General Conversations

Globalization and Social Responsibility Collide in The Offshoring Industry

Globalization is defined as the worldwide movement toward economic, financial trade and communications integration and has become a ubiquitous term.

Social responsibility is defined as the obligation of a company’s’ management team towards the welfare and culture of the society in which they operate. As per the ISO26000 standards, the health of an organization’s relationship with the society and culture in which their company operates is essential to their ability to operate efficiently.

At a corporate level, globalization and social responsibility are intrinsically combined. The reduction of international barriers to trade and improved communications may be seen to reduce unemployment levels in some developing countries and decrease poverty. However, reductions in levels of poverty are slow to be revealed at a local level. Companies would benefit from developing professional individual social responsibility (ISR) programs to positively influence work colleagues and members of the community. The term ‘your company is only as good as its people’ stands true in the way that without ISR and empathy towards cultural needs, Company/ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs would not be successful, therefore, a company would not thrive within its community.

Globalization and social responsibility collide in the offshore industry, however therein lies a golden opportunity for global impact. Difficulties in the global economy elicited exponential growth in the offshore outsourcing industry over the last decade, and many companies are quickly overcoming their fear of outsourcing and are jumping on the bandwagon. It is essential that offshore service providers be proactive in their development and encouragement of ISR and CSR programs to continue to support the local communities in which they operate. Many would do well from following the lead of major companies who engage in long-term CSR initiatives with aggressive marketing strategies. Many consumers are likely to purchase products which reduce their environmental footprint, and this is expected to become the norm for the future, this is the driving force behind many companies embracing innovative CSR initiatives.

Global Responsibility and Poverty

Many offshore companies are established in poverty-stricken locations around the world e.g. the Philippines where over a third of the population live in poverty. Businesses in this locale have the capacity to make an enormous impact on members of the community by way of employee and client engagement programs. These companies may implement innovative ISR programs which may incorporate their clients and employees alike. Such programs help to raise awareness to the plight of those living in poverty, a plight which in some cases may otherwise, never come to the attention of those living in developed countries and those taking advantage of offshore money-saving opportunities.

Many companies are advocating a global responsibility towards citizens the world over and a duty to hold out a helping hand to those in need. Such companies consider it to be their obligation to ‘give back to the community’ by way of philanthropic ventures. These efforts may include the provision of financial aid, by way of donations, the provision of food and water, clothing and shoes, and voluntary support of community projects with their time.

5 Ways To Eliminate Workplace Stress

Stress is inevitable in any workplace. Why then, do some people cope better under the same circumstances that can make others crumble? Dealing with workplace stress is a skill that can be learned, ultimately reducing the need for Mental Health Days or Sabbaticals. If you, your colleagues and employees can cope effectively with stress, your environment will be happier, healthier and much more productive.

Although stress is generally a transient response, constant pressure is common in high pressured environments and situations. Many individuals find themselves in increasingly stressful circumstances and this often leads to the development of anxiety and stress related illnesses. If you find yourself breaking out into a sweat, feeling like your heart is going to pound through your chest wall, tense, anxious and breathing like you have just run a  marathon you may be having a ‘fight or flight’ reaction. There are multiple ways that you can reduce your stress levels and prevent this fight or flight response.

Five effective ways to help reduce your stress levels in moments of pressure include: 

•  Take a break

There’s good reason that legislation requires that employers provide adequate work breaks for their employees. Ensure that you take the allocated breaks, set a timer or alarm if need be. Allow yourself intervals of intense concentration followed by a short break, which enhances your focus in the long term. If you feel yourself becoming anxious or recognize that you are experiencing the stress response, remove yourself from the situation if only for a few moments to allow yourself to recover and regain your composure. By removing yourself from stressful situations you will regain your focus and gain an advantage.

• Stretch it out

Stress and tension may eventually lead to chronic pain in the head and neck, shoulders and lower back. Stretching the body helps to release this built up tension, circulation is increased and pain is relieved. In your office or shared space, your yoga moves might not be appropriate. However there are some desk friendly stretches which may help to reduce tension:

• Hands and Arms. Make a tight fist, then spread your fingers and bend your wrists. Flex your arms, tense your biceps then extend them sideways.
• Head and Neck. Wrinkle your forehead. Close your eyes as tightly as possible for 5 seconds. Tilt your head back, then bow down to your chest.
• Body. Sit straight, then arch your back. Sit straight again and take a deep breath, hold it for 5 seconds, then breathe out fully.
• Legs and Feet. Push your heels up and flex your toes up, then curl them downward.

•  Meditate

Simple breathing exercises may not see you achieve a state of zen, but they can certainly help to quieten the mind and enable you to achieve clarity, a sense of calm and stability. You can do this in any way that relaxes and soothes your mind. General tips for meditation include:

• Get comfortable. Remove your shoes and sit comfortably in your chair.
• Put some background relaxation music on low if possible.
• Close your eyes. Minimise distractions.
• Breath deeply. Loosen your tie or belt or anything that stops you from expanding your abdomen completely.
• Count as you breathe. Focus only on the breath. Allow any thoughts to come and go without focusing on any particular concern. Bring your focus back to your breathing.
• Visualise a peaceful place. If you’re more tactile than visual, try to feel the coolness of the air entering your lungs as you inhale, then notice the warmth of the air as you exhale.
• Remain in meditation for as long as is practicable.
• Allow yourself to slowly become aware of your surroundings and return to your job feeling energized and calm.

