How to Cut Off Your Distractions at Work and Focus on a Project by Brian O'Connell

Multitasking is one thing, and workers who are able to multitask should be the envy of us all. But interruptions in the workplace are quite a different thing, and should never be welcome. Now there's a university study to prove it -- and back up do-not-disturb policy at your office.

"People don't realize how disruptive interruptions can be," says Cyrus Foroughi, co-author of the study Do Interruptions Affect Quality of Work? and a doctoral candidate at George Mason University.

His data show the typical worker is interrupted six times a day on the job. That sounds like a lot, but just how distracting are those interruptions?

"There is value in determining whether interruptions affect the quality of the tasks that many people perform regularly, such as writing essays or reports," Foroughi says.

To find out, Foroughi's staff broke GMU students into two groups on an essay project. One group was left alone and the other was interrupted regularly.

Not too surprisingly, the group that was interrupted showed lower-quality scores and wrote fewer words.

"Interruption can cause a noticeable decrement in the quality of work, so it's important to take steps to reduce the number of external interruptions we encounter daily," Foroughi says. "For example, turn off your cellphone and disable notifications such as email while trying to complete an important task."

In addition, close your door or put a sign on your outside cubicle wall saying "No interruptions, please."

It's also a good idea to call out the cause of the interruption and ask yourself "Is this really a good time for me to be interrupted?"

If the problems persists, give a little, but only a little. Make sure the other party knows you have a five-minute time limit to discuss the problem. Better yet, tell the other party you'll be happy to discuss the issue -- but only after you're done working on your current task.

Also: Let your work phone go to voice mail as well as your personal phone, and close your work email page temporarily as well when you need to focus on a project.

Personal and organizational benefits of work life balance for CEOs By Nehizena O Imade nee Asemota

It is true that work and family are two separate areas of life; however, they are both fractions of what makes up wholesome living. It is therefore important that a balance be struck or else regrets may abound.

Being a CEO does not erase the roles of being a father, a husband, a mother or a wife. So allocating time to each of these aspects of life is crucial to being successful. Clearly articulating how and where your time is spent, will go a long way in putting order in situations that can become overwhelming if not checked.

An excellent way a CEO can organize time is to take each aspect of life and think through what makes for success in these areas. It is important to be realistic in doing this. The different aspects of life should not be overloaded in any way with unethical expectations. It is better to do a little well, than doing much, inappropriately. Improper use of time can lead to burn outs.

As a CEO and a parent, what things are you currently involved in that makes you feel you are a success at parenting? Can these things be improved upon? Perhaps you would also discover that you are far from your expectation of how a good parent should be. Though it may be difficult to admit, but if you desire a happy and stable family life, you do have to come to terms with your inadequacies. So what do you think you can do to start on your way to being a good CEO parent? A sure way of finding out were your flaws lie, is to have a heart to heart talk with your family. They are the ones that really feel the pinch of the problem. It is often said that work should be left at the door step and not brought into the home, but a lots of CEO,s are guilty of doing the exact opposite. They use up family time attending to official matters as if the home is an extension of the office. Obviously phone(s) are a necessary appendage, but can constitute a nuisance in your home. It is obligatory that a check be put on this and all other intrusions alike, for the sake of your family life.

Balancing work and life also means being able to delegate appropriately, this gives you the advantage of developing capable hands in the work place, knowing the capabilities of those you work with and also free you up to be the chief executive that you truly are. Though for an entrepreneur or CEO of a start-up, it is tempting to take on a lot more than what you can normally handle. This is where moderation comes in. Prioritize your time and learn to step back to re-evaluate what is working and what isn’t, this will put a check on wastage of time and resources.

On the other hand, having risen to your present position through hard work, it will be foolhardy to now spend all your time attending to family affairs. Dare it be said that the home takes priority attention; nevertheless to neglect your official duties unduly is a sure way to a crash in your carrier.

