It also can help to remind yourself that these catastrophic thoughts aren’t “expressions of facts,” Rajaee said. Rather, they’re “expressions of fear”—our brain’s way of trying to protect us, she said.This makes sense. “We are in a catastrophic situation, so some level of catastrophic thinking feels appropriate,” said Jenn Hardy, Ph.D, a psychologist with a private practice in Maryville, Tenn. “The last thing that our anxiety needs to hear is some type of patronizing and dismissive reassurance.” Instead, Hardy suggested acknowledging that your concerns have validity in our current climate.
Concern: You feel disconnected and lonely.
You miss seeing your parents, taking walks with your best friend, and eating lunch with your coworkers. Whatever travel plans you had—like visiting your family in the spring—are now canceled. And you’re (understandably) devastated. The good news is that we can bust loneliness by getting creative. Maybe even deeper ways. For example, tap into technology by using Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime to virtually play games together, said Sheva Rajaee, MFT, founder of The Center for Anxiety and OCD in Irvine, Calif.Or try these additional connection boosters with your loved ones, which come from Clinton Power:- I know this is an unpopular opinion.
- But can we stop buying plants from Costco? Or any other windowless wholesale club
- Consider buying plants that are sold outdoors, that are not wrapped in plastic/kept
What sort of a work mate are you?
“I’m quite extroverted, which means I am energised being around people,” Ann-Marie tells us. “I like making strong connections with others at work, am friendly and supportive to teammates. I enjoy socialising with colleagues outside of work too.”
Work Psychology Group specialises in developing innovative and practical based solutions for organisations using the latest research. Get in touch to find out how we can help you and your business.
Wellbeing at work
But more so now than ever, the evolving covid pandemic has shown us all just how important employee wellbeing is – both inside and outside of the workplace. And it stands to reason that the good health and functioning of an organisation is indisputably tied to the good health and functioning of its people. Which is why, to kickstart 2022 and say a massive ‘thank you’ to our wonderful colleagues, we’re further enhancing our Reward and Recognition Programme. Here’s how:- Introduction of a Healthcare Cash Plan Health is wealth. And thanks to WPG’s new Healthcare Cash Plan, our employees can now claim back some – if not all – costs to a number of routine health treatments. From a contribution towards their dental costs to new glasses and physiotherapy sessions to massages. Our new cash plan will even give our colleagues 24/7 access to a GP via video and phone consultation.
- Community enrichment scheme rolled out (again)
- You won’t work on your birthday
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- A roster of wellbeing speakers
- Leadership and management development
We’ve always been big on learning from practical experience all about the value of Employee Supported Volunteering (ESV) – as it’s a key aspect of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). In times gone by, you’d find our team spending one day of the year digging, weeding, planting, painting (and more!) in the Long Eaton Community Garden, not far from our former offices, or planting wild flower meadows in The National Forest. But what came through from WPG’s review was that colleagues wanted to see if we could take this one step further. Which is where our Community Enrichment Scheme comes into play. Under this bucket, we’re able to support our colleagues (who are dispersed all over England) to do something on their own – or in small groups. It could be sponsoring their 5K run, or mentoring masters students. When our colleagues are happy, we are happy.
What better way to celebrate another year around the sun, then having your birthday off? We already offer five more days off than the statutory minimum, but along with closing down for the festive period early on Christmas Eve, we’re adding another two holidays to our colleague’s package. Plus, when you work at WPG you’re able to buy or sell up to three days annual leave.
Generally speaking, statutory maternity pay (SMP) works out at 90% pay for six weeks, then SMP for the following 33 weeks or 90% of your average weekly pay (before tax) – whichever is less. However, at WPG, while on maternity leave you’ll get 100% of your wage for six weeks, 50% for a further six weeks, before flicking over to statutory pay. While all those on paternity leave can enjoy 100% of their pay for two weeks.
We’ll be keeping wellbeing at the forefront of our Rewards and Recognition Programme. And do to this, we’ll be inviting experts in their field to come in and talk to our employees about time management, championing better mental health, and the importance of self-care
From conferences to charterships and events to training – we’ve got a lengthy list to keep our employees learning, developing and growing. The outcome? A team that’s it’s best self!
Amy Pallot, Work Psychology Group’s Associate Director of Finance, said: “These are just a handful of the ways in which we have bolstered our Rewards and Recognition Programme. Since the start of the pandemic, we’ve grown our WPG team. We really do value our employees and wanted to do something to show them how much so.
“Internally, we undertook a review to see what would make our growing team feel even more valued. We listened to what our colleagues had to say – and we responded.
“The end result? A Rewards and Recognition Programme that’s far superior to anything I have ever seen, and an organisation where everybody feels like part of the family. It really has got something for everybody.”
Interested in joining WPG? Keep an eye on our news and events page as we regularly update our job listings.
