Do you sometimes spend money out of habit? Like any habit, unhealthy spending patterns can be replaced with more positive behaviors. Here’s how: Monitor your accounts. Review your checking, savings, and credit card balances at least once a month. In addition, use a spreadsheet or check register to maintain your own set of records. This may…
Household electric bills often spike in the warmer months because of increased air-conditioning use. These energy-saving strategies may help to reduce expenses and keep your house cool: Adjust the thermostat. If you have central air, turning up the thermostat by even a few degrees can make a big difference in your electric bill. In addition,…
Learn how to recognize and appropriately address mental health concerns in the workplace. At any given time, approximately one in five adults is coping with some form of mental health issue. Common concerns include: Depression Eating disorders Obsessive-compulsive disorder Anxiety Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) Bipolar disorder Borderline personality disorder (BPD) Schizophrenia As with a physical…
If an employee is engaging in erratic or out-of-character behavior: Don’t ignore the behavior. Unusual behavior is often the first sign that an employee is having difficulty with meeting performance expectations. Document the behavior. If the frequency of incidents is increasing, or if you see a pattern forming, consult with Human Resources. Review company policy.…
Alcohol and drug use, whether on the job or not, has a significant impact on the workplace. Common ways you might see its impact on your team include: Use of alcohol, marijuana, or illicit drugs while working, either on site or from home Behavior or performance that is impaired by legal prescription medications taken to…
Are you drinking more than you used to? People who struggle with managing their alcohol intake, or who engage in binge drinking (having five or more drinks on one occasion) are more susceptible to a variety of illnesses. In addition, problem drinking may have significant life consequences, such as: Changes in personality or appearance Isolating from…
Have you ever thought about your shopping habits? When, where, and how you shop can have a big impact on how much you spend and whether you achieve good value for your money. If you would like to increase your smart shopping skills, these tips may help: Avoid retail therapy. There’s an old saying that…
Does a member of your team have a body odor or other personal hygiene problem? Keep these points in mind. Steps to Take If you receive a complaint from one or more team members, say that you will address the situation. Remind the complaining person(s) to avoid saying or doing anything that their colleague might find…
For some people, anxiety is an occasional occurrence. For others, it is a constant condition. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) occurs when a person has recurring worrisome thoughts on a persistent basis for six months or more. Sometimes, these thoughts are about things that are unlikely to happen or that are outside the person’s control. Additional…
Seasonal allergies occur when outdoor molds and plant pollens from weeds, grasses, and trees become active. This is known as “hay fever,” and typically occurs in the spring. Common symptoms include sneezing, a stuffy nose, and watery, itchy eyes. While seasonal allergies are common, some people have symptoms that occur throughout the year due to…