Balancing work and family life also means you spend time in quietness; this on its own is a perfect drug for rejuvenation. You have to learn to take time out to be by yourself and think things through, so you can put your life in proper perspective. Take time out, kick off your shoes and put your feet up. Each time you engage in this practice you come back refreshed and ready to take on the world.

By Nehizena O Imade nee Asemota

Another Successful outing of the IWFI MARRIED COUPLES RETREAT July 25th 2014 by Callistus Dike

"To the left, to the left, to the right, to the right, now slide, slide..." and so we carried on with the electric slide dance after a very funny game of volley ball.

It was another successful outing of the IWFI Married Couples Retreat (MCR), which began on the 25th of July and ended on the 27th of July. As usual it took place at Epe Resort and Spa. This venue is so loved by all participants since the inception of the programme. Its closeness to nature, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, provides a serene atmosphere that aids reflection and promotes peace.

By 6.00pm on the first day, six of the eight couples had arrived and checked in. The retreat had couples who have been married between twenty-two years to eight months. It is worthy of note that there were quite a number of young professionals present in this edition who feel the need to integrate the same successes they have known in their work place into their marriages. One of the men shared that he has done very well in his career, providing solutions and having the ability to push his organization forward without realizing that same approach can be adapted within the family setting to organizing his family.

You know, couples talk without having a conversation. A spouse shared how impressed she was at seeing her husband taking notes during one of the classroom sessions. For her it meant he was keen on the subject which was a surprise to her. When they got to the room for dialogue ( a part of the exercise), they did have a conversation, which was something that rarely happened in their marriage.

In his response, the chairman IWFI Engineer Charles Osezua explained that the MCR is part of a list of programmes organized by the institute to promote better families, better businesses and a better society. It is a proven fact that persons from happy families make better employers and hence a better society.

There is no economic benefit for the institute in this programme. It therefore encourages individuals and organizations to sponsor couples whom they wish to have a better family life that translates to better employees and a better society.

This edition of the MCR had nominees from Akintola Williams, NSIA Insurance and Fidelity Bank. These are companies that got the IWFI recognition award for having best family friendly policies. The award was presented during the annual IWFI Work and Family Conference at the Civic Centre in May 2014 which included a free IWFI MCR voucher for any deserving member of staff of these organizations.

You can call 08160537922 or email info@iwfionline.org to find out the next date.

Article by Callistus

Inaugural Edition of the IWFI Work and Family Conference at the Civic Centre Lagos

The institute of Work and Family Integration (IWFI) in collaboration with Lagos Business School and Great Place to Work, on Wednesday the 21st of May, organized a conference on emerging global practices, with respect to work and family life balance. It was endorsed by the Chattered Institute of Personnel Management.

The occasion kicked off with the chairman, Engr. Charles Osezua OON KSG, opening address. Executives drawn from the academic, banking and corporate world facilitated the conference. The forum provided a platform for HR executives, employers of labor and employees to advance Family friendly policies within the work environment. In addition, corporate practices being practiced by different establishments both within and outside Nigeria were sited.

The main focus of the conference was to achieve impactful family responsible policies, work life balance and enhance productivity in the work place. To effectively deliver the conference objectives, an address titled, The Struggle between Work and family: The Global Perspective, was delivered by Professor Chantal Epie of the prestigious Lagos Business School, LBS. This was followed by another keynote address titled The Struggle between Work and Family: The Nigerian perspective, delivered by Mr. Michael Thomas, country manager of Great Place to Work.

The corporate reality focus of the conference was treated by means of topics such as Family friendly Policies, corporate practices in Nigeria, and Corporate and Family Success: Which Family Friendly Policies work in Nigeria? HR directors of Akintola Williams Deliotte, NSIA insurance and Fidelity Bank shared with the smart audience the family responsible policies which are operational in their companies and how it has enhanced productivity and organizational performance.

