June 15, 1998 - Pearson Education



Course: Principles of Management

Topic: Motivation Theories—Positive Energy and Full Engagement

Title: 13 Ways to Boost Workplace Energy

Link:

Length: 5:25

Air Date: July 3, 2012

Source: ABC Good Morning America

Synopsis: ABC’s Becky Worley and Reader’s Digest editor Liz Vaccariello discuss several ways to change your thinking about wellness at home and at work. Studies show the way you organize your life, when you drink caffeine, and how well you sleep can impact your energy and productivity levels.

Classroom Application: Instructors will find this video helpful when discussing the new motivational theory of positive energy and full engagement. All discussion questions apply.

Instructors may wish to engage students in discussion of their thoughts on motivational theories and workplace productivity. Do you think individuals are motivated by unmet needs or are they already activated by their own physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs? Is it really all about energy recovery? Can the same theory motivate both employees and athletes to perform?

Discussion Questions:

1. ABC’s Becky Worley suggested adding physical activities to your