Mental Health and Navigating Stress in the Workplace

As much anticipation as there is for the holiday season each year, it is typical for the stress levels to rise. Now that we are experiencing a new spike in covid cases, anxiety and stress levels are at an all-time high. According to a poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation, “Nearly half of Americans report the coronavirus crisis is harming their mental health.”

Like many other businesses, our team has tried multiple tactics to boost morale. However, we didn’t address mental health head on until one of our team building events where we each took time to identify and write down our stressors. Recognizing our stress is the first step towards mitigating it, and our executive team led an open conversation about helpful ways to alleviate stress at work and how to stay mindful of the stress triggers our teammates may be experiencing.

Here are some of the stressors we identified.

External stressors may include major life changes, the environment, unpredictable events, a heavy workload, urgent deadlines, or social situations. Examples of internal stressors are fears, the lack of control, and beliefs.

For those who felt comfortable, teammates shared their main causes of stress in and outside of the workplace. It gave each of us a new perspective on what our teammates were experiencing. Next, we discussed helpful strategies we could do personally and as a team to manage this stress.

For external stress, implementing some lifestyle changes were the most common solutions. Examples included getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, being assertive, practicing problem-solving, and time management. For internal stress, it usually takes some time and effort to change our fears, attitudes, and expectations. However, some strategies included reframing your thoughts, choosing a positive mindset, practicing meditation, or talking to a trusted friend or counselor.

We don’t know what others are going through, especially during a time like this, so let’s give each other some grace this holiday season! And remember, talk to your manager about helpful ways you can alleviate stress at work!

 

Sources:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/05/04/mental-health-coronavirus/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/stress-management/art-20044151

Tips & Tricks for a Successful Job Search

Although we are quickly approaching the end of 2020, the impact of this year is still taking a toll of countless individuals. This has been an unexpected year, and many qualified professionals have been furloughed or laid off due to covid. On a bright note, our team has started to notice surges in hiring from our clients! If you are starting the job search once again, check out these tips and tricks to help you successfully land a job!

  1. Update your resume and save it as a PDF. If you took advantage of the extra time during quarantine to learn a new skill, take a course, or become certified in a program, share this! Employers are typically looking for someone who is a go-getter and want to know how you spent your time at home. We recommend saving your resume as a PDF, so the formatting does not change in the various ATS systems.
  2. Clean up social media. Potential employers may be checking out your social media to get a better feel of who you are. Make sure there is no inappropriate/controversial content that could discourage someone from hiring you.
  3. Add “Open to Opportunities” on your LI profile. When you update your LinkedIn, you can activate the “Open to Opportunities” icon on your account to notify recruiters that you are looking for work. Take this time to develop your personal brand as well. Some examples include posting and sharing content that is meaningful to you, writing your summary to showcase your accomplishments and introduce yourself, etc.
  4. Update your voicemail. Listen to your voicemail to ensure that it is clear, concise, and professional. You also may want to double-check that your voice mailbox isn’t full so employers and recruiters can leave you messages.
  5. Network with people in the industry. Connect with professionals on Linkedin whose career you admire and are interested in learning more about. You never know who may be able to help you out in your job search!
  6. Reach out to TNE! Finally, make sure to contact our team! We have invested in some new, innovative tools to help both job seekers and clients better navigate the hiring process. Whether we can find you a perfect match with one of our clients, offer some advice on your resume, or put you in contact with one of our partnered career-coaches, our team is here to help! Follow us on social media and subscribe to our newsletter for monthly job updates. Good luck and happy job hunting!

TNE is a Top 100 Woman-Owned Company!

Talent Navigation Experts is honored to be listed in the Top 100 Women-Owned Companies by Colorado Business Magazine! As a WBENC certified company and especially now, our team understands and values the importance of diversity in the workplace. According to WBENC, “…women-owned businesses account for just 8% of the total private sector workforce and 4.3% of total private sector revenues… Supporting women-owned businesses means investing in women’s economic empowerment, gender equality in business, and sustainable economic growth.” Thank you to our clients, candidates, and employees for the continuous partnership throughout this year! And, we are grateful for the recognition. View the full list here: http://digital.cobizmag.com/2020/JA20/.