The family side of work was not left unattended to. Impact of work-family issues on employee and organizational performance, How to avoid being fired by Your Family, Work Life Balance: Is it achievable in the banks? Cultural aspects in Work-Life balance: the Human being in the worker., were all topical avenues explored to achieve the set goals. Some of the distinguished speakers were Dr. Christiane Spitzmueller, Associate Professor , University of Houston, Texas, Mr. Soni Irabor, MD/CEO, Inspiration 92.3 fm, Sir. Orji Udumezue, professional banker and finance Consultant and Diane Lemiueux.

The sections were chaired by notable personalities like Professor Albert Alos, Pan-Atlantic University and Mr. Femi Mokikan, HR Executive Director of 7UP Company and Sir. Chris Ogbechie of the Lagos Business School.

The Institute for Work Family Integration is an NGO concerned with providing solutions for the challenges occasioned by demographic shifts in the work place and technological changes in society for a fulfilled family life and enhanced productivity.

SEE PHOTOS

This event had Owel Linkso Group, CBO Capital, Zenith bank, Nest Oil, Coca Cola and PZ cussons as sponsors. Nigeria info, Inspiration 92.3fm, Jemima and tw magazine were media sponsors of this event.

OBSERVATIONS
1. Unrealistic work demands
2. Limited or no rest opportunities
3. Traffic situation
4. Absentee parenting
5. Work life balance is not a quick fix short term solution. It is a life- long aspiration.
6. Work life balance solutions cannot be the same across board.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Comprehensive medical coverage for the family
2. Conducive work environment
3. Post-work life support
4. Incentives (End of year profit sharing)
5. Professionals are advised to get healthy hobbies that energizes your spirits
6. Bonding/recreational activities

by Nehizena Imade

Non Profit Management In an Interconnected World

NGOs require information and professionalism to actualize their objectives in such an interconnected world. They are task-oriented and driven by people with a common interest. They perform a variety of welfare services and humanitarian functions; bring citizen concerns to governments, advocate and monitor policies .They also encourage political participation through provision of information.

In Nigeria, they can play a pivotal role in the provision of grassroots economic development, health care information, Employee infrastructural development, human welfare services, environmental degradation prevention, civil rights protection and a lot of other issues left unattended to by the government.

Considering their potential roles in every economy, it is imperative for NGOs to be well informed, ethical and professional in their dealings. According to UNEP-International Environment Technology Centre, this process starts from within the organization through avenues such as; building credibility, transparency and accountability and ultimately, trust with the people and organizations that they partner with.

In order to reinforce its belief in professionalism, the team at IWFI had the privilege to participate in a training titled ‘Non-profit Management in an interconnected world’. It was organized by Intermedia consulting, and it addressed the required skills as representatives of the Institute for Work and Family Integration (IWFI) to professionally manage and increase its positive social impact. The training was attended by some other NGOs including: :
i)Fertility Care Centers of Africa (FCCAF)
ii) M. L. E. foundation
iii) Happy Home Foundation
iv)Good Living Initiative
v) ECS (Educational Cooperation Society)
VI) Nigerian Association for Family Development (NAFAD)
vii) Organization for Character Education for Teens, Singles and Married (OCETSMA)

New skills in personality and styles of leadership were taught. We got to understand that fundraising is not begging for money but a noble contribution that is made by donors to the community. As an NGO we sometimes help donors to channel their resources towards noble courses that benefits society. The session on Social Media engagement was very well received. It posed a challenge to many of the participants while trying to reconcile the fact that digital technology is part of our world and for us to move beyond our four walls, we need to utilize social media. The passionate presenter, Mrs. Faith Oyepeju, showed us the power of social media and its multiplier effect. Participants were urged not to be overwhelmed as it may have shown on the facial expressions, but to embrace social media and start incorporating it in the running of our organization. There was a practical Social Media workshop which aided many to accept the challenge and make our NGO’s social media compliant.

