A new study whose findings were recently published reports that working mothers are happier than their stay-at-home counterparts - and it does not appear to matter how many hours they work.
"According to the study, 'Mothers' part-time employment: Associations with mother and family well-being' (which was published recently in the American Psychological Association's 'Journal of Family Psychology'), being employed has multiple benefits for moms -- and for their families. After interviewing hundreds of mothers repeatedly over the course of a decade, the researchers found that those who worked 32 hours per week or less were more sensitive to their kids' needs, less likely to have symptoms of depression, and more likely to split household duties with their spouses than mothers who were not employed. And, the researchers found, even going to full-time status didn't adversely affect working moms' well-being," reports Yahoo Shine.
It is likely that many mothers will find the results of this study both an encouragement and a relief - especially those who are not able to choose whether they go back to work but are forced to by financial constraints. Hearing that going back to work will make moms healthier and happier may be an unexpected benefit of re-entering the workforce post-baby.
It is also possible that moms who have to work after their children are born are able to take advantage of flex-time or telecommute, making it easier than ever to be a "work-from-home-mom." The time spent not commuting can be allocated to other pursuits - spending time with family and friends, working out, effectively reaching a favorable work-life balance.
A few other ways of striking a favorable work-life balance by decreasing stress and subsequently avoiding work injury include:
• Breaks: This goes beyond taking your allotted fifteen minute breaks and hour lunch break. It can also mean changing up what you are working on when you begin to feel tired and fatigued, or just stepping away for a brief moment to use the facilities or get a drink of water. Doing so can help avoid work injury, especially those caused by repetitive motion.
• Good Health: One of the best ways to avoid work injury is by taking care of yourself. This means maintaining a healthy diet, exercising and getting a full night's sleep. When you are happy, healthy, and well rested you are better equipped to perform your essential job functions.
• Support: If you feel overwhelmed by tasks at work or at home, ask for assistance from your spouse, boss or coworkers before you get overworked. Overworked employees are more likely to make mistakes or sustain a work injury.
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Dworkin & Maciariello shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.
Illinois Work Injury Blog
Illinois Work Injury Blog - providing information and resources regarding work injury and workers compensation issues in the Chicago, Illinois area.
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How Playing At Work Increases Productivity
Tuesday, January 03, 2012
The Wall Street Journal reports, "Companies are trying to bring more play to the workday. Striving to make everyday business tasks more engaging, a growing number of firms, including International Business Machines Corp. and consulting firm Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd., are incorporating elements of videogames into the workplace.
They're deploying reward and competitive tactics commonly found in the gaming world to make tasks such as management training, data entry and brainstorming seem less like work. Employees receive points or badges for completing jobs or meeting time limits for assignments, for example. Companies also may use leaderboards, which let players view one another's scores, to encourage friendly competition and motivate performance, experts say."
This is just the latest way that employers are trying to motivate employees and up productivity utilitzing "outside of the box" thinking. Other examples of employers trying to add a little fun into employees' workdays include:
• On-site Fitness Centers: Most large companies have a fitness center on-site or offer a fitness benefit to employees. But many stop short of actually encouraging employees to utilize the facilities. Employers who take the next step and make physical activity part of the corporate culture will likely reap the benefits - healthier, more relaxed and productive employees.
• Flex-time: As we mentioned last month, many companies are now offering telecommuting and flexible hours to employees. And the results are positive.
• Community Outreach: Many companies have community service days or encourage some type of community outreach on the company's dime. It gives employees a chance to feel fulfilled and connect with their community without sacrificing time or their paycheck - which might otherwise be barriers to doing so.
• Free Food: Providing free good quality food to employees can make their lunch and coffee breaks that much more enjoyable.
• Travel Perks: As a reward for working hard, many companies offer perks or incentives that let employees play hard - utilizing company resources like corporate apartments or company transportation for their leisure time.
These are just a few examples of ways that employers can show their employees that they are valued and encourage them to take breaks and have fun to increase productivity. While not all of the above are feasible in all industries, the basic idea is the same: keep your employees happy and they will likely work harder.
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Dworkin & Maciariello shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.
They're deploying reward and competitive tactics commonly found in the gaming world to make tasks such as management training, data entry and brainstorming seem less like work. Employees receive points or badges for completing jobs or meeting time limits for assignments, for example. Companies also may use leaderboards, which let players view one another's scores, to encourage friendly competition and motivate performance, experts say."
