myHR: January 18, 2012

If We Tweet It, You Will Grow

Want to manage more effectively, network like a pro or learn new skills? It's now easier than ever to learn and grow professionally at Penn.

We've launched a new Twitter page to help you meet your professional goals. You can stay up to date on all the opportunities Penn offers to help you climb the career ladder—from upcoming workshops and skills development programs to career resources and tips.

Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/PennHR_learn for instant access to the latest information. If you already have a Twitter account, just click the “follow” button under our logo. And if you don't have an account, it's easy (and free) to sign up on Twitter's website.

Questions or comments about our new Twitter page? Contact us at hrcomm@hr.upenn.edu.

Say Goodbye to Stress

If stress has a way of creeping into your daily life, you're not alone. But that doesn't mean it has to take a toll on your wellbeing. We can show you how to win the war on stress and become a pro at tackling tension.

Beginning in January, Human Resources is offering a new workshop series called Relaxing Ways to Manage Your Stress. Each month we'll hold a workshop showing you different relaxation tools and guided imagery practices to help you make stress management a lifelong habit. You'll get hands-on practice using a variety of breathing techniques and muscle relaxation tips that you can use every day—at work and at home.

Led by experts from Penn's Employee Assistance Program, this free workshop series will run on the last Wednesday of each month from January through May. We're kicking off the series on January 25. For complete details and to register, click here or contact Human Resources at gstull@upenn.edu or 215-573-2471.

One Family, One Employer: Multiple Generations Find a Home at Penn

If you work at Penn long enough, you'll likely come across a member of the Hauber family. That's because all eight family members have had careers on campus at one time or another—and three of them are still here.

As executive director for the Vice Provost for University Life, Tom Hauber has worked at Penn for the last 38 years. And his wife, Loretta, isn't too far behind. She's been at the University for 28 years, beginning her career in Houston Hall before moving on to the Office of Health Promotion and Education and then Weingarten Learning Center where she's an administrative coordinator.

It's a full family affair: all six of their children have worked at Penn over the years, and their son Steven is still here. He's been employed in the School of Arts and Sciences Facilities Planning and Operations division for six years after watching both of his parents' careers begin and grow at the same University.

"Since Tom and I have spent so many years here, it's no surprise the rest of our family sees how great of an employer Penn really is," Loretta said.

Both she and Tom say the University ranks high in terms of opportunities and workplace satisfaction. From generous medical, retirement and time off benefits to flexible work options to professional development resources, there's not much the Haubers haven't taken advantage of in their time at Penn.

"I earned my bachelor's degree two years ago with the help of Penn's tuition assistance benefit. I've also taken advantage of lunchtime skills development workshops, and I enjoy the level of professionalism at Penn that's expected no matter what position you hold," Loretta said.

And Tom often recommends resources like the Employee Assistance Program to many of his colleagues. "I enjoy being the face of Penn, and that means helping others benefit from all the University has to offer," he said.

Want to learn more about the rewards of working at Penn? Click here for details.

Manage Your Workday Like a Pro

Your calendar is jammed with meetings, your email inbox is overflowing, and you've got dozens of voicemails to answer—all in one day. If this sounds like your typical workday, you're not alone. But we can show you how to manage it all and still meet your daily goals.

Join us on January 26, February 2 and February 9 for a three-session webinar series on Accomplishing More with Less. You'll learn how to stay on top of every piece of business that comes your way, from pressing emails to project deadlines to last-minute meetings. We'll show you how to work more strategically instead of working harder to meet your professional goals. You'll also discover the secret to handling interruptions during the workday, and how to stay focused on the task at hand.

Ready to start accomplishing everything on your to-do list? Click here for complete details and to register.

If Your Child's School Closes, Where Can You Turn for Help?

As reported by various media outlets, emotions have been running high for families throughout the Philadelphia area since the recent announcement that dozens of Catholic schools will close or merge this June.

If you're one of the many who will be affected by these changes, read on to learn about resources Penn offers that can support you during this difficult time. We also invite you to join us on February 15 for Empowering Your Child to Manage Change, a learning session led by experts from Penn's Employee Assistance Program.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-888-321-4433, the EAP offers free, confidential counseling and referral services as well as one-on-one coaching and support for your personal and professional life issues. You and your family members can arrange for individual or family counseling sessions in your neighborhood or on campus.

Worklife resources. Work and Family Benefits provides free and confidential online and phone information and support for your everyday needs—from childcare solutions to parenting help to education concerns. Assistance is available all day, every day by phone at 1-888-321-4433 or online. Work and Family Benefits can help you find short- and long-term care options if your child's school closes.

Questions? Contact Penn Human Resources at qowl@hr.upenn.edu or 215-573-2471.