FOH offers monthly behavioral health campaigns to raise awareness of various mental and emotional well-being and work-life issues. Among the campaign resources are the Solutions newsletter and a flyer with a matching theme.
More people than ever work from home at least part of the time. While working remotely has many advantages, adjusting to the arrangement takes time and can sometimes pose challenges for even the most seasoned teleworkers. It's common to feel disorganized and disconnected at times, but there are some simple, practical ways to strike a balance, find your groove, and enjoy the unique benefits of working from home.
Join this month's live, interactive webinar, Remote Worker Well-Being: Managing Your Time, Energy, and Organization, on: Wednesday, March 9, 2022, from 1 to 2p.m. ET. Space is limited, so register today.
We often hear or read about self-care and its many science-backed benefits. However, the concept is so commonly used that, for some of us, the real meaning seems to have gotten lost. As a result, the promise of what we stand to gain from practicing self-care can become diminished, causing many of us to ignore or give up on committing to it. What self-care really is and looks like may surprise you, and with a better understanding of both, you can begin to take care of yourself in more meaningful and effective ways.
Join this month's live, interactive webinar, Self-Care: Dealing with Stress, on: Wednesday, February 9, 2022, from 1 to 2p.m. ET. Space is limited, so register today.
Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic that began in early 2020, the economy has seen more than its fair share of ups and downs. Even as we approach the two-year anniversary, there’s still financial unpredictability and a lot of us remain unsure of what to do with our money. With that in mind, this month we’ll review some basic strategies that can help safeguard your finances in any environment.
Join this month's live, interactive webinar, Strategizing Taxes to Improve Your Future Well-Being, on: Wednesday, January 12, 2022, from 1 to 2p.m. ET. Space is limited, so register today.
Positivity is a trait linked to better life satisfaction and happiness. While we can't always control what's going on around us, we can control how we view and respond to it. Remarkably our outlook, whether positive or negative, is a choice. Discover how improving your perspective can help you enjoy a more fulfilled life.
Join this month's live, interactive webinar, Tune In to Mindfulness to Tune Out the Negative, on: Wednesday, December 8, 2021, from 1 to 2p.m. ET. Space is limited, so register today.
The year may be winding down, but for many of us, this is a time when we’re at our most wound up. Calendars get filled, family members visit, and we spend, volunteer, travel, and eat more than most other times of the year. As all of this unfolds, our regular routines and time to ourselves get set further to the side. But the holidays are meant to be enjoyed, not something to simply "get through". Do things differently this year with a few simple strategies to help you manage seasonal stress and anxiety and take good care of yourself.
Join this month's live, interactive webinar, Lighting the Way for Less Holiday Stress, on: Wednesday, November 10, 2021, from 1 to 2p.m. ET. Space is limited, so register today.
As a working American, you’re likely aware of a certain line item that appears on your leave and earnings statement labeled OASDI. This stands for Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance, which is the official name for what is more commonly known as Social Security. While you may be familiar with this automatic deduction from your income, you may wonder where it goes and what exactly it pays for, especially when it could be many years before you ever see that money again. The details of the Social Security program, including how it works, who is eligible, and when you can begin claiming benefits can be the source of much confusion for many of us. Continue reading for answers to some of the most common questions people have.
Join this month's live, interactive webinar, Your Social Security Toolbox: The Mechanics of Maximizing Benefits, on: Wednesday, October 13, 2021, from 1 to 2p.m. ET. Space is limited, so register today.
The word addiction conjures up images of alcohol or substance abuse. These are examples of addiction, but there are also behaviors that may become addictions. Tobacco, gaming, internet use, gambling, sex, and shopping can also be addictive. The path from habit to addiction is typically gradual and leads to continuing a behavior despite its harmful consequences. In other words, an activity that begins as an outlet or a method of comfort can become compulsive, difficult to manage, and interfere with relationships, work, and daily life. What was once a soothing habit, assumes more and more prominence and one can feel helpless when trying to control it. It’s important to recognize the signs of harmful patterns that can lead to addictive behaviors so that you can turn these around or get help.
Join this month's live, interactive webinar, Habit or Addiction: What's the Difference?, on: Wednesday, September 8, 2021, from 1 to 2p.m. ET. Space is limited, so register today.
