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.
New year – new team member. Or so the saying goes. Work Psychology Group has started 2022 with a bang by welcoming a new consultant to the team.
Natalie Christodoulidou further strengthens our team of consultants and brings with her a vast range of experience in designing, implementing, and evaluating assessments/assessment centres for selection in high stakes settings.
Natalie says: “I’m also experienced in implementing culture improvement programmes in the UK and internationally.”
Natalie joined the team towards the end of 2021, but now we’ve given our latest colleague some time to settle in, we thought we’d find out what makes her tick.
- What made you want to work as an organisational psychologist?
Natalie says: “In this modern world, a lot of people spend too much time at work than their personal life. One of the major attractions of organisational psychology is that you can use psychological knowledge and apply it to make a positive impact on people’s work life and help organisations get the best performance from their employees.”
- What’s the best thing about your job?
“Organisational psychologists (OP) are often involved in complex projects,” Natalie tells us. “This can be stressful at times, but the profession presents intellectual challenges that keep things interesting. You probably won’t find yourself bored very often!”
- What are your pre-WPG career highlights?
“Being awarded a distinction on my dissertation of ‘Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace in Cyprus’ for my MSc in Occupational Psychology was one highlight,” Natalie says. “And so was designing an off the shelf abstract reasoning test that received positive feedback from internal stakeholders and test-takers.
“I’ve also conducted over 800 competency-based interviews for high stakes roles, and collected large sample size validation studies on psychometric test performance and job/training performance for job roles in the railway industry. Another highlight was passing a course in Intercultural Psychology & Communication. This was particularly challenging as I needed to study every day after work and complete coursework.”
- Any embarrassing OP moments?
“In my previous job, when I had to visit a rail depot to deliver an assessment centre,” Natalie recalls. “As part of the rules, I had to wear a high-vis jacket and use an authorised walking route near the line to get to the booking on point.
“Two of my former colleagues decided to prank me and told me that another rule I had to follow, was to wave my hands in the air whilst using the authorised walking route (a 10-minute walk) “to alert oncoming trains”. Needless to say that was not part of rules! I still have to get them back for that…”.
- What attracted you to working at WPG?
Natalie says: “When I read about WPG’s unique approach to delivering solutions, the attraction was immediate.
“I have always had the desire to work for research-led consultancy that offers evidence-based, practical, and innovative solutions. In addition, I liked that WPG offers employees the opportunity to develop and progress.”
- What are your areas of expertise and interests?
“I am experienced in high-stakes selection and assessment, psychometric test design, safety culture and organisational change,” Natalie tells us. “I’m interested in learning more about the benefits and risks of using technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in selection and assessment. I’m also very passionate about national culture and how it can influence the way people conduct their lives and behave in the work environment.”
- What makes you cross?
“I grew up in a culture where being late to meetings/appointments is acceptable, but since I moved to the UK, I became quite strict when it comes to punctuality,” Natalie says. “I don’t like it when people don’t show up at the agreed-upon time unless there’s a reason.”
- What sort of a work mate are you?
“Work can often be a humourless endeavour so I try to bring on the good vibes,” Natalie says. “This can help beat the blues on moody days. In addition, I’m friendly and try to support colleagues where I can.”
Want to work at WPG? Keep an eye on our latest job roles via LinkedIn. Or, if you’re looking for innovative and practical-based solutions for organisations using the latest research – just get in touch.
