and aligned on goals. Utilize communication tools effectively to ensure clear and timely communication.

Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. Avoid working late into the night or checking emails constantly. This helps prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Build Social Connections: Make an effort to connect with colleagues and build relationships outside of work. Join virtual teams or online communities to foster a sense of belonging.

Practice Self-Care: Take care of your physical and mental health. Prioritize exercise, nutrition, and adequate sleep. Engage in activities that help you relax and recharge.

Set Goals and Celebrate Achievements: Break down large tasks into smaller, achievable goals. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, to stay motivated and maintain a positive outlook.

Seek Support: Don't hesitate to reach out to your manager or colleagues if you're struggling. Building a support network can help you navigate challenges and maintain resilience.

Overcoming Isolation and Maintaining Motivation

One of the biggest challenges of remote work is isolation. To combat this, make a conscious effort to connect with others. Schedule virtual coffee breaks with colleagues, join online communities, or participate in virtual team-building activities.

Maintaining motivation can also be difficult when working remotely. Set clear goals, prioritize tasks, and reward yourself for completing milestones. Celebrate your achievements and use them as fuel to stay motivated.

Conclusion: Thriving in the Remote Workplace

Building resilience is essential for thriving in the remote work environment. By implementing these strategies, you can overcome challenges, maintain a positive outlook, and achieve your goals. Remember, it's okay to seek support and adjust your approach as needed. By prioritizing self-care, building connections, and maintaining a positive mindset, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of remote work and thrive in this new era of work.