There are few things more complicated or rewarding than family. While all families are different, what makes one thrive and another one falter comes down to the same fundamental elements: boundaries, respect, and communication. The way family members interact with, relate to, love, and support one another contributes to the overall dynamic. Form better bonds and watch your family thrive with the help of your Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Join this month's live, interactive webinar, Family Secrets Revealed: Simple Truths about Healthy Family Dynamics, on: Wednesday, August 11, 2021, from 1 to 2p.m. ET. Space is limited, so register today.
You don’t need to be an accountant to be skilled at managing your money. What you do need is to be financially literate, which means understanding the basics of financial management and having the skills to make smart choices with your money. By educating yourself on the fundamentals of finance, you can save and invest with confidence, make better financial decisions, and escape future money mistakes.
Join this month's live, interactive webinar, Finance Fundamentals: Reduce Risk and Take Control of Your Future, on: Wednesday, July 14, 2021, from 1 to 2p.m. ET. Space is limited, so register today.
Because life is full of challenges, setbacks, disappointment, loss, and hardships, resilience is one of the most important life skills a person can develop. You might even say that life is a series of resilience tests that start just after we’re born; yet, whether we ace or fail those tests—and all the pop quizzes in between—depends in large part on how we’re nurtured in childhood. Children aren’t naturally resilient, they learn to be, and the earlier they begin learning and practicing how to work through dilemmas and swerve around curveballs, the better equipped they’ll be to bounce back from the difficult stuff all their life. Keep reading for guidance on how you can begin to raise a more resilient child who’s able to handle uncertainty, problem-solve, and make decisions with confidence.
Join this month's live, interactive webinar, The Art of Parenting Younger Kids, on: Wednesday, June 9, 2021, from 1 to 2p.m. ET. Space is limited, so register today.
Disagreements are inevitable and we encounter conflict on a regular basis. A simple dispute can quickly turn into a heated argument which can only make things worse. Let’s see how we can turn that confrontation into a respectful conversation for a more productive outcome.
Many people put off, or even avoid thinking about, preparing a will. Some may believe that they’re too young or feel too healthy and that it’s too soon to plan for their own death. Others may assume that they don’t own anything of value, so there’s no point. Or they believe the process will take care of itself and that their money and possessions will automatically be split equally among immediate family members. However, estate planning is about more than preparing a will and distributing assets after you die. Having an organized legal plan that protects your wishes, finances, and property is crucial to your family’s future.
In life, challenges and setbacks are everywhere. Whether big or small, what gets in the way of your plans can leave you scrambling, and you may need to reconsider your goals. The ability to rise above obstacles and overcome the unforeseen is an important quality that can mean the difference between stopping short and achieving success. While it isn’t always easy to muscle through life’s adversities, your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help you learn the skills needed to brave what tomorrow may bring.
Tending to the needs of someone you love can be a rewarding experience. There can be a flipside to that experience, however, when constantly focusing on another’s needs comes at the expense of your own well-being. When you’re always playing catch-up to try and get everything done, or find yourself going through the motions to survive the day, you—and most likely your loved one—can end up feeling deprived of opportunities to connect, make memories, and to be present with one another. Make caregiving less taxing while also enjoying your time together with helpful tips from your Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Last year was unique and challenging in many ways. At one point or another, many of us weathered a storm of questions around money and the future of our money. Some of us may have come to the realization that perhaps we’re not as financially stable as we thought we were or should be—crisis or not. With such uncertainty and a financial forecast that’s still cloudy even as we enter a new year, it’s important to have an umbrella on hand to shelter your finances and your future from being left out in the rain. Here are some tips from a few financial experts.
Happiness is a state of well-being that we all strive to experience, though many of us struggle to explain what it means to be truly happy. In general, we might all agree that happiness is a positive emotion, or how we feel at a particular moment in time, yet genuine happiness is a little more difficult to describe. Discovering what genuine happiness is for yourself may come from having a sense of meaning and purpose, deep satisfaction, and profound contentment. In the midst of such challenging times it can be especially hard to stay positive and focus on being happy, but there are some valuable—and smart—reasons why we need to try. Learn about the benefits and see how you can invite more delight into your life and feel more fulfilled each day.
