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Staying safe & feeling well ComfortZone September 2018 vol 16 issue 10 Avoid office politics by thinking positive faction on the basis of the tasks alone, and avoid talk on the political issue that separates the groups. If that issue does come up, stay silent or gently try to change the subject. Change from within Praise others, encourage teamwork and be empathetic to your co-workers. By making an effort to change the culture to one of kindness and honesty, you are on the road to creating a better environment for everyone. Keep office matters to yourself Does your organization have issues? Have When a group of people work together colleagues or making them feel as if they people told you things in confidence? every day, there is bound to be “politics”. are inferior to you. It’s a fine line to walk, Then keep those matters to yourself. Everyone is entitled to an opinion and a but avoid being condescending when Talking to outsiders about issues within say, so it is likely that conflicts will occur trying the following tips: your organization makes all of you look because of differing opinions. bad to that outsider. People will find out However, office politics doesn’t have to Be nice that you spoke about what they told you, be a bad thing. If you put more effort in The easiest way to avoid problems is and they’ll lose confidence in you and dissuading your coworkers from taking part to get along with people. This does not respect for you. in destructive politics such as gossiping, mean you have to be a pushover. You bullying, or slamming the boss every five can be pleasant and professional, while Don’t sink to their level minutes, chances are your workplace will at the same time being assertive when One way to deal with difficult colleagues become more positive. Yes, this is easier necessary. If you have a concern, focus is to ask them for a private conversation. said than done, but if you stay the course, only on the issue, not on the person. Calmly ask them why they acted how they your co-workers will have respect for you Working with others also means being did, rather than accusing them. This is and just might follow your lead. careful about choosing sides during office often the best way to change behaviour, power struggles. Instead, try to focus on A word of caution; taking the high as it requires your colleague to reflect on your tasks, dealing with people in either ground does not mean talking down to their actions. continued on page 2 Inside this edition n Get your family into fall routine n Home inspection checklist n Protect your banking interests n Hepatitis C testing n Super brain boosters n Living with COPD (A division of Skilven Publications) n Questions to ask the doctor n Unexpected fire hazards at home n Proper safety lenses n Stand up jobs President & CEO: Stefan Dreesen n n Good foods for your gut Kids and electrical safety Sales: Alan Haycroft | Liz Slobodin | Kevin Harvey n Be environmentally friendly n Safety Meeting: Editor: Kate Van Hoof-Peeren n Be careful with cryogenics Off-the-job strains and sprains Contributing Writer: Bryden Winsby TOLL FREE: 1-888-655-4800 n Facts about radon [email protected] www.smartworkplace.ca Avoid office politics Security by thinking positive continued from page 1 Protect Don’t play boss. You may not feel comfortable about joining in, but if you don’t, it looks your banking The best way to keep out of trouble awkward in the group. What can you do? politically is to be seen as someone who Try changing the subject by linking the doesn’t get involved with office politics interests boss to another topic, then talking about so just don’t play. Do what you say you’re that topic instead. If you feel nervous (NC) In this new era of online going to do, alert people to problems, and about trying that, silently finish your banking, branches and call centres admit your mistakes. Others will respect coffee, check your phone, and then make are no longer dedicated to processing you, even if they don’t always agree with a polite excuse to leave the table. transactions or customer service you. More important, you have a lower issues. chance of being a victim of politics. Office politics can happen in any organisation. Just remember that you Instead, their focus has shifted in part to selling products and services. Avoid badmouthing the boss decide how you will behave and what your boundaries will be. A common sales technique used You are on a coffee break and your by banks is cross selling, which is coworkers start complaining about the the practice of selling an additional product or service to a customer. For example, if you call your bank Wellness about an online transaction, the bank representative may take the opportunity to sell you a credit limit Tips to get your family increase on your line of credit. In a situation like this, you should into a new routine never feel pressured to make a decision on the spot. (NC) Adjusting to a new routine can Banks need your consent, or be difficult, especially for children and permission, to sell you a product or pets. Whether it’s going back to school a service. They can only get your or starting a new job, change can cause consent by communicating in a anxiety and stress. However, with proper way that is clear, simple and not planning you can ease everyone in misleading. Here are some tips to gradually instead of all at once. help you make an informed decision: 1. Build a schedule as soon as you anticipate a change, so you can ease 1. Keep your antenna up. your family into a routine. Discuss the Think twice before purchasing a timetable and agree on a date to begin an action, like a bedtime routine, product that you weren’t planning implementing changes slowly. dinner prep, walking a dog or on getting. For example, don’t be changing a litter box. tempted to get a credit card if you 2. Your new schedule can only succeed if weren’t planning on getting one in the everyone is cooperative and does what 4. Introduce new people gradually. first place. they are tasked to do. Set goals for If you need a sitter, see if they are family members that are realistic and compatible with your child or pet. 2. Know before you owe. attach a time line, so everyone knows Make sure you are present the first few Before you sign anything, read the when they are to be met. This will times a sitter is over, so kids and pets documents you are given—including ensure everyone is held accountable can build trust and respect. the fine print. If you don’t understand for their promises and the success of something, ask for clarification. If this transition. Set up family meetings 5. If you have pets, practicing alone necessary, insist that the person to celebrate milestones and to keep time is key as they need to time to selling the product clearly explain everyone motivated. understand you’ll come back. To avoid separation anxiety practice leaving the terms and conditions to you. 3. Set phone reminders, place post-it and coming back, all while gradually notes in main family areas, or use the increasing the amount of time you 3. Do your research. end of a television program to prompt stay away. Shop around to find the best deal that suits your needs. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities when The material contained in this document has been prepared from sources believed to be accurate and reliable. Application of this information to a specific worksite should be reviewed by a safety professional. Anyone making dealing with your bank online use of the information set forth herein does so at his/her own risk and assumes any and all liability arising therefrom. at canada.ca/itpays- to-know. Specific medical advice should be obtained through consultation with a physician or other trained health care practitioner. Thanks to News Canada for some content and images. © 2018 comfortzone 2 Health Wellness Try these super brain boosters (NC) Here are some vitamins and supplements for your brain and body to give them a boost. Omega-3 fatty acid. Acids like ALA, EPA and DHA play an important role in the human body, with some studies showing a link between the latter two and positive effects on slowing cognitive decline, such as memory and thinking skills, in older adults. But since the body doesn’t produce them on their own, we have to get omega-3s through diet or supplementation. Fatty Top questions you should fish like salmon and tuna are good sources of EPA and DHA. ask your doctor about Vitamin B12. prescribed medications This essential vitamin helps make DNA and red blood cells. But it’s (NC) When you are sitting in your resulted in easier to use medications. another one you need to get through doctor’s office, it can feel like your mind Ask your doctor for the best strategy the foods you eat. Foods that are suddenly goes blank as soon as you to use for you. rich in vitamin B12 include eggs, are asked ‘do you have any questions’. milk, meat, poultry and seafood. Consider bringing this article with you 4. How Do I Know When I Should While most of us get enough from to your next appointment: Stop Taking This Medication? our diets, 10 to 30% of older adults Some medications are prescribed for may not absorb vitamin B12 properly.