Blog

Freya Cooper, FEI Account Manager

Poor decision-making and bad behavior in the workplace is nothing new, but what can you do when such behavior is coming from a high-performance employee? And how does it impact company culture?

Keeping a cool head allows employees to hone in on the positives of an organization—even when facing “vampires” who are misaligned with a company’s core values.

Raquelle Solon, FEI Business Solutions Engineer

Moving to different parts of the U.S. opens all kinds of interesting doors into distinctive cultures, experiences and beliefs. It also highlights how various regions deal with that most frigid of winter gifts: snow.

FEI’s Raquelle Solon talks about the ways Southerners in particular deal with snow, ice, and cold, and how she—a native Midwesterner and Southern transplant—uses Mandt System training to understand their behaviors.

Nancy Vogt, FEI Account Manager

As we begin 2017, so too do many of us begin our New Year’s resolutions. From diets to exercising more, we often choose resolutions associated with our physical health and well-being. Why not also focus on mental health?

While an EAP benefit is a great resource for those who need help with short-term challenges, there are a number of steps you can take to improve your mental wellness right away. Read on to discover five of our favorites.

Carol Hill, FEI Crisis Management Associate

Do you carry a portable battery charger with you in case your phone or other device is low on battery life? Being prepared for a low charge can keep your mobile devices primed and ready in times of crisis—much like a preparedness plan accounts for backup protocols to ensure continuing operations.

Are your backups ready for a crisis?

(Written by Ted Uczen, FEI President & CEO)

In the Midwest, where FEI is headquartered, we face harsh winter storms this time of year. President and CEO Ted Uczen reflects on the similarities between preparing for a snowstorm and preparing your organization for a crisis.

While communities are often given warning before inclement weather can strike, organizations aren’t so lucky when impacted by crisis events. Pre-emptive planning and strategy are essential to a great crisis management plan.

(Written by Holly Wasechek, FEI Employee Assistance Representative)

While the holidays are a time of celebration for many, they can also be extremely stressful. End-of-year responsibilities, expectations and deadlines weigh on employees and increase the likelihood of poor health decisions. However, employers with workplace wellness programs can offset the negative effects of holiday stress by providing healthy options and opportunities to employees.

(Written by Terri Howard, FEI Senior Director)

Thanksgiving may be over, but the holidays are just beginning. As we shop for gifts in malls, travel around the country, and spend time with friends and family at our hometown haunts, it’s become more important than ever to remain vigilant.

Homeland Security’s If You See Something, Say Something™ campaign aims to curtail acts of terror by relying on public awareness and the reporting of suspicious behaviors. With a rise in attacks on public spaces filled with civilians, practicing vigilance can contribute to a safe holiday season for all.

(Written by Amara Lang, FEI Work-Life Specialist)

With Millennials inheriting the mantle of largest generational population currently working in the United States, diversity has become a frequent topic of conversation for both employers and their employees. Alongside diversity, however, comes another challenge: Discrimination.

Employees are afforded a number of protections against discrimination in the workplace. Even so, issues still occur and additional resources—such as an Employee Assistance Program benefit—can provide employees support during periods of discrimination.

(Written by Daniel J. Potterton, FEI Chief Operating Officer)

Traumatic situations are never easy, and there is no right or wrong to how we react when faced with a terrifying event. Regardless, post-traumatic reactions can lead to emotional, behavioral and physical challenges as we consider our actions during the moment. Knowing what resources are available when addressing post-traumatic issues is paramount to working through trauma and re-establishing a sense of well-being.

(Written by Sumaya Kroger, FEI EAP Counselor)

We all have opinions and perspectives about the world we live in. While expressing ourselves is a right, doing so in the workplace requires careful consideration of the environment, employer expectations and the attitudes of co-workers.

Luckily, there are a number of characteristics we can monitor—both in ourselves and in those we work with or supervise—to mark a distinction between civil and uncivilized behaviors.

(Written by Michael Bugenhagen, FEI Business Development Manager)

Crisis management often focuses on business continuity in terms of infrastructure, with the human element of planning an afterthought. Recently, HR professionals and business leaders have begun shifting their attention to make sure everyone is supported during a crisis response.

Partnering with an external provider bolsters an organization’s ability to not only respond to—and recover from—a crisis event, but also affords the support necessary to ensure the resiliency of the workforce.

(Written by Randall Kratz, FEI Senior Account Manager)

In a setting occasionally characterized by a grueling and competitive atmosphere, is the workplace really the best to nurture a sense of kindness in ourselves and others? I believe it is.

Kindness begets kindness. In my work as an EAP professional and consultant, I encourage managers to consider how they approach challenges. Through the filter of kindness, happiness thrives as cooperation grows in an environment of mutual respect and companionship.