Kids aren’t the only ones who experience bullies. People who aim to intimidate, harm, or prey on others whom they perceive as vulnerable are all around us, even at work. Whether you’ve seen it happen to a coworker, or you’ve been the target of such behavior yourself, workplace bullying takes a toll on the victim, witnesses, and the organization. It affects job performance and morale, creates physical and mental health risks, and can cost employers money, time, resources, and valued personnel. Learn how to identify bullying behavior in the workplace, what you can do, and where to turn for help.
While we understand that aging is an inevitable aspect of life, how it will affect our older loved ones and what it will entail for us is difficult to know. We tend to think of aging in terms of the distant future, using words like eventually, someday, and one of these days when considering the prospect of becoming a caregiver. Unfortunately, though, getting older doesn't just happen in one day and caregiving often sneaks up slowly over time. And for many adults, looking after an older family member exists in parallel to taking care of their own children. Although caregiving can be stressful and exhausting at times, you don't have to do it alone. Get the support you need from your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and discover just how rewarding the caregiving experience can be for you and your older loved ones.
Many health conditions and the characteristics that define them are evident, either because they are physically visible or because they can be verified through biopsies, scans, or other medical testing. Some illnesses, however, aren't as easily observable by others, particularly those related to mental health. And, unfortunately, we tend to better comprehend what we can see, which often leads to those who suffer from mental illness being misunderstood, judged, or the object of skepticism. With millions of people in the U.S. affected by mental illness each year, it's imperative to break the stigma. Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to reveal the facts, help you see what it really means to live with mental illness, and offer advice for seeking support.
As the summer draws to a close, parents and kids are usually abuzz with feelings of excitement and anticipation as they prepare for the new school year. This year, however, those feelings may be more akin to anxiety and concern around the unknown. And that’s understandable because, even in the most normal of times, each school year potentially brings about challenges for students and parents. Testing requirements change, homework gets more difficult, and the pressure to do well increases with each passing semester. Whether your child must continue learning from a distance or they’re able to return to school grounds, your evolving role in their education is vital. It’s important that you educate yourself about how kids learn, the challenges they face, and the signs that may indicate that they’re struggling. As such, we encourage you to rely on your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help support you in your roles as a concerned parent and as an acting at-home teacher.
Some say it isn't polite to discuss money, yet it's one of the most friction-inducing topics among couples. From differing attitudes, spending habits, and saving styles, to mismatched priorities and financial infidelity, money is one subject where you can't afford to agree to disagree. Your EAP is here to help you have an open, honest conversation about finances before it costs you your relationship.
When someone we love or care about is struggling, going through a hard time, or grieving in some way, wanting to help and comfort them is a natural response. What isn’t always natural, however, is knowing what it means to truly be there for someone. We think we know how to offer support, but some of us may wonder, “Do I really?” Our intentions are in the right place but supporting someone is sometimes more difficult to navigate than expected, especially when the person is dealing with something that we haven’t personally experienced. Before rushing in to help, consider ways to become a more compassionate, respectful source of support for the people you care about.
With rapidly advancing technology at the helm, the way we communicate has - for better or worse - transformed significantly in recent decades. Long gone are the days of handwritten letters. And, it seems that face-to-face interactions and phone calls have become less frequent. Instead, we opt for more passive and, at times, more convenient communication methods like writing emails, sending text messages, and catching up with friends through social media. For all of the incredible benefits that a digital world affords us, the lack of authentic interaction could be hindering our socialization and communication with others.
One of the benefits of being retired is that you finally get to be in charge and spend your time however you choose. But before you declare that every day will be Saturday once you're the boss, prepare for your future role as the CEO of your golden years by thinking of your retirement as though it's a business you intend to start. You'll need a strategy, a budget, healthcare coverage, and some vacation time. You may even consider hiring or appointing a few trusted individuals to help you manage specific matters like finances or your estate. So, before you clock out for the last time - whenever that may be - get to work on your long-term plan.
