'Be Happy At Work' and Other Summer Workshops

VALDOSTA -- Employees spend the majority of each day at work, yet 45 percent of people -- the lowest in U.S. history -- are not happy in the workplace, according to The Conference Board research group. From monotonous tasks to annoying coworkers, America’s workforce is struggling to put on a happy face at the office.

Valdosta State University’s Department of Employee and Organizational Development may have a solution. “The Secrets to being Happy at Work” is one of the many professional development/personal enrichment opportunities the department is offering free to employees this summer. The course, which will take place from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 30, in the University Center Cypress Room, will provide participants with a detailed, 26-page personality report that provides you with general characteristics about your personality and preferred work style.

Michael Spremulli, CEO and founder of The Chrysalis Corporation -- a company dedicated to positive growth through assessment and training -- will facilitate the daylong enrichment experience. Becky Murphy, assistant director of human resources for employee relations, went through the training with her staff. Each participant was given personalized descriptions of how coworkers might perceive them, a personal behavioral hierarchy, and other valuable information to help them navigate through their workday.

“I went through the ‘Secrets to Being Happy at Work’ course along with my staff and found it very beneficial in helping me understand my communication style and work motivations,” she said. “I learned how that compares to those that I work with. It deepened our understanding of ourselves and others.”

“Work Smarter, Not Harder” is another training scheduled this summer. This course, which will offer two work productivity self-assessments, will be held from 9 a.m. until noon on Thursday, July 8, in the UC Rose Room. Participants will learn about tools for priority goal setting and tips for organizing your office and planning daily tasks as well as long-term projects.

Other summer training sessions, include:

How to Turn Conflict into Collaboration
8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 15
UC Rose Room

Partners for Campus Excellence: Customer Service Standards
1:30-4:30 p.m. July 15
UC Rose Room

9 a.m. - noon July 16
UC Rose Room

FISH: Energizing Your Workforce and Delighting Your Customers
9-11 a.m. July 20
UC Rose Room

Web Accessibility
9-10:30 a.m. July 14
Pine Hall Computer Lab

1:30-3 p.m. July 8, 13 and 15
Pine Hall Computer Lab

Read more about these and other training sessions available for VSU employees at http://www.valdosta.edu/finadmin/training/TrainingSchedule.shtml.

Interested participants may register for courses online at http://services2.valdosta.edu/databases/training_registration/insert.asp or in person at Employee and Organizational Development, University Center, Entrance 1, Room 3103.

For more information about upcoming trainings, to propose a training opportunity, or to schedule a customized training for your department, call Murphy, at 229-259-5105 or e-mail her at rbowes@valdosta.edu.