This is just the latest way that employers are trying to motivate employees and up productivity utilitzing "outside of the box" thinking. Other examples of employers trying to add a little fun into employees' workdays include:
• On-site Fitness Centers: Most large companies have a fitness center on-site or offer a fitness benefit to employees. But many stop short of actually encouraging employees to utilize the facilities. Employers who take the next step and make physical activity part of the corporate culture will likely reap the benefits - healthier, more relaxed and productive employees.
• Flex-time: As we mentioned last month, many companies are now offering telecommuting and flexible hours to employees. And the results are positive.
• Community Outreach: Many companies have community service days or encourage some type of community outreach on the company's dime. It gives employees a chance to feel fulfilled and connect with their community without sacrificing time or their paycheck - which might otherwise be barriers to doing so.
• Free Food: Providing free good quality food to employees can make their lunch and coffee breaks that much more enjoyable.
• Travel Perks: As a reward for working hard, many companies offer perks or incentives that let employees play hard - utilizing company resources like corporate apartments or company transportation for their leisure time.
These are just a few examples of ways that employers can show their employees that they are valued and encourage them to take breaks and have fun to increase productivity. While not all of the above are feasible in all industries, the basic idea is the same: keep your employees happy and they will likely work harder.
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Dworkin & Maciariello shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.
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New FAA Rules Aim to Decrease Pilot Fatigue
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
"The government told passenger airlines Wednesday they'll have to do more to ensure pilots aren't too tired to fly, nearly three years after the deadly western New York crash of a regional airliner flown by two exhausted pilots.
The Federal Aviation Administration's update of airline pilot work rules, some of which dated to the 1960s, reflects a better understanding of the need for rest and how night shifts and traveling through time zones can increase errors," reports the AP via Yahoo!
The changes come after several years of safety advocates requesting changes to FAA rules regarding pilot work and sleep schedules. Previous attempts have all failed due to an inability for the airlines and pilot unions to reach a mutual agreement.
The catalyst prompting this latest push to make rule changes was a 2009 plane crash in Buffalo that left 50 people dead. Following the crash, family members of the deceased have been pushing hard for stricter regulations aimed at avoiding pilot fatigue, which is believed to be one of the causes of the crash.
The new regulations will:
• Limit maximum time a pilot can be scheduled to be on duty to 9-14 hours, depending on the time of day the pilot began flying and the number of times zones he or she crossed.
• Limit the maximum amount of time a pilot can be schedule to fly to 8-9 hours, with a minimum of 10 hours of rest in between duty periods.
• Increase the minimum amount of time off between work weeks by 25 percent.
• Limit how many hours per month pilots are allowed to fly, depending on the time of day the pilots are flying. Overnight pilots will be allowed to fly fewer hours per month than pilots who fly during the day.
Airline carriers have two years to adopt the new regulations. At this time, cargo carriers are not included in the new rules because the cost-benefit analysis of forcing cargo carriers to reduce their pilots allowed hours compared with safety benefits is not favorable.
Pilots unions are not pleased with this exemption, as they have pointed out that allowing fatigued cargo pilots to share skies with rested pilots is still a risk. "A tired pilot is a tired pilot." Nevertheless, the FAA has estimated that the new regulations, even without the inclusion of cargo carriers, will prevent approximately 1.5 accidents - an average of six deaths - per year while improving pilot health. Incidents of pilot stress and work injury will likely decrease as well.
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Dworkin & Maciariello shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.
The Federal Aviation Administration's update of airline pilot work rules, some of which dated to the 1960s, reflects a better understanding of the need for rest and how night shifts and traveling through time zones can increase errors," reports the AP via Yahoo!
The changes come after several years of safety advocates requesting changes to FAA rules regarding pilot work and sleep schedules. Previous attempts have all failed due to an inability for the airlines and pilot unions to reach a mutual agreement.
The catalyst prompting this latest push to make rule changes was a 2009 plane crash in Buffalo that left 50 people dead. Following the crash, family members of the deceased have been pushing hard for stricter regulations aimed at avoiding pilot fatigue, which is believed to be one of the causes of the crash.
The new regulations will:
• Limit maximum time a pilot can be scheduled to be on duty to 9-14 hours, depending on the time of day the pilot began flying and the number of times zones he or she crossed.
• Limit the maximum amount of time a pilot can be schedule to fly to 8-9 hours, with a minimum of 10 hours of rest in between duty periods.
• Increase the minimum amount of time off between work weeks by 25 percent.
• Limit how many hours per month pilots are allowed to fly, depending on the time of day the pilots are flying. Overnight pilots will be allowed to fly fewer hours per month than pilots who fly during the day.