Source: https://www.wbenc.org/blog-posts/2019/10/1/support-women-owned-businesses-during-womens-small-business-month

Relocating to Denver? Things to Do in Colorado

As companies begin hiring again, you may consider relocating to Denver. It is a great city where you can take advantage of the outdoors, especially since businesses are still remote. Regardless of how you end up in the great Rocky Mountains, we want to offer some suggestions on things to do that will keep you busy as you transition during an unusual year. The effects of coronavirus are still here, but there are tons of socially distanced activities to do!

Things to do when you’re feeling adventurous:

  • Hiking. Our team recommends downloading the AllTrails app, where you can find countless trails that vary in difficulty and location. You can also check out reviews and pictures from others who have already completed the hikes you are thinking of doing! If you are a more experienced hiker, you may consider climbing a 14er. There are 58 challenging peaks in Colorado that exceed 14,000 feet in elevation to hike!
  • Scenic Drives. As we transition into fall, the leaves will be changing. If you want to enjoy nature from your car, Golden Gate State Park is a great place to start. This state park has numerous trails and campsites as well!
  • National Parks. There are 4 national parks in Colorado. Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Colorado and only a 2-hour drive from Denver. Another popular one is the Great Sand Dunes National Park where you can ‘surf’ or sled down the mountains of sand!
  • Skiing & Snowboarding. Despite everything going on, resorts are planning to open in the winter for ski season. There are countless mountains only a day trip away where you can escape to a winter wonderland!

Things to do for a low-key weekend:

  • Brunch/Dinner at a new restaurant. There are always new restaurants and bars popping up around Denver. Many have eclectic vibes and great patios where you can still socially distance and enjoy a delicious meal!
  • Farmer’s Market. Almost every neighborhood in Denver has a farmer’s market where you can shop locally, have a cup of coffee, and stroll around a new area! It is a great way to pick up some fresh produce as you prepare for the week.
  • Botanic Gardens. Check out the gorgeous 23-acre park that contains themed gardens, a conservatory, and an amphitheater.
  • Explore a park. One of the greatest things about Denver is the number of parks in the city. Here, you can stroll around, have a picnic, or take part in outdoor yoga classes! A few of our favorites are Wash Park, Sloan’s Lake, and Cheeseman Park.
  • Red Rocks Amphitheater. Just a short drive to Morrison, Red Rocks is a huge tourist attraction. Although concerts were canceled this year, you can still explore the park, enjoy films, and attend fitness events!
  • Cherry Creek Reservoir. We may be close to the mountains, but if you’re looking for water activities, Cherry Creek Reservoir is just one of the many reservoirs and lakes where you can swim, go paddleboarding, kayak, and spend time near the water.

Places to explore when you want to get out of the city:

  • Boulder. Home to the University of Colorado (sko buffs!), this college town has a charming mix of outdoor activities, hippie vibes, and trendy bars/restaurants. Be sure to check out Royal Arch Trail and shop around Pearl Street!
  • Colorado Springs. Just south of Denver, you can explore Manitou Springs, Garden of the Gods park, and a few nearby hot springs.
  • Golden. Because it is near the mountains, Golden is a popular destination to enjoy a beer after a hike or trail run. There are tons of breweries with gorgeous views of the front range!
  • Fort Collins. A charming downtown, great breweries, and a day at Horsetooth Reservoir is the perfect place to explore a new city in Colorado.
  • Mountain Towns. Each mountain town is unique. We recommend that you pick a town one weekend to escape from the city.

We hope this guide provides you with a packed to-do list for your first couple of months in Denver. Before you know it, you’ll become a regular at a few favorite spots and never want to leave the city our team calls home!