March 4, 2016 | Posted in: Leading Hartfully, Living Hartfully

 Work-life programs are keeping workers at work and experts are attributing fewer sick days to these programs. With more flexibility to arrange their schedules and more workplace help with dry-cleaning, day-care, and car washing; workers aren’t as tempted to take “mental health days”. According to a CCH, Inc. survey of absenteeism, it declines to 2.1% as compared to 2.7% last year and 2.9% in 1999. Absenteeism costs companies more than $600 per employee per year which translates to $9000 for a 15-person operation or $3 million for a 5,000 employee organization. Research shows that only 40% who call in are really sick – the other 60% are taking care of personal business.

 

*  According to www.realage.com, laughing can make your “real age” up to 8 years younger.

 

* What steps does your organization take to help keep workers at work by offering some conveniences or assistance for staff so they can handle life’s responsibilities?  Some organizations: have a car detailing service 1-2 times per week in the parking lot, have a corporate concierge who arranges to meet plumbers or the cable guy at a worker’s home while the worker stays at work or makes dinner reservations or arranges for concert tickets, have a dry-cleaning operation on site, have pet-care centers, have arrangements for eldercare options, have a massage therapist come on site for breaks, or have take-home dinner options available from the employee cafeteria.

 

* The National Association of Colleges and Employers reports that 62% of recent college grads expect to leave their first job in 3 years.  What will you do to retain your top talent when they come to you with this expectation?

I wanted to share some energy boosting tips to improve your personal energy and keep stress at bay:

  1. Spend time deep breathing to oxygenate the body.
  2. Get fit in bits – even bursts of 10 minutes three times per day will help.
  3. Mind your posture and stand or sit straight to help your diaphragm and aid in deep breathing, it is also less fatiguing on your back.
  4. Sit properly with your knees at right angles and feet and back flat. Pat attention to your chair or elevate your feet to help your back – stretch and move often if you sit at your desk for long periods.
  5. Get outside for fresh air and sunshine.
  6. Learn to use acupressure points to release more energy doors for better energy flow throughout the day.
  7. Practice yoga for body movement and breathing techniques – it helps relax you, tone and strengthen muscles, and add flexibility to aid in energy flow.
  8. Laughing reduces stress hormones and invigorates the circulatory system, the respiratory system, and muscles throughout the body. Contrary to popular belief, it does not release endorphins, but it does have other healthy effects.
  9. Dance and since for physical and emotional release.
  10. Rest with intensity – get plenty of sleep nightly to rejuvenate and refresh.
  11. Eat smaller meals and eat more frequently to keep your blood sugar stable and your metabolism on track to help balance your energy levels.

As the CEO (Chief Energizing Officer) at Hartful Living including GaiaHart.com and BizBuilderCards.com; I’m a Messenger and Mentor for women entrepreneurs, connecting them to their capacity to energize their work and their lives in the art of living Hartfully. At BizBuilderCards.com, you can make a living through giving with greeting cards and gifts to build your network net worth as an additive to your current business or an easy way to send gratitude and kindness to the world.