Blog

(Written by Julie Sharp, FEI Account Manager)

Managers know communication is the key to a well-oiled workplace, but what happens when employees are faced with an abrasive manager who trades in condescension, disrespect and aggression?

I take a look at Dr. Laura Crawshaw’s book, Taming The Abrasive Manager, and reflect on its message in order to explore what makes an abrasive manager tick—and what can be done about it.

(Written by Raquelle Solon, FEI Business Solutions Engineer)

We’ve talked before about how the Mandt System can assist organizations with de-escalation best practice utilizing a trauma-informed approach. FEI Business Solutions Engineer Raquelle Solon talks about her son, Austin, and how her Mandt training has helped her address their relationship during a time of transition for both.

(Written by Freya Cooper, FEI Account Manager)

On December 1, 2016, employers will begin implementing changes in employee overtime and compensation practices. A new class of non-exempt workers will emerge as the ceiling for exempt status climbs higher.

Employers across the country are faced with a big communication issue. How best to talk about the new overtime regulations? Is the information being conveyed clearly? How will the changes impact budgets, salaries and benefits? It is imperative that employers plan ahead and communicate any changes effectively to staff.

(Written by Carol Hill, FEI Crisis Management Associate)

Every week seems to bring heartbreaking news of another active shooter event in America. While these situations can be overwhelming, they also present an opportunity for your organization to revisit its emergency response plan.

Regularly evaluating your active shooter emergency response plan is paramount to keeping your workforce safe and prepared in the event of an actual active shooter scenario. We’ve compiled some best practice questions to consider for your review process, highlighting aspects of preparedness, response and recovery.

(Written by Nancy Vogt, FEI Account Manager)

Everyone has bad days at work, but for some the bad days can outnumber the good and lead to burnout. Burnout is preventable, however, and these four signs indicate when you’re about to hit rock bottom and need to make changes.

Don’t wait until it’s too late; preventing burnout increases personal resilience and will lead to a happier, more content you.

(Written by Fred Fuges, FEI Account Manager)

First responders, crisis managers and others confronted with the chaos of traumatic situations can sometimes feel overwhelmed despite prior training. Those involved in traumatic events are often faced with immediate decision-making and the need to expect the unexpected.

Mindfulness—sustained awareness of moment-to-moment experiences—is a practice research has shown can focus an individual’s attention on immediate tasks, an invaluable resource during the middle of an active crisis.

(Written by Sumaya Kroger, FEI EAP Counselor)

Prescription painkillers and opiate abuse have become part of the larger narrative for addiction as everyone from media to the government continues to highlight an increasingly widespread epidemic.

Employers are no strangers to the negative influence drugs can have on the workplace, but opiates present a relatively new phenomenon requiring further education on behalf of organizations as they learn what opiates are and how abuse can be addressed.

(Written by Ted Uczen, FEI President & CEO)

FEI recently moved offices to downtown Milwaukee, Wis., prompting FEI President & CEO Ted Uczen to contemplate the similarities between developing a good move plan and having a good crisis plan in place.

Relocating an entire business involves careful consideration and planning so that operations can continue with little to no disruption. Similarly, a carefully considered crisis plan is paramount to the operational resiliency of an organization—don’t wait until the last minute.

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

The tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde focuses on the complicated nature of personality—and the repercussions for allowing our less savory characteristics free reign. While Mr. Hyde is an extreme, we do occasionally encounter similar personalities in the workplace in the form of toxic workers.

Toxic workers can cause very real damage to team dynamics, workplace culture and a company’s bottom line. Knowing what a toxic worker looks like and the environment they can foster is key to maintaining organizational resilience.

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

Stigma against mental health challenges is a very real cultural ill, and you don't have to look far to find victims of stigma too afraid to discuss their struggles with mental health. I’ve witnessed the effects of this stigma in both the working world and public life and know it is time for the culture to change.

Millions of Americans live their lives with a mental health challenge. Join me in openly addressing—and encouraging the inclusion of—individuals with these challenges in a compassionate, understanding way. We might just save someone’s life.

This is part of a series promoting May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

(Written by Holly Wasechek, FEI Employee Assistance Representative)

While mental health awareness has made great gains in recent years, organizations continue to struggle when it comes to knowing how best to work with—and include—employees with mental health conditions. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects those with both physical and mental health challenges, promoting the practice of proper accommodations to encourage the most engagement from all employees. Accommodating those with mental health challenges can realize the potential of an often overlooked segment of the workforce.

This is part of a series promoting May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

(Written by Terri Howard, FEI Senior Director)

Crisis events can have a traumatic impact on people, and how one reacts to these events informs his or her ability to remain resilient. Seeking opportunities for support, understanding and expression goes a long way to maintaining resilience and relies on a central concept: the importance of a network of connection for healing.

This is part of a series promoting May as Mental Health Awareness Month.