•  Keep a journal

Through self reflection you can achieve a sense of calm and direction. Meditation is a method used to reflect inwardly, journaling is another way to reflect on your life and to gain a sense of awareness of your reactions in certain circumstances.

 There are three things that you need to journal effectively:

1. Inspiration – don’t lose those valuable moments of clarity. Learn to recognize these moments and write your ideas and inspirations down.
2. Lessons – through reflection you will be able to identify your stressors and the associated triggers. You will be able to anticipate these events and manage them with ease in the future.
3. Challenges – do you need to vent? Don’t encourage negativity amongst your peers. Get out your pen and paper, write your anger down. Read your journal entry at a later date and analyse it. In your calm, how do you reflect on that moment when you were nearly blinded by rage?

•  Cultivate a positive outlook

The most challenging technique is the most effective technique for coping with workplace stress. Although stress is perceived as something caused by external factors, the process takes place in our minds and has a significant impact on our health and wellbeing. The choice to be happy is ultimately yours.

Positive thinking produces a positive attitude which in turn will result in positive outcomes in your life. Cultivating a positive outlook takes time, effort and practice. Pay attention to your thoughts, if they are predominantly negative, take small steps each day to replace them with positive thoughts. Make a conscious effort to think, act and speak positively and your life will begin to take a turn for the better over time.

Professionals are not invincible to stress. It’s important to be able to cope with stress in an effective way. How do you cope with stress? Drop us a note if you use any of these techniques, or have other useful techniques that you can share.

The Technological Paradox. Social Liberation with Boundaries

The use of social media and technology and the ‘be online, anytime, anywhere’ culture is demanding more and more of our precious time. We have become technologically driven to obtain more and more information as and when we desire and often at a high cost.

How many of us allow our technological addictions to impinge on the quality of our lives?

Technological advances aim to significantly improve our lives, we can achieve and gain so much in a short amount of time but the irony is that we are ‘doing’ so much that we are losing in other aspects of our lives and often times we don’t see it until its too late. We are being held to ransom by social media and we are willingly allowing this to happen.

Technologically Sound, Virtually Insane

Have you noticed how many adults sit at the dinner table with their phone attached to their hand? Appearances can be deceiving. Simultaneously they appear unsociable, unavailable, rude, withdrawn and impatient whilst being social and ‘available’ on social media, they give their phone their undivided attention. Alone they sit, the phone which is glued to their hand is their addiction, like a heroin addict found alone in a derelict house with a needle still in his/ her arm. This addiction can ruin their family life, their social life and they may even lose their job to this insidious opponent.

Take a Closer Look

Do you head out for dinner with the kids in tow, bags packed with phones and IPads to keep them quiet?

 

Sitting in a bar/ lounge area of a resort style hotel. I recently observed a family, mother, father and two small boys aged approximately 3- 5 years old. The three year old boy bounced off almost every surface in the near vicinity, the boys incessantly saying “Dad?” “Dad?” ‘Dad?” Both the mother and father sat with their phones glued to their hands for around 22 mins, their mother did not speak once during this time, their father only looking up momentarily to yell “SIT DOWN NOW”. These children were devoid of manners and running amok in an attempt to squeeze the slightest attention from their parents, their behavior becoming more destructive as if attempting subconsciously to drag them away from their addiction. This drug courses through their veins, destroying their patience, their personality and their family.

Across the other side of the room, a group of people sat conversing and laughing, two children (approximately 7- 8 years old) sat in between them mute, engrossed in the entertainment on their IPads, almost devoid of personality and similarly with little social skills.

Does this sound remotely like your family?

Social Butterflies

What happened to teaching our children to become social butterflies? What happened to engaging in conversation at dinner with our wives, husbands, mothers, fathers and children? How often have you allowed or encouraged your children to put away their IPad and read the menu, choose and order their meal for themselves. Parents should be educating their children regarding social etiquette and manners. If we continue on our current course the result will mean that we will live in a society full of antisocial individuals where adults are unable to interact without the use of technology. Children and adults will find it increasingly difficult to socialize and to develop and sustain relationships without the use of technology and social media.

At present we are in the honeymoon period of our affair with technology and social media. No doubt if you have been in a relationship for greater than two years you are already calling less, texting/ sexting less and having sex less often and we are constantly told this is the norm, accept it. If this is the case in relationships then our relationship with technology and social media is different, its ever changing, ever evolving, never resentful, always there and always accessible (for want of a better word) it never says No and is always exciting.

We find it difficult to be alone, even when we want ‘time out’, ‘me time’  we must be online. We have lost the ability to see ourselves and to pay attention to our inner self.

