myHR: July 27, 2022

In a Vacation State of Mind

Even though many areas of Penn are bustling with fall preparation activities, the end of the summer is traditionally a popular time for higher education professionals to take time off. Whether you’re committed to fly the friendly skies or stay close to home this year, it’s important to enjoy your much deserved time off by staying in a vacation state of mind. We’ve gathered these vacation tips to help you get there.

Recharge Refresher

There are many routes to the vacation state of mind. If you feel pressured to have the perfect vacation or you feel like you’ve almost forgotten how to truly unwind, take a look at the Third Path Institute’s Creating Recharge Time questionnaire. Think of it as an unworksheet to help you rediscover how to renew your personal energy.

Your Dream Staycation

While many locales have loosened health-related travel restrictions, some faculty and staff are still scaling back their vacation travel plans in the face of gas prices, uncertain airline schedules, and remaining concerns about viruses. One thing many people learned in 2020 and 2021 is to take your time off anyway. Staycations don’t have to be dull, errand-filled, or an excuse to waste time doomscrolling. These tips from Health Advocate will help make your staycation memorable for all the right reasons.

Keep the benefits in mind.
Staycations can mean fewer planning decisions (and less spending) on travel/lodging arrangements, and often less worry about the weather and pet care, while finding refreshing ways to feel invigorated, bond with your kids or partner, and even support local and regional businesses.

Make the ordinary extraordinary.

Add a novel twist to a family backyard campout or nature walk, for instance, by having a scavenger hunt.

Take care of your chores in advance.
Pay your bills ahead of time, for example, and attend to any scheduled home maintenance.

Plan activities to keep you occupied during your downtime.
Line up books or TV series to catch up on, movies you’ve always wanted to see, or a hobby you’ve always wanted to try.

Create an itinerary of how to spend your time.
It can be something different planned for each day, or the same activity over a span of days.

Check out resources such as:

• Community event calendars for drive-in movies, pop-up concerts and outdoor markets
• Local, state and national park service websites for hikes, trails, tours
• The National Wildlife Federation for interesting outdoor activities
• Museums, zoos, theme parks, botanical gardens and archaeological sites, for virtual tours

And don’t forget to disconnect once it’s vacation time.
Avoid responding to any non-crucial texts, phone calls and emails during your staycation. Let friends and family know in advance that your responses may be delayed so they don’t worry about you!

Leave Money Stress Behind When You Travel

If you’ve booked a hotel, purchased your train or plane ticket and you’re all ready to leave town, take these financial tips from TIAA with you to lessen the load on your bank and credit accounts.

The 15-minute rule.Here's one of the most useful money-saving travel tips: Take 15 (or fewer) minutes each day to track your spending. Consider making it part of your vacation routine, maybe during your morning coffee or that sunrise bus ride to an exotic temple. During this downtime, review your previous day's spending and look for categories where you may have overspent (or even underspent!). Also check your online bank and credit card accounts to make sure everything looks accurate.

Adjust on the fly.
Staying consistent about tracking your spending will help you understand it better and use your travel money more wisely, increasing your financial confidence.

Once you arrive in a new place, the things you thought would be important may change. Maybe you realize that you just can't pass up an opportunity to explore the untouched beauty of a hidden waterfall even though you hadn't budgeted for a three-day kayak excursion. All is not lost! By looking at your daily travel budget notes, you can easily adjust for that leg of your journey by increasing your sightseeing allotment and decreasing in other areas, like food or museum-entrance fees. A good rule of thumb is to figure out what excites you and redirect your travel money toward those experiences.

Waste happens.
If you're traveling to another country, there's almost a 100% chance you'll overspend on something during your trip. Don't beat yourself up about it. Remember, you're on vacation. Instead, recognize those moments and learn from them.

For more money-smart vacation ideas and some sound advice for your future travel plans, check out  these TIAA articles:

• How to Travel on a Budget: Money Saving Travel Tips
• Traveling Abroad: Keep Travel Money Safe.

You can find vacation and staycation discounts for faculty and staff on the Deals@Penn page. 

Get the Message on Workplace Communication

Today we have more tools to send messages to coworkers than ever, yet workplace communication remains challenging. That’s because real communication takes more than sending and receiving words, sharing screens, or even talking face-to-face. It starts with understanding yourself, the people you want to reach, your intended message, and its context. Learn how to improve your communication skills by attending the August 16 Art of Effective Communication virtual workshop from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“Good communication is one of the most important aspects of effective work and work relationships, especially in this hybrid environment.” says Amma Napier, Senior Talent and Organization Development Consultant, Talent Development. Napier will facilitate the August 16 workshop while sharing insights based on her broad experience leading teams and individuals to find answers to common communications questions like these.

