The Connection of Well-Being
Becky Bosco, Senior Director of Corporate Communications, Optica
At Optica, we know that ensuring our optics community thrives depends on all of us staying emotionally, financially, mentally, and physically healthy. For many, the month of August offers an opportunity for some time off and out of the office. The chance to take a break from email, connect with family, friends and nature – and prioritize personal well-being—is important at all career levels. As you reflect on how to connect with yourself and others in our community, Optica has resources to help, whether you are an early-career researcher, new manager, or a seasoned lab leader.
Creating a support system
Can you remember the feeling of just graduating from college and being excited for your first job or acceptance to a Ph.D. program? Pure joy! At the time, you likely only thought about all of the possibilities ahead. If you're a recent graduate starting your career and chasing those possibilities, think about ensuring you have the right support system, through friends or collaborators, as you transition from student to professional. Find a small group of mentors to support you through this process (search Optica database of members with similar research areas). Many members have been where you are and would enjoy sharing what they have learned throughout their careers.
The power of the pack
Building a team to support your research or product development can be an opportunity to do great work with other passionate, like-minded collaborators. A growing team also means added responsibility and time away from your own work. If you're a newly minted people manager, consider how these added responsibilities may require a new approach to your day-to-day work. These opportunities often come during personal transitions– relocation, buying a house, getting married or starting a family. Personal life decisions coupled with new professional responsibilities are a lot to tackle! Thankfully, you have cultivated your pack of friends, collaborators, and mentors to support you. Optica offers several on-demand videos through our Advancing Mid-managers Summit if you are looking to enhance your skill set as you take on new challenges.
Confidence and passion – pass it on
With years of experience behind you– as a leader of a lab, business unit, company or university– you now have the role of influencer. The energy you bring to work daily sets the tone for your team and impacts every member, from interns to your core leadership team. I encourage you to learn more about well-being at work and supporting employees' physical, emotional and mental health. It may be a good time to have a conversation with your team about small changes that could be made to support post-pandemic work environments. Your team will thank you for the investment in their success.
Your support system may change in many ways as you progress in your career, but we all need personal connections to thrive. Positive relationships with people you work with every day will result in you feeling happier, more engaged and productive. The Optica community is a one of great connections and collaboration. This month is an opportune time to connect and thank those who have supported you. Be safe. Be well. Enjoy your August!