Social Life

Are we outsourcing our life to social media? We need to update our status, ‘check in’, add a picture (only a good one) , we check multiple times an hour for ‘likes’ and ‘comments’ to our status update, ever eager for a reaction. If we receive a ‘friend request’ we feel a sense of value and purpose. The reality is that we are living multiple lives simultaneously, a personal physical life where you may be a mother, father, husband, wife, a social media life in which you portray a very different ‘you’, your LinkedIn ‘you’ is your professional you, who is different again. Will the real ‘you’ please step forward?

Lets Reflect

People used to use diaries as a reflective tool, then the self help/ new age wave appeared and encouraged everyone and his dog to meditate at every opportunity in an attempt to achieve balance. At the end of the day its still the same tool, reflection, meditation is inner reflection. Through self reflection we can achieve a state of calm, release attachments and learn from our mistakes. If you reflect on your life, your career, your relationships and your life path then you will be able to manoeuvre your way around any obstacles with insight and ease.

 

Reflect on your life, the universe and everything. Reconnect with who you are beyond the ‘avatar ‘ you. The social media version of you/ your alter ego want and needs acceptance, ‘likes’ and wants comments on your status and your photos. The more friends, ‘comments and likes’ you receive the better your ego feels. Ask yourself, how many of your friends on social media will be with you at the end of your days?

Now ask yourself, do you consider yourself to be a sociable individual?

Take a step back and reflect on your life and your ‘social’ life. Ask yourself a few reflective questions such as:

• Is social media and technology affecting my life?
• Is social media and technology negatively impacting my relationships?
• Am I using checking my phone during mealtimes, family time and in other social situations?
• Are my children using technology i.e. phones, IPads during mealtimes and at other times when they could be socializing?
• Do my friends or family members ever ask me to put my phone down?
• Have I ever felt guilty about my overuse of technology in general? i.e. the time spent on your computer/ laptop, IPad, mobile phone.

If you have answered yes to a few of these questions then maybe its time to ‘Reclaim Your Life’

Maybe you are a social butterfly, maybe you are not. One thing is certain the dynamics of our society is changing and we have to pay attention to what’s going on around us. We have to maintain a sense of our surroundings and pay attention to the people around us. We have to step beyond the boundaries that this technological lifestyle is imposing on us and regain control of our life.

Innovative Companies Lead the Way With Employee Sabbatical Programs

Mental health awareness has increasingly become a focus for Australian companies. The importance of work-life balance has been recognized as one of the most important elements of mental health in Australia, yet we are still working harder than anywhere else in the western world. Many companies address our excessive working culture with flexible work hours, and learning and development opportunities in an attempt to address work-life imbalance.

There is extensive proof that good mental health is good business. In 2006, in Australia, the Victorian Government commissioned a report on the mental health of the state’s workforce. It was found that mental illness led to 4.7 million absentee days a year, of which 80% was due to anxiety and depression. Mental health and wellbeing obviously needs to be addressed by every employer.

Many innovative companies are implementing Sabbatical programs whereby both the employee and the organisation profit. The term ‘Sabbatical’ is from the Hebrew word ‘Shabbat’ and Latin ‘Sabbaticus’, meaning a ceasing of activity or period of rest. Originally, sabbaticals were periods of extended leave however, more and more companies are offering shorter periods of leave. Many large companies are offering paid and unpaid sabbatical programs, with smaller businesses implementing enforced one-day sabbaticals. These programs help alleviate burnout, improve overall physical and psychological health and encourage individuals to step outside their comfort zone and restore self-confidence.

Team building exercises have long been a part of the corporate landscape. We spend time and energy on retreats, training days, team building activities, mentor-led programs and courses. Whilst enhancing team performance is a noble goal, it often overlooks the perspective required to recognize the qualities of the individuals in that team. Mental illness can place a tremendous strain not only on the team but on the company as a whole. Most employers understand that a mentally unhealthy workforce is costly and results in absenteeism and overall reduced productivity.

A well designed and executed sabbatical program has similar outcomes to corporate team building events. These programs help to build confidence and trust, but instead focus on the individual, allowing the company a personal insight and deeper understanding of their employee and their unique attributes.

Successful workplace health and wellbeing programs, incorporating mental health, have been proven to be beneficial for both productivity and performance levels. An injection of energy or enforced period of rest is beneficial for both personal and professional growth. An innovative company such as E Copywriting, which is based in Melbourne enforces a one-day sabbatical twice a year for each employee, this is a contemporary way to say that you care for the psychological growth and wellbeing of your employees. A sabbatical program can be tailored to your organisational profile, encouraging creativity or focusing on research in the field. Employees may be asked to take part in an activity of their choice, for example, volunteering at a homeless outreach center or learning to play an instrument. Employees may then be required to reflect on the experience in the form of a blog, this can enhance the outcomes for both parties, and the experience can be shared, providing opportunities for staff members to learn about each other’s interests and insights.

Company sabbatical programs are not limited and can be designed specifically to suit your organisational values. Although an enforced sabbatical may be viewed as ‘still working’, the focus is primarily on the personal growth of the employee and is technically not a vacation.