Airline carriers have two years to adopt the new regulations. At this time, cargo carriers are not included in the new rules because the cost-benefit analysis of forcing cargo carriers to reduce their pilots allowed hours compared with safety benefits is not favorable.
Pilots unions are not pleased with this exemption, as they have pointed out that allowing fatigued cargo pilots to share skies with rested pilots is still a risk. "A tired pilot is a tired pilot." Nevertheless, the FAA has estimated that the new regulations, even without the inclusion of cargo carriers, will prevent approximately 1.5 accidents - an average of six deaths - per year while improving pilot health. Incidents of pilot stress and work injury will likely decrease as well.
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Dworkin & Maciariello shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.
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Avoid Work Injury by Managing Stress
Friday, December 16, 2011
"In the wake of the recent recession, many workers have experienced increased levels of stress either due to increased workloads or economic insecurity. Although a certain amount of stress is to be expected, stress in the workplace can be costly because it affects not only workers' well-being but also companies' bottom lines," reports AOL Jobs.
Additionally, workers who have increased stress levels may be more likely to sustain work related injuries - particularly around the holidays when many people are working overtime and trying to wrap up year-end commitments.
In fact, a recent Accountemps study found the following:
- 25% of workers indicated that the holiday season is "somewhat more challenging" and 14% found it "much more challenging
- Almost 25% or workers indicated that their workloads are "much too heavy" or "somewhat too heavy" (29%).
- Less than half of workers do not notice a difference, saying that there is "no difference" in their holiday workload (44%) or that their workload is "just right" (47%).
If you find that you are stressed - during the holiday season or any time - there are steps you can take to reduce your stress levels and decrease your chances of sustaining a work injury. For example,
• Employee Assistance Programs: Contact your HR representative. It is possible that your company offers an employee assistance program to help you deal with work-related stress.
• Exercise: Working out is an excellent way to reduce stress and get in shape. Choosing a work out that focuses on the mind-body connection like yoga is very effective toward controlling stress levels and teaching you relaxation techniques that you can use while you are at work.
• Massage: This is a great way to get some of the tension "worked out" of your body. Additionally, it gives you an opportunity to have an hour to yourself to focus on relaxation - free from emails, Blackberrys and other stress-causers.
• Alternative Therapies: There are many "alternative" methods of relaxation that have been practiced for thousands of years. However, many people do not think of them as ways of controlling stress even thought they are perhaps the most effective. Examples include acupuncture and reiki therapy.
The common theme to all the recommendations above is giving yourself a break. Taking preventative measures to control stress levels can help you avoid unhealthy side effects of stress, including work related injuries. While it does not have to be one of the things suggested above, find something that you do for yourself for a short period of time every day. You will most likely notice a difference within the first couple days.
Additionally, workers who have increased stress levels may be more likely to sustain work related injuries - particularly around the holidays when many people are working overtime and trying to wrap up year-end commitments.
In fact, a recent Accountemps study found the following:
- 25% of workers indicated that the holiday season is "somewhat more challenging" and 14% found it "much more challenging
- Almost 25% or workers indicated that their workloads are "much too heavy" or "somewhat too heavy" (29%).
- Less than half of workers do not notice a difference, saying that there is "no difference" in their holiday workload (44%) or that their workload is "just right" (47%).
If you find that you are stressed - during the holiday season or any time - there are steps you can take to reduce your stress levels and decrease your chances of sustaining a work injury. For example,
• Employee Assistance Programs: Contact your HR representative. It is possible that your company offers an employee assistance program to help you deal with work-related stress.
• Exercise: Working out is an excellent way to reduce stress and get in shape. Choosing a work out that focuses on the mind-body connection like yoga is very effective toward controlling stress levels and teaching you relaxation techniques that you can use while you are at work.
• Massage: This is a great way to get some of the tension "worked out" of your body. Additionally, it gives you an opportunity to have an hour to yourself to focus on relaxation - free from emails, Blackberrys and other stress-causers.
• Alternative Therapies: There are many "alternative" methods of relaxation that have been practiced for thousands of years. However, many people do not think of them as ways of controlling stress even thought they are perhaps the most effective. Examples include acupuncture and reiki therapy.
The common theme to all the recommendations above is giving yourself a break. Taking preventative measures to control stress levels can help you avoid unhealthy side effects of stress, including work related injuries. While it does not have to be one of the things suggested above, find something that you do for yourself for a short period of time every day. You will most likely notice a difference within the first couple days.
DISCLAIMER: All information on this website are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Dworkin & Maciariello shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.
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