Have you ever found yourself spending extra time making a phone call about a text about a meeting just to make sure you’re understood? Are you perplexed when a coworker keeps sending you confusing emails and expecting you to take action on them? Do you wind up having the same conversation again and again, hoping that someday, your idea will get through at last?

Napier says, “Understanding what we bring to the table in terms of our own styles--and how that impacts others--as well as being able to anticipate the needs of others is important in all aspects of work.”

The Art of Effective Communication workshop covers techniques to help you recognize our habits and their effects on those we want to collaborate with.

“It is also important to know where we might be most likely to misinterpret others, and that conflicting ideas or diverse opinions can actually be healthy interaction and contribute to a better outcome,” Napier adds.

Workshop participants will learn about:

• Different communication styles and strategies. Every individual has a different way of talking with others based on their style. Maybe you’re an introverted manager trying to engage with an extroverted coworker. Identify a person’s communication style, then use the appropriate strategy to enhance the conversation.
• Virtual communication. When communicating virtually be conscious of the intentions you ascribe to others. For example, if you are in a Zoom meeting and someone has their camera off, don’t assume the person is disinterested or disengaged. Avoid “attribution errors” by exercising empathy and asking questions. Also, foster healthy conflict in the hybrid workplace by setting ground rules ahead of time, encouraging different points of view, and focusing on ideas, not individuals.
• Two-way communication. Practice active listening by talking less and listening more. Listen in a way that gains the full meaning of what’s being said and makes the other person feel heard and understood. Also, ask good questions that explore an individual’s views, and avoid judgment. Active listening can help you tune in to your peers, appreciate their situation, and maintain productivity.

Napier says that at the end of the workshop, participants will be asked to make a commitment to themselves to do something differently. 

Beyond saving time and frustration, a new approach to communication can deepen your connections, improve teamwork, and build greater trust among your colleagues.

Register today for the  Art of Effective Communication workshop and learn communication skills that will create better working relationships.

For more information about Penn’s Talent Development programs, visit the Learn and Grow webpage. 

Cool Moves for Warm Days

The latest heatwaves don’t mean you can’t enjoy fitness activities that meet your wellness goals. If you play it smart, you can keep moving and stay cool now through the fall. In July and August, faculty and staff can take advantage of free wellness classes and Campus Recreation deals. Stay in motion through September with Penn Moves, then gear up for the Breakthrough Challenge events to benefit research at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center.

Group Class Deal from Campus Recreation Through July 31

Current Campus Recreation members can order Summer Group Ex Plus access for only $50 this month. That’s $25 dollars off the regular fee. With Group Ex Plus access, you can join unlimited group classes through August 21 at Pottruck Health & Fitness Center. Take Spin, Circuit, Cardio Kickboxing and more in a convenient, on-campus gym. Campus Recreation members can receive this discount when you log on to the Campus Recreation portal and order Group Ex Plus using promo code “SUMMERGXPLUS” by Sunday, July 31.

Free Outdoor Yoga August 17

Penn Campus Recreation welcomes you to free Outdoor Yoga class on Franklin Field on Wednesday, August 17 from 8 am to 9 am. Faculty and staff can start the day by improving strength and flexibility with a Vinyasa yoga session led by instructor Anthony Levering. Register for this Outdoor Yoga class in advance at the  Campus Recreation website.

The Penn Moves Challenge Continues through September 2

Join your Penn community colleagues to get moving and track your active minutes with the campus-wide Penn Moves Challenge. This challenge, sponsored by the Healthy Penn Partnership, has three basic goals:

• Move: Be active throughout the day and track your progress. Submit active minutes to help us tally total minutes during the challenge.
• Learn: Discover available resources to move more throughout the day.
• Share: Connect with colleagues at outdoor events and with social media!

Download the Penn Moves Challenge flyer for details.

Breakthrough Challenge Events September 5 through 18

The Breakthrough Challenge will host an in-person bike ride on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at the Daniel Boone Homestead in Birdsboro, PA, offering three route distances (50, 25, and 12 miles).

Leading up to the in-person bike ride, participants can join virtual events from Monday, September 5 to Sunday, September 18, for spinners, runners, walkers, and bikers.

The Breakthrough Challenge accepts online registrations through September 18.

All of the money raised funds breakthrough research at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center. To make a donation or register as a virtual or in-person participant, visit the Breakthrough Challenge website.

Cool Points for Be in the Know

Be in the Know wellness participants can submit tracked steps, activity minutes, and workouts) on the Virgin Pulse platform to earn points towards rewards. With a connected device, upload your tracked activities  every week, using the mobile app. For manual entry, use the WORKOUTS tracker under Home/Stats. You can also submit your active minutes to contribute to the Penn Moves Challenge.