Sabbaticals have been associated with numerous benefits including:

• Rejuvenation and renewal.
• A time for reflection.
• A fresh energized perspective.
• Improved professional relationships.
• Enhanced professional development.
• Increased energy and confidence.
• Improved employee retention

These benefits, in turn, enhance productivity and improve employee retention. Regardless of the length or frequency of the sabbatical program you offer your staff, a successful program will motivate your entire workforce. Is it about time that you supported the psychological wellbeing and growth of your workforce instead of continuously increasing the pressure and expecting better performance? If the answer is Yes then you should consider a company sabbatical program.

An Ominous Sky- Tracy Keeton

You breathe fresh air into my tired lungs,
Yet weigh heavy on my heart.
Speaking of sorrows which run to the core.
Force the morrow upon me,
Like winter spoils the spring,
With false hope of summers to last.
There you will be in tomorrow’s to come,
Ever ominous,
Beautiful in your very essence.

Reclaim Your Life

Are you living life in the fast lane? Are you neglecting your need for exercise? Are you experiencing discord in your family due to your lack of presence? We are encouraged to seek balance in our lives but even then are eager to find a quick fix solution to the imbalance. Can we just get this over with quickly, I have things to do.

 

Our frenzied pace of life, including our professional life and our personal life is wreaking havoc. We consent willingly to this frenzy and face both psychological and physical consequences. We are overworked and stressed, over-active yet bored with the mundaneness of our lives.

 

In our obsessive compulsive manner we chase the next goal, for a quick reward. Jump out of bed, grab a quick cup of coffee, dash to the car, head to the office, crazy traffic, read and answer multiple emails, attend meetings, check Facebook (as a priority), plan dinner, work on the project, the deadline has been brought forward by a week its now due tomorrow at 8 am, check Facebook again. We launch ourselves at our daily lives with a false sense of purpose. What do we really achieve? Are we happy? Is this living with purpose?

 

We have become increasingly materialistic, our mother serves up exponential technological advances and our father provides manufacturing automation and we the spoilt child can have whatever we desire. We strive to surround ourselves with more ‘stuff’, more gadgets and gizmo’s but still we keep our eye open for the next version, the next update, the next model. Is it ever enough? Are we so innately dissatisfied with our lot? Have we all become spoilt brats?

So what can we do? Once we have acknowledged that this is how we are living our lives we have two choices:

 

1. Remain the same
2. Change

Dissatisfaction

 

Awareness is the initial key to elicit change, we must recognize the need to change in order to effect it. When we become aware of our dissatisfaction, a sense of uncertainty sets in. Dissatisfaction lurks in the form of a formidable bird of prey with a hooked beak it sits on your shoulder and pecks relentlessly at your mind, daring you to take action and shoo it away. There is only one thing to do with that bird; take action.

In taking action you are taking the necessary steps to regaining control of your runaway life. You have to make the changes required to replace dissatisfaction with satisfaction.

The very thought of change can elicit fear, excitement, panic, joy and anxiety. We often fear the consequences of change but may simultaneously be excited by the prospect of change. Some individuals may feel determined to change then embark on a self sabotage mission full of excuses like “I can’t”, “It wouldn’t work”, “I can’t afford it”. This reaction occurs as a result of fear. Be gentle with yourself and remember even the smallest of changes can bring forth immense outcomes.

Choice, Chance, Change

The self absorption of our contemporary society gives its permission for us to chase self fulfilment and our dreams unabashedly and frankly ignore the consequences. This narcissistic way of life is becoming the norm. Use it to your full advantage to become the best version of you that you can possibly be.

 

Steps to change:

1. Replace negative thoughts with positive. Negative thoughts fuel depression and depression thrives on pessimism. Remember small steps can exact enormous change. Upon waking in the morning, pay attention to your thoughts. Tell yourself before you get out of bed, “Its going to be a fantastic day”, “I feel great”, “I know that I can deal with any challenges that I may face today”. Pay attention to your thought patterns throughout the day, take note of times where you feel negative thoughts creeping in and try to recognize the triggers, these may be in the form of situations or people.
2. Surround yourself with positive, good people. There are some people that are emotional vampires, they attempt to subconsciously suck every last drop of joy and optimism out of you. Chances are your mood will plummet, there will no longer be any sunshine in your day for all the clouds of negativity which are hanging over your head. Get rid of these individuals. Remember, you have a choice. Take a chance. What’s the worst thing that can happen by shedding an emotional vampire? Surround yourself with people who encourage you, who believe in you and who build you up. Energy is contagious, invite people into your life who laugh easily, smile a lot and are positive in their outlook.
3. Make yourself a priority. Unless you take care of yourself, what use are you going to be to others? Your happiness and wellbeing is a priority, it is not selfish. You will be your best project. Invest in yourself. In your relationship, take time to maintain your individuality, you are a part of the whole, you count. Make time to rest, to exercise, to eat well, to spend time with your loved ones and to spend time alone. At work, reduce the expectations placed on you and say No, even small requests can turn into a mountain of ‘to do’s’.By taking care of yourself you are nurturing yourself to be the absolute best you can be for both yourself and those around you.
4. Learn to say No. Our frenetic lifestyle sees us constantly overwhelmed, we take on extra tasks often without thinking of the consequences. Over scheduling and over commitment leads to increased stress and potential burnout. Prioritize your goals, can you delegate the task? if the answer is yes, do it. Stop people who demand your time in their tracks, say No. Ask yourself these simple questions: Could someone else perform this task? Do I have the time? Is this urgent?  The ability to say No demonstrates your ability to remain in control of your life and any situation which arises, it also helps to reduce your stress levels.
5. Turn off social media. Turn off Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the like, you’ll be amazed at how much clearer your focus will become. Your productivity levels will improve as will your performance. Turn off all notifications as these are time stealer’s, they will interrupt your day and affect your productivity at any given time. The use of social media has become a part of everyday life but try not to relinquish control to it. Take control back, turn it on in a chosen time frame, e.g. 7-8 pm. Try a total digital abstinence for a full day on the weekend, its liberating, just sit back and watch your stress levels melt away.

