reentry’s a bear

unlike most of the world, today’s my first official day back at work. i took an extra day of vacation due to one child’s school closure (go figure). even so, i started feeling reality’s pull as i began weeding my inbox a few days ago.

reentry’s a bear, isn’t it?

to wrest myself from my vacation mindset with minimal pain, i create things to get jazzed about. it’s the only way i suffer reentry and people suffer me.

here’s what i’ve got cookin’:

• the launch of cohealth, a wellness knowledge co-op greg matthews and i’ve developed. i’ll share more details later this week, but here’s the gist: cohealth is for any hr, business, or communication leader with an interest in workplace wellness, even if that interest comes with a healthy dose of skepticism. the choice of “cooperative” is, of course, intentional. like any true cooperative, it’ll be owned and controlled by those involved and will depend on member contributions for its success. greg and i see ourselves as merely facilitators of the exchange.

• final posts in a five-post series on how to provide a customized wellness solution to upwards of 20k employees. the series started when “good” made me feel bad and continued with are you doing too much with your wellness program? and are you and your wellness partners working at cross purposes? the final three posts will answer the following questions:
  • are you making it easy for your employees and their covered family members to find information and get help?
  • are you targeting your message?
  • are you offering a supportive environment?

• new free-ranging conversations, one with michelle walke james about intel’s wellness culture and another with steve boese about technology considerations.

• more contributions to fistful of talent. in december i started writing regularly for this multi-contributor talent blog. a definite 2009 highlight—npr picked up my post on why diversity training doesn’t work; another post shares what we can learn from odd jobs.

• a late march trip to AZ with my sister and her husband for some great hikes, like this one in oregon. we’re figuring out what of the grand canyon we want to and can conquer with our 9- and 11-year-olds—any recommendations are welcome!

throw in a mini vacation in february, and i think i’ll make it.

may you also identify things that jazz you. good luck with your reentry.

f