Managing the Media and making them our friends was a session that practically showed how NGOs can increase their reach through media. Surprisingly enough, by making ourselves news worthy, we could get media coverage without significant financial expenditure. We learnt about the qualities of news worthy items, and never to underestimate the power of relationship building and maintaining them. This session was delivered by experienced seasoned practitioners in the field.Martins Udogie, a radio presenter (Fidelity SME program on Inspiration FM) and Felix Iwuagwu, a former News producer with the NTA. They encouraged us to position ourselves in the media in order to increase the reach to our target audience and beyond. Other sessions of the training highlighted the need to master the use of persuasive communication by Dr. Eugene Ohu of the Lagos Business School, the Legal aspect of non-profit management by Barr. Sonnie Ekwowusie and Non-Profit internal and external issues by Mrs. Theresa Okafor of Qaardan.

Finally, there was a Case study that helped us learn to always keep in perspective our organization’s objectives. We also realized the need to periodically perform a SWOT analysis of our organizations and at the same time endeavor to be financially sustainable but not at the expense our main objectives. Most participants requested for this training to be an annual programme with newer modules while advancing on modules already taught.

by Anne Osezua and Callistus Dike

Breadwinning Mothers, Then and Now by Sarah Jane Glynn

The movement of women out of the home and into the paid labor force has changed the way families live and work today. The role of working mothers as breadwinners has received increased media and scholarly attention since the Center for American Progress first released “The New Breadwinners,” a chapter in 2009’s The Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Changes Everything. Through groundbreaking research, economist Heather Boushey empirically illustrated how women’s labor-force participation has grown dramatically over the past 50 years and that mothers are more likely to provide significant financial support to their families than ever before.

In this report, we update Boushey’s analysis using the most recent data available on the status of working mothers as breadwinners or co-breadwinners. We offer new insights into the demographics of mothers whose earnings help keep their families afloat. We find that the trends first identified in “The New Breadwinners” remain in effect but that breadwinning mothers are not all cut from the same cloth. We compare mothers who are single breadwinners, married breadwinners, married co-breadwinners, and married with no earnings along a number of demographics in order to better understand the patterns and context within which mothers combine wage earning with caregiving. We find notable differences among the groups in terms of family income, race and ethnicity, educational attainment, age, and the age of the youngest child.

Despite these nuances and differences, one striking fact remains: The days of the full-time, stay-at-home mom are long in the past for most families, and there is no indication that patterns will revert back to those of the 1960s. The fact that so many women are economically responsible for themselves and their families shows how far women have come in terms of education, career advancement, and their own economic independence. But we still have a long way to go.

Programs that would provide universal access to workplace policies such as paid sick days and paid family and medical leave would help ensure that working mothers have the necessary tools to support their families economically while still being able to provide care. Passing legislation such as the Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act, or FAMILY Act—which would create a federal paid family and medical leave social insurance program—and the Healthy Families Act—which would guarantee workers the right to accrue paid sick days—would be an important way to begin updating our labor standards for the 21st century.

Understanding who breadwinning mothers are and what their families look like is an important first step to work toward a better future, one in which our policies align with the lives of working families.

Sarah Jane Glynn is Associate Director for Women’s Economic Policy at the Center for American Progress.

IWFI POST CONFERENCE APPRECIATION COCKTAIL

Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.(William Arthur Ward)

Tuesday evening,June 10 Pan-Atlantic University, marked an epoch making event in the history of IWFI. All collaborators, friends and partners of the institute were hosted to an appreciation cocktail. It was to say thank you to everyone.

It is remarkable to know that we have such great people in Nigeria supporting Work and Family Integration which is essential to a healthy and productive society.

Guests include Dean of the Lagos Business School, Dr. Enase Okonedo, MD of CBO Capital Chuka Mordi, Nike Ademiju of Deloitte, Napoleon Esedmudje of Fidelity Bank,Sir Orji Udemezue, a Trainer/Consultant. Others were the team from Nigeria Info, Great places to work, IBM, School of Media and Communication, Owel-Linkso Group, and Etisalat.

by Callistus Dike