You have a choice to change, remember if you don’t make a change, nothing will change. Reclaim your life.

FGM/C Survivors in Australia’s Corporate World

In Australia we enjoy the benefits of living in a society which embraces cultural differences with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Multicultural countries promote an acceptance of cultural diversity, cultural inclusion in society and overall community harmony. This respect for cultural differences also extends to the workplace.

Multiculturalism in the workplace is becoming more prevalent and enriches the working environment. Although there are many advantages to working in a culturally inclusive workplace, employers must remain diligent in their cultural awareness practices and knowledge. As employers it is our responsibility to be aware of how different cultural practices may impact on our staff.

Some employers and employees may find it difficult to approach questions regarding cultural differences, treading lightly on the rope of political correctness in order to avoid offence or being seen as ignorant. Sometimes, it may seem too awkward to ask about the homeland of a colleague and fellow Australian.

In the workplace we are encouraged to acknowledge the importance of, and participate in, a range of cultural events. During Diwali or Eid al-Fitr, we enjoy office festivals and partake in cross-cultural education. However, as much as we enjoy taking part in the celebratory events, it is equally important as an employer and employee to understand the elements of a culture that may affect the workplace. Some cultural beliefs may result in social stigma and may affect the individual or the wider community.

The kaleidoscope of views and ideas regarding culture is precisely what enriches the Australian workplace. There is no better time to examine the intricacies of cultural elements that distinguish our colleagues.

Female genital mutilation/ cutting FGM/C is a harmful cultural practice that is recognised globally as a human rights issue. Statistically, our latest census in 2011, estimated that there were more than 109,000 people living in Australia who had were born in countries where FGM/C is a common practice. FGM/C is recognised worldwide and is a cultural practice which is prevalent in 29 countries,  mainly concentrated in Africa and the Middle East. It is important to recognize that FGM/C is not a religious practice but is a cultural practice. The concept of FGM/C is challenging for westernised society, and misperceptions only serve to reinforce stigma, hence the value of raising community awareness.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines FGM/C as ‘procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons’.

The United Nations states that FGM/C is a violation of human rights. FGM/C is typically practiced on young children, and therefore is considered to be a violation of children’s rights.

The Respectful Dialogue Project, developed by the Australian Muslim Women’s Centre for Human Rights (AMWCHR), highlights that discussions regarding FGM/C should be conducted in a respectful manner in order to develop understanding. For example, the term ‘Mutilation’ implies that the woman is ‘mutilated’, which many women consider to be extremely offensive. The term ‘cutting’ was introduced in recognition of the importance of the terminology used. Other terminology includes the word ‘survivor’, women who have undergone some form of FGM/C are often called ‘survivors’. The term ‘survivor’ is an important distinction from ‘victim’.

FGM/C survivors, for many reasons, may be unwilling to discuss their ongoing health issues. In the corporate environment, both employers and employees need to be aware that FGM/C is an extremely culturally sensitive topic. It is essential that employers understand the long term consequences of FGM/C, and are aware of the health issues that female staff may experience.

There are four types of FGM/C. Long term effects depend on the type of procedure performed and post procedural complications, adult women may experience a range of ongoing symptoms, including:

•    Excessive toilet use
•    Pain from scarring or fissures
•    Recurrent urinary tract infections
•    Recurrent vaginal or pelvic infections
•    Difficulty urinating
•    Extremely painful periods or difficulty during the menstrual period
•    Kidney infections or other renal issues
•    Infibulation cysts

FGM/C can significantly impact sexual health, and present serious risks and complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Physical symptoms can vary greatly among survivors, with some women experiencing no negative physical side effects at all.

Beyond the associated physical pain, survivors may also experience psychosocial and mental health issues, including:

•    Severe anxiety or panic disorders
•    Depression
•    Low self-esteem and a lack of confidence
•    Body image dysfunction
•    Psychosexual issues
•    Memory loss
•    Phobias
•    Somatisation
•    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Source: abc.net.au

In many FGM/C practicing cultures psychological assistance is discouraged post procedure. Mental health issues which are unidentified, ignored and untreated lead to long term psychological damage.

