The Healthy Librarian: Cultivating Wellness in the Workplace

Marty MageeNational Network/Libraries of Medicine

Education and Nebraska Liaison McGoogan Library of Medicine

Univ. of Nebraska Medical Center986706 Nebraska Medical Center

Omaha NE 68198-6706 402-559-7076

1-800-338-7657mmagee@unmc.edu

Educational Objectives:

a) Know why workplace wellness mattersb) Gain valuable tools to enhance workplace wellness in the

following areas: nutrition, ergonomics, stress management, exercise, and fitness

c) Leave feeling rejuvenated with creative ideas to make your library a health promoting workplace

Cost of unhealthy workplace Absenteeism Accidents Rising drug costs Turnover Reduced job commitment and satisfaction Higher healthcare and health related

costs Lost productivity

How much?

A healthy workplace

Increased productivity Fewer sick/ personal days Higher job satisfaction

and morale Better staff retention

Tips for a healthy workplace

Help connect people with what matters most to them

Create a sense of purpose, competition and camaraderie

Make sure your initiatives are highly visible Remember leaders need to be role models

(Harvey 2005)

Nashoba Valley Chronicle

Friday, June 8, 2007

What makes a health promoting workplace?

Good coworker communication Work family balance Job security Good supervision Friendly helpful coworkers Trust

(Lowe 2004)

Guiding Principles for Healthy Workplace

1. Supportive culture and values – trust based!2. Leadership3. Broad definition of health4. Participative team approach5. Customized plan6. Link to strategic goals7. Ongoing support8. Evaluation and communication(Lowe 2004)

Wellness @ Your Library

http://ala-apa.org/wellness/resources/

Wellness Passport

http://ala-apa.org/wellness/files/2010/06/WellnessPassport2008.pdf

Workplace Wellness Inventory

http://ala-apa.org/wellness/files/2010/06/WorkplaceWellnessInventory.pdf

Nutrition / health check tools

http://hp2010.nhlbihin.net/portion/index.htm

Library Ergonomics

Guidelines: Head / neck basics Eye basics Monitor Hand / wrist basics Keyboard / mouse Chair Work surface Leg room / footrest Exercise/ breaks

UCLA Ergonomics

Neck stretch | Overhead reach | Shoulder pinch | Chair rotation | Back stretch

Others: neck rolls, shoulder rolls, wrist circles, front bend

Variation on the chair rotation: cross leg for an added stretch

http://ergonomics.ucla.edu/Ex_Office.html

Stress in the workplaceDealing with emotional patrons/coworkers… Present a calm appearance Speak softly Speak in a non-provocative manner Put space between yourself and other Show respect Avoid intense eye contact and authoritarian stance Facilitate talking Listen carefully Avoid early interpretation Do not make promises you cannot keep

Tips from Library Services in Mental Health Settings (Johnson ME 1997)

Relaxation Response

Process:

Two steps:

1. Repetition of a word, sound, phrase, prayer or muscular activity

2. Passive disregard of everyday thoughts that inevitably come to mind and the return to your repetition.

Resilience What is it? | How can we

cultivate it? How can it help us in our

professional lives?

American Psychological Association

http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/road-resilience.aspx

Exercise

Quick tip:

Promise yourself at least 15 minutes a day! That’s the least you can do!

* Take mini-breaks/stretch! Recommended guidelines for exercise

At least 30- 60 minutes a day!

Exercise Health Check Tools

Know your benefits/ rights

Human Resources Benefits Employee Assistance Programs

Wellness Councils of America

American with Disabilities Act Family Medical Leave Act US Equal Opportunity Commission

http://medlineplus.gov

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/wellnessandlifestyle.html

Modern Conveniences….

m.medlineplus.gov

http://www.bam.gov/site_terms.html

My Family Health Historyhttps://familyhistory.hhs.gov/fhhweb/home.action

http://hazmap.nlm.nih.gov

http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/

http://depts.washington.edu/uwcphn/qhi/lesson.pdf

http://www.library.ca.gov/lds/docs/healthtoolkit.pdf

Work / Life Balance

At work: Set manageable goals each

day. Be efficient with your time

at work Ask for flexibility Take five Tune in Communicate effectively Give yourself a break

At home: Turn off your electronics Divide and conquer Don’t over commit Get support Take advantage of the EAP Stay active Treat your body right Get help if you need it.

Source:

Mental Health America: Finding Your Balance: At Work and Home

Don’t drag your feet….

Develop a workplace wellness collection of resources

Offer workplace wellness programs

Set the example for a well workplace with healthy habits, behaviors and communication

Marty Magee402-559-70761-800-338-7657mmagee@unmc.edu