Events like the Breakthrough Challenge can also qualify for Be in the Know points. To earn credit for participating in the Breakthrough Challenge, go to the My Rewards section of the Virgin Pulse Platform, then select “Participate in a Registered Community Physical Activity Event,” and complete the online attestation form.

Tips to Beat the Heat Safely

No matter which activity you chose, indoors or outside, feel your best and stay safe with these simple beat-the-heat tips from Health Advocate.

Visit the Penn Healthy You webpages for more wellness information.

Give Local Kids a Back-to-School Boost

Help Philadelphia students start the school year equipped for success through two upcoming volunteer opportunities for faculty and staff: the Penn Workplace Mentoring Program and the Annual School Supplies Drive. Both programs are offered by Penn Volunteers in Public Service at the Netter Center for Community Partnerships.

Penn WorkPlace Mentoring Program

If you’re in search of a way to make a meaningful difference in the life of a young person this fall, get involved with Penn WorkPlace Mentoring. This semester-long mentoring program connects faculty and staff members with local middle-school students to encourage them to continue their education. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, your time and insights will be valuable to youth who may have little to no exposure to the opportunities that colleges, universities, and skilled trade education can offer. For example, you can introduce them to your field, show them how to set goals, or connect them with other experts. Penn WorkPlace Mentoring program offers training to help you encourage children to set their sights on a bright future. Plus, the youth will teach you lessons as well.

Mentors meet with students once a month. All sessions are held on Penn’s campus. Training takes place in September. Contact Isabel Mapp at sammapp@upenn.edu for additional information, including mandatory clearance requirements.

School Supplies Drive, August 8 – August 23

Everyone can collect school supplies for the Annual Penn Volunteers in Public Service School Supplies Drive. Whether you’re back-to-school shopping for your family, or you’re restocking your home office or craft supplies stash, don’t forget to pick up some extra items for the drive for drop off between August 8 and August 23.

Donations will go to local West, and Southwest Philadelphia public schools involved in the University Assisted Community as well as students from Mastery Charter School. The Netter Center also fills request for items from local shelters, day care centers, and from families.

Support school children and their families by providing books, pens, pencils, book bags, calculators, crayons, rulers, dictionaries, elementary school story books, hand sanitizer, online learning gear, and other items to help them be successful, creative learners. Instead of worrying about basic supplies, local kids can use your generous donations to practice language, math, or art--no excuses needed when homework is due.

Please feel free to email the Penn staff supply drive coordinator at a location near you to make arrangements to drop off your donations.

For more volunteer opportunities, visit the Penn VIPS web pages. 

Healthy Meals: Healthier Blueberry Cobbler

This light blueberry cobbler is the perfect dessert for summer and a great option to satisfy a sweet craving without refined sugar. Fresh blueberries are low in sugar but packed with flavor, and they are one of the best sources of antioxidants. Blueberry cobbler is delicious by itself, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra fancy touch.

Click here to send us your healthy recipes and tips.

Ingredients:

Blueberry base:

4 cups blueberries

2 tablespoons maple syrup

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)

Cobbler:

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup finely chopped walnuts (or other nut)

1 cup almond flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/3 cup coconut oil, melted

1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350F.

In a large bowl, mix together blueberries, maple syrup, lemon juice, and vanilla. Then add arrowroot starch and toss blueberries.

Spoon berries into an 8×8 inch pan, leaving juice in bowl behind.

In another bowl, mix together oats, walnuts, almond flour, and salt. Stir in maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla until well combined

Spread cobbler topping on top of blueberries until most of the blueberries are covered.

Bake in oven for 40-45 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Let cool for 15 minutes before eating. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Pro Tip: Don’t have arrowroot on hand? Try instant tapioca, corn starch, or flour to thicken!

For more tips and nutrition support, meet with a Corporate Wellness Nutrition Registered Dietitian today!

• One-on-One, virtual sessions you can schedule at any time that works for you
• 100% covered under many insurance plans and available to spouses and dependents
• Simple Sign Up Process — Visit Penn’s Corporate Wellness Nutrition’s Sign Up page, provide your information and a customer service team member will reach out in 1-2 business days to book your appointment.

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Did You Know: August 3 Webinar with SEPTA

Penn Transportation and Parking invites you to a special webinar from SEPTA (Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) on Wednesday, August 3 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. SEPTA Chief Operating Officer Scott Sauer will present the transportation authority’s efforts to make the area’s transit system safe and accessible, and to keep service reliable, affordable, and convenient. There will be a question-and-answer session as part of the webinar. Advance registration is required by Monday, August 1. Please register online as soon as possible. For registration questions, contact the Division of Business Services.