In Australian workplaces and the wider community, FGM/C has been a relatively taboo topic, however there is a global movement to raise awareness of this harmful cultural practice. This is a tradition that has been practiced in many countries for generations, and the physical and psychological effects could be impacting the performance and attendance rates of your staff.

The crux of our society is multiculturalism, and we need to embrace each employee that contributes to our cultural kaleidoscope. The health and wellbeing of every staff member is the key to a healthy and successful workplace. Employers need to consider that FGM/C is a delicate issue that will most likely remain unspoken. If you notice increased absenteeism on a regular monthly schedule, or any of the signs or symptoms of FGM/C, consider how to best ensure that the staff member has the support of your organisation to maintain their health and wellbeing. Best practice begins with an empathetic approach and increased awareness and understanding of the issue. If you suspect that a staff member, for any reason, is in physical discomfort, ensure that they seek medical attention regardless of the cause. If you suspect that an employee is experiencing psychological issues, the EAP or another form of access to a mental health professional should be freely accessible. beyondblue can be contacted on 1300 22 4636 to discuss mental health issues.

Image: cargocollective.com

Image: http://www.cargocollective.com

 

For more information and to help raise awareness, check out:

http://nofgmoz.com/

http://www.uefgm.org/

http://www.aifs.gov.au/cfca/bibliographies/childabusefgm.php

 

Ecopywriting 2014

The Costs of Ebola

Source: Getty Images

Written by Tanya Tabone forEcopywriting.

Ebolavirus – What is it?

The Ebola Virus (Ebola) is one of the most severe pathogens known to humankind and causes Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). Also known as Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever (EHF), it is a deadly disease with a 90% fatality rate. There are five known species of Ebola, each of which has a different fatality rate. In 1976 the first outbreak of the Zaire strain of Ebola occurred. This strain is at the core of the current outbreak; it is the most dangerous and has the highest fatality rate of all five strains. The current Ebola outbreak is the largest in history. The outbreak is concentrated mainly in West Africa, with more than 3000 reported cases (both suspected and confirmed) between Guinea, Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. As of August 26, the total number of confirmed deaths was 1552, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) has predicted that the number of cases could exceed 20,000 before the outbreak is stemmed.

What happens if you catch it?

People who catch Ebola experience sudden and severe symptoms that last approximately 2 – 21 days after the initial exposure to the virus. The initial symptoms are usually non-specific, influenza-like symptoms. The individual may experience a sudden onset of fever, generalised muscle weakness and pain, sore throat and headache. The infection quickly progresses to severe diarrhoea and vomiting. The infected individual may develop rashes all over their body, liver or kidney failure, and unexplained bleeding or haemorrhage commonly occurs. Large, leper-like skin lesions appear and upon entering the bloodstream, the virus spreads quickly via the lymph nodes to affect the vital organs, such as the liver and spleen. The virus causes severe tissue damage, inflammation, bleeding abnormalities and immunosuppression, as well as fever, hence its classification as a ‘haemorrhagic fever virus’. The symptoms that make Ebola so deadly include severe blood loss, impaired oxygenation of organ tissue, rapid breathing, dehydration, delirium, coma and irreversible shock. For survivors, death of the skin results in hair loss and sweat gland complications, causing scaly skin features.

How does it spread?

Ebola is highly contagious. The virus thrives in the bodily fluids (blood, stool, urine, saliva and semen) of infected people. Healthy individuals can contract the disease via mucous membranes or broken skin. Indirect infection can occur via exposure to contaminated environments, including clothing or bed linen. Aside from broken skin and mucous membranes, Ebola is able to be transmitted via droplet or aerosol form, and so may be ingested or inhaled.

A healthy person can therefore contract the virus through direct or indirect contact with an infected individual who is sneezing or coughing. Speaking to the infected person in close range is also a significant risk.

Ebola spreads much more quickly in areas where clean water is not readily available. In affected areas, cultural funeral practices often involve the washing of the deceased, which has contributed to the spread of the virus. In poverty-stricken areas, healthcare settings can amplify the issue with a lack of sterilised or new resources, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Many in the affected region fear healthcare professionalsbecause of the high risk of infection they carry. Avoidance of healthcare professionals causes further spread of disease and a higher incidence of death among affected individuals and their families.

Source: Getty Images

It is most likely that the human species first contracted the disease from animals. Fruit bats, which are considered a food delicacy in some West African countries, are a natural host for the virus. This ‘bush-meat’ can infect anyone who handles it, including the hunter and the cook. Researchers have not yet established that the virus is airborne.

Social and Economic Impacts

The outbreak of Ebola is having a devastating effect on the already frail economies of Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. Sierra Leone’s agricultural economy is faltering under transportation roadblocks. Restrictions put in place to control the spread of Ebola are also obstructing farming, production and transport. The Agricultural Minister of Sierra Leone estimates that ‘The economy has been deflated by 30% because of Ebola’. In Guinea, initial estimates by the World Bank are projecting a full percentage point fall in GDP growth, from 4.5 to 3.5 percent, with local officials predicting a worse outcome.

