Stress: Part I – Understanding & Identifying Stress
Did you know that not all stress is bad? When the body’s physical, mental, and emotional faculties and functions shift into high—or mega high gear—in reaction to a perceived threat, that type of stress reaction can be lifesaving. This “fight-or-flight” response labeled as acute stress is the body doing what it’s supposed to do, propel a person away from danger or send a surge of energy that produces the boost to make a deadline. It’s when stress becomes chronic that it poses a real threat. Unlike the acute variety that is short-lived, chronic stress occurs on a near-constant basis over…
Happy New Year
There’s no need to worry about the post-Christmas blahs settling in with so many fun, exciting, and interesting events still to come this month for the residents of the Twin Cities. With a plethora of ways for Minnesotans to ring in the new year, folks of all ages will be saying goodbye to 2017 and hello to 2018 in style. Lovers of the great outdoors will appreciate the variety of outside event noted on Midwest Weekends. Fort Snelling State Park will offer a candlelight walk and ice-skating plus marshmallow roasting. In Eagan, Lebanon Hills Regional Park will hold a New Year’s…
Minnesota Christmas Traditions – at Their Finest
Tradition surrounds so much of what we love and enjoy about the holiday season. The favorite recipes and special events that we look forward to every year. The warm traditions, unique to our families and communities, that create lasting memories year after year. As a melting pot of cultural influences, Minnesota is home to more than its share of unique holiday traditions. These yuletide customs are celebrated proudly across our great state, despite the label of “quirky” or “weird” as noted by those not fortunate enough to call Minnesota home. Pickle Ornaments The German tradition of the pickle Christmas tree…
4 Effective Onboarding Strategies
Employee retention has to be top of mind for every business. One of the best ways to improve in this critical area begins with a focused approach to the new-hire experience. Remember, the possibility that this ideal candidate may defect and work for a competitor not only should be a genuine concern but also an incentive to make onboarding a priority. Your onboarding process must welcome, educate, connect, and assimilate new employees. It should position newbies on the team and situate them within the organizational structure and the company culture. It must provide each hire with the necessary tools and…
What’s the Forecast for Minnesotans this Winter – Weather and Health-Wise?
According to Paul Pastelok, the Northern Plains are in for a real treat this winter. “Arctic cold blasts are expected to plunge Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota, Iowa and most of Missouri into the deep freeze on a regular basis, but the drier, colder air will carry less moisture, so huge, frequent snowfalls shouldn’t be a problem.” Less snow maybe, but all that cold will keep folks inside which is a significant factor in the spread of germs. You see it isn’t the cold weather that causes the common cold, but rather what we do when it gets cold out. “When…
Onboarding: WHAT it is and WHY it matters
The textbook definition: The technique by which new hires are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors to perform effectively within the organizational structure. MPS Technical definition: The process that gives newbies all they need to know to both hit the ground running and achieve long-term success. Those first weeks and months at a new job are critical. That’s why a plan for onboarding is so crucial. It just makes sense. The sooner a new hire knows his/her way around and feels comfortable in the workplace surroundings and establishes a solid grasp of the job responsibilities, the better he/she will…