At the start of a new job, we tend to feel passionate about the work, eager to dive into each day, and find gratification in contributing to the agency’s mission. Over time, however, things can change – whether the workload increases, and we become overwhelmed and stressed, or we find that we’re no longer challenged by or interested in the work, which in turn leads to disengagement and boredom. In either case, the result is burnout, which is a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that can negatively affect stress levels, productivity, and overall well-being. Find out whether you’re at risk of burnout and what you can do about it.
We all feel pressure to be perfect at times. Whether that pressure is real or perceived, deep down we want to be successful, perform well, and be admired or respected. The reality, however, is that there are some things we’re just never going to be good at no matter how hard we try. So often, we buy in to the notion that we must continually work on bettering ourselves, and while doing so is certainly a positive thing, the concept of improvement implies that our current self doesn’t quite measure up. Instead of fixating on what we aren’t great at, what if we shifted the focus to our strengths and unique skills and leveraged what we are good at to achieve real success?
Most of us move through each day reacting to the things, people, and situations we encounter. We perform tasks and make decisions, giving little or no thought to what we’re doing, how we’re doing it, and most importantly, why. Living your life on autopilot in this way means it’s probably passing you by. But what if, instead of letting life happen to you each day, you choose to make each day mean something to you? Start living a life of your own design with the help of your EAP.
This time of year can quickly get chaotic – and it's no wonder when the usual daily juggle of work and personal obligations is compounded by the extra time and expense of planning or attending events, shopping, and preparing to host or visit family and friends. Keep yourself and your household in harmony during the holidays with tips from your EAP.
In just a few weeks, many Americans will gather with friends and family to give thanks. It's a time of reflection and anticipation, a time to see our loved ones, and a time when many of us express gratitude for the things and people in our lives. But what happens once the leftovers are put away and Thursday turns into Friday? In principle we're still grateful, yet we tend to give intentional thanks only when the calendar says we're supposed to. Thankfully, research continues to prove that a lifestyle of gratitude has many benefits.
Whether your retirement is years away or you can see it on the horizon, having a plan is one of the biggest favors you can do for your future self and the post-workforce life you've worked so hard to reach. While most people think of retirement planning in terms of savings accounts, 401(k)s, and TSPs, there are many other important things to consider as you prepare to sunset your career.
It's a completely normal reaction to feel sad, fearful, or alone in the wake of a difficult life event, such as the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, the loss of a job, or other upsetting situation. When someone has depression, however, those feelings are more intense and tend to linger, and may even disrupt daily life. While each year millions of Americans experience some type of major depressive episode, it is treatable and can be effectively managed.
We all want to strike a balance in our everyday lives. Whether it's a general between our work and personal lives, or a more specific balancing act such as caring for loved ones versus taking time for ourselves, the underlying goal is to enjoy life and find an equilibrium that leaves us feeling fulfilled and satisfied. As you work toward balance in your daily life, there are a few things to keep in mind and your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help.
Being protective of your personal information is more important now than ever. As technology grows more sophisticated by the day, and as the number of ways we do business and exchange information with the world rises, we're all increasingly vulnerable to fraud and identity theft. This month we discuss ways to safeguard your personal and financial information, and what to do if your identity is compromised.
If there's one thing we cannot avoid, it's change. Much of the time change comes in the form of minor adjustments or temporary inconveniences encountered in our day-to-day lives. Other times, however, the changes we experience can be quite disruptive or even life-altering. While the transition to a new reality can be complicated, confusing, and perhaps frightening, there are ways to ease the shift from one way of life to another.
There are countless tips, tricks, and life hacks out there that aim to help us better manage and track daily to-dos. While many of those techniques are quite handy and have value, they often focus on specific types of tasks, or they relate to only one life aspect. Becoming truly productive requires a much broader lifestyle approach based on a few simple standards. Attend this month's webinar to learn more about the keys to productivity.
You don't have to be an expert or good with numbers to take control of how you save and spend money and plan for the future. Your EAP offers guidance, support, and a wealth of useful resources to help as you work to fortify your finances.
Stress and worry – and worrying about your stress – are common side effects of our ever-busy lives. Some amount of stress and worry is beneficial, but prolonged anxiety can produce unwanted side effects. Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help you recognize the signs of excess stress and anxiety and provide solutions to overcome them in exchange for a calmer daily life.
Communication is at the very core of everything we do and is fundamental to our personal success and our business success. Communication is also crucial in the general flow of daily life. Everything we do and say – and also what we don't – conveys some kind of message, yet we aren't always conscious of how we interact from one moment to the next or the effects that can have on our daily life. This month, we'll show you how communicate more effectively by interacting with intention.
We all have busy days and busy brains. Often, we move through time on autopilot, checking off to-dos and putting out fires one after the other with only the end goal of getting done or getting home in mind. Operating on this endless loop of do, done, repeat, means we're ignoring the here and now and are unable to appreciate the present. Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to help you become more mindful so you can connect with – and find more joy in – each moment.
When you're busy with work and caring for others, it's easy to forget about the biggest priority of all: YOU. Taking good care of yourself means focusing on you and finding balance in your daily life. To truly find balance, it's best to consider the parts of the whole and begin to equalize the individual aspects of work and life in a more achievable way.
With all that goes on during the holidays, high spirits can quickly switch into high stress. Before the hustle and bustle gets the best of you this year, seek support from your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to keep you feeling festive all season long.
We often hear about our country's current opioid crisis, though it can be difficult at times to navigate through all of the information and understand the facts. Your Employees Assistance Program (EAP) is here to shed some light on the issue, including the prevalence and societal implications of the epidemic, as well as the effects of opioid dependency. We'll also offer guidance on when and how to reach out for support.
We often associate bullying with children, but it can happen to anyone – even in the workplace. Know the signs of workplace bullying and what to do about it with information and guidance from your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in this month's campaign.
The things we can find to worry over are endless: personal matters, professional demands, our health, social issues and even Mother Nature! Worrying is normal – even beneficial at times – but it can occasionally get the best of us. Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to help you transform anxiousness into energy, and gain back some control over your concerns.
College tuition is on the rise, and figuring out what will work best for you and your family can be overwhelming. Let your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) help you with your homework by providing you with resources, tools, and expert financial consultation.
Self-esteem is how we see ourselves and what we believe to be true about our personality. Having a healthy opinion of yourself is important for overall life satisfaction, and your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is here to help you discover your strengths, be more confident, and maintain a positive outlook.
Caring for a loved one is one of the grandest gestures a person can make, but your selflessness shouldn't come at your own expense. Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help you stay mindful of your own well-being and ensure that your caregiving experience is rewarding for your loved one and for you.
Put stress in its place and manage it on your terms by repurposing it to work for you.
Become a master of money management with tips on how to track your spending, stick to budgets, and set short- and long-term financial goals.
Learn to shift your mood and redirect your thoughts toward positivity to increase your overall happiness.
Contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to learn how to successfully navigate the relationships in your life.
Contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to learn how to set SMART goals for the year ahead.
Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help you regain balance through mindfulness practice.
Contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to learn how to stay safe from fraud and protect you and your family from scams.
Contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for assistance with financial fitness.
Contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for assistance with stress and anxiety.
Contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support and assistance during times of grief and loss.
Contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support with with strategies to foster tolerance and prevent bullying.
Contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support with strategies on changing your outlook to help you prevent stress.
Contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support with strategies for keeping your mind balanced, relaxed, and free of clutter.
Contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support with better financial management.
Contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for better time management support.
Contact your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for support in your pursuit of more balanced living.
As workplaces slowly begin to phase employees back into the office, many supervisors may find themselves managing a hybrid team comprised of both onsite and remote workers. One of the perceived downsides of a hybrid team is a lack of unity, collaboration, or camaraderie. The truth is that a team isn’t a team simply because they all commute to the same office or sit on the other side of a cube wall. The spirit and core of a team lies in how they work together and support one another. As a leader, you set the stage for this by subscribing to and promoting a team-oriented culture. With the right approach, you can help to facilitate and maintain community among your staff no matter where each of them is located.
Join this month's live, interactive webinar, Whole-Team Health: Best Practices for Managing and Supporting Teleworkers, on: Wednesday, March 23, 2022, from 1 to 2 p.m. ET. Space is limited, so register today.
The EAP is a voluntary and confidential employee benefit available to you and your family at no cost. Call our EAP experts or visit FOH4You.com today.