The labour market has experienced significant impacts, which will worsen with the continuing deterioration of the situation. The Agricultural Minister of Sierra Leone has said that the agricultural sector employs more than 66% of the country’s entire workforce. According to Gerry Rice, Director of the International Monetary Fund’s Communications Department, the IMF is ‘actively working with all three countries to prepare a preliminary economic assessment of the impact of the Ebola crisis.’ The IMF is prepared to provide additional financing support where needed.

Photograph: ITV.com

Considering that the region has a minor impact on the world economy, most of the consequences of an economic downturn in the region will be contained within West Africa. A significant percentage of the world’s Aluminium and Iron Ore isexported to China from this region. India may experience losses in their engineering export markets, with Nigeria falling within their top 25 export markets. Historically, fears of a global pandemic do have an impact on share prices worldwide; however, they reach equilibrium again in a relatively short timeframe as the market corrects itself. In the case of SARS, which affected8,000 people worldwide, the travel industry experienced the worst of the financial consequences. The difference with SARS was that it affected Hong Kong and Singapore, countries that are destinations for frequent business travel and are central financial hubs.

The social impacts are far harder to measure. Schools in Liberia are closed. Entire communities are in quarantine. Communities in Guinea are rioting. Survivors are likely to be a subject of stigma and avoidance when they return home to their villages. These regions will need intense assistance and many years to recover from the devastating effects of this outbreak.

Photograph: John Moore, Getty Images

What can we do?

The World Health Organisation has declared this outbreak a Public Health Emergency. There are severe food shortages in the affected areas and survivors discharged from hospital are facing challenges when attempting to obtain clothing. If you can assist, please contact the Australian Red Cross Appeal. You can donate online or by phone, on 1800 811 700.

Source: Red Cross International

Written by Tanya Tabone for Ecopywriting, specialists in health and wellbeing.

Ecopywriting 2014

Words – The Worst Workplace Hazard

Written by Tanya Tabone, for ecopywriting.

On your first day at any new workplace, you can expect to have to endure anywhere between an hour and a couple of days worth of induction about workplace health and safety. You will be introduced to a pile of policies, programs, paperwork and then the OHS officer or manager. The focus of most of what you will encounter is likely to concern your physical wellbeing. Lifting and repetitive actions, ergonomic workstations and mousepads, and maybe even a new chair. That’s just the beginning. Following that, training programs will be regular, committee minutes and actions will be forwarded to your inbox, and make sure that you fill in the orange form in triplicate if you slip in the parking lot.

The Victorian Worksafe Authority (VWA) reports that although the utmost care is taken to avoid physical injury, the highest number of claims from office workers are actually associated with psychological injury. More than 20% of ‘white collar’ claims are from psychological injuries due to stress or anxiety from work pressure, or from bullying and harassment in the workplace.

We’ve all had that ‘sting’ after conflict. That deep feeling of upset that comes back in waves as we drive home, as we have dinner with our family and as we get ready for bed. We try not to think about it, but there it is again when we wake the next morning, and it stays there no matter how hard we try to wash it away. It can impact on us in our personal lives, and cause strain on our relationships.

According to the Harvard Business Review, the chemical impact of a negative conversation can last up to 26 hours. The hormone released when you are criticised is Cortisol, secreted as an adrenal response to stress. It converts your normal thinking patterns to crisis aversion, essentially shifting your body into survival mode. When Cortisol is released, it gives you extra energy for fight or flight by shutting down other important systems, including your immune system and the thinking centre of your brain. If you are subjected to negativity on a daily basis, you are more likely to get sick more frequently, as your body focuses on just making sure that you survive. Beware of bully bosses: being subject to constant criticism or negativity is not only bad for your health, it can literally change the way that you think.

Try to maintain a positive manner. Positive conversations produce a chemical reaction, when a person receives praise, or feels honestly communicated with, a hormone called Oxytocin is released. This is a chemical reaction which actually increases feelings of trust and collaboration. Oxytocin helps to reduce the levels of Cortisol in our system, and decreases our blood pressure.

You can also help increase your Oxytocin levels in a number of feel-good ways, including:

• Having sex (probably not at work)
• Walking outside
• Checking out pictures of your friend’s babies on facebook
• Giving a gift
• Sharing a meal
• Going on an adventure with someone

All of these things can greatly influence your health and wellbeing.

While it is important to be aware of physical risks, it is important to remember the risk that is inherent in how you are treated, and how you treat others. Stress can lead to depression and anxiety. If you feel that you are overwhelmed by negativity, it might be a good idea to talk to a professional at beyondblue on 1300 22 4636.

 

Written by Tanya Tabone, Professional Writer & Editor, forEcopywriting, Specialist Writing for Health & Wellbeing.

 

Image 1: (2009). Mean Girls in the Office | Women’s Health Magazine. Retrieved August 28, 2014, from http://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/coping-with-bullies.

Image 2: (2007). Stress Management Center: Reducing Stress … – WebMD. Retrieved August 25, 2014, from http://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/.

Image 3: (2012). 6 Exercises To Strengthen Compassionate Leadership … Retrieved August 25, 2014, from http://www.fastcompany.com/1840226/6-exercises-strengthen-compassionate-leadership.

Feeling SAD in the workplace?

Written by Tanya Tabone, for ecopywriting.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as Seasonal Depression, is a type of seasonally recurring mood disorder. Some studies assert that up to 10% of people suffer with Seasonal Affective Disorder.¹ The effects of Seasonal Depression could be even more prevalent than this, with a further 10 to 20 percent of people reporting subsyndromal Seasonal Affective Disorder (SSAD), a milder form of depression which occurs in the colder months.² Common symptoms include lethargy and fatigue, a waning of interest and diligence, weight gain, decreased attention span and irritability. In severe cases, sufferers of SAD experience deterioration across several life factors, including the health of their relationships with their colleagues, friends and family. The winter months can therefore contribute to a negative workplace by straining workplace dynamics, decreasing productivity and placing pressure on key decision makers. Office spaces, in particular, are prime environments for sedentary workers who may stay indoors during the colder months, effectively decreasing their exposure to sunlight just when they need it most.

The cause of SAD is not clear, however, it is hypothesized that the most likely cause is a decrease in the amount of sunlight received, and that it is more prevalent in countries further from the equator.³ A lack of sunlight may lead to changes in circadian rhythms, a decreased level of serotonin, or an imbalance of melatonin. As with most mental health conditions, other factors, such as biological, psychological and environmental factors may contribute to Seasonal Affective Disorder. In the workplace, poor concentration skills and lethargy can impact on non-sufferers, which could lead to a general depression of mood and a decrease in productivity.

How can businesses minimise the impact of the dreaded ‘winter blues’? Studies show that there are significant changes in productivity, mood, energy and alertness in staff when workplaces administer light therapy during the winter months.⁴ There is no denying the impact of negativity in the workplace, from measurable indicators such as attrition and unplanned absences, through to the hidden costs of productivity losses and strained relationships. A recent study conducted in the finance industry found that investors who suffered from Seasonal Affective Disorder actually showed notable changes in their risk tolerance during the winter months.⁵

1. Can you see your reflection in the ice?
As goes the leader, so goes the team. The ice on most moods should be thawing as we move out of the depths of winter. Are you sensing a shift in your own mood? In the team dynamic? On a personal level, did you create a colder environment for your staff based on the pressures of dealing with the darkness of the season? Assess your workplace health habits. It is not the cold, but a lack of sunlight which is the most likely cause for Seasonal Depression. Is your workspace as filled with sunlight as possible? How much light is in your life?

2. Draw the blueprint for your igloo.
As sure as the seasons, winter will approach again. Use the clearer headspace of spring to create a framework of health that is strong enough to withstand the coldest winter. Do you have an exercise program? Do your staff have a work-life balance? It can be really difficult to get ample light in office spaces. Office workers are therefore at very high risk of Seasonal Depression when they spend long hours in the workplace without going outside. Anything that gets people to shift their perspective to a more sunlit horizon is a good idea. A healthy workplace should focus on increasing exercise, making sure staff get outdoors and ensuring a sun-filled workspace. In warmer months, focus on creating programs that encourage this behaviour all year round.

3. …But don’t build your igloo.
As summer approaches, don’t waste precious resources building frameworks made of ice. Summer will come. Daylight hours will extend, and the everyday Australian workplace will return to its correct place on the sun-kissed axis of sunshine. By no means should you let any underlying issues fester, but remember to tailor any cultural solutions with the understanding that there may be notable changes in attitudes as the weather warms.

Prevention is best, however, if you notice any signs or symptoms of depression you need to take them seriously. Mental health awareness is important on the most basic of human levels, and mood disorders are best dealt with by health professionals. A healthy environment is the key to a healthy business.

 

Written by Tanya Tabone, Professional Writer & Editor, for Ecopywriting, Specialist Writing for Health & Wellbeing.

 

1. Magnusson, A. “An overview of epidemiological studies on seasonal affective disorder.” Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica 101.3 (2000): 176-184.
2. Kasper, Siegfried et al. “Epidemiological findings of seasonal changes in mood and behavior: a telephone survey of Montgomery County, Maryland.” Archives of General Psychiatry 46.9 (1989): 823.
3. “Seasonal affective disorder – UpToDate.” 2011. 13 Aug. 2014 http://www.uptodate.com/contents/seasonal-affective-disorder
4. Avery, DH et al. “Bright light therapy of subsyndromal seasonal affective disorder in the workplace: morning vs. afternoon exposure.” Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica 103.4 (2001): 267-274.
5. Kramer, Lisa A, and J Mark Weber. “This is Your Portfolio on Winter Seasonal Affective Disorder and Risk Aversion in Financial Decision Making.” Social Psychological and Personality Science 3.2 (2012): 193-199.
Image: “View from the office, a storm is coming” Alan Ciantar Photography, http://www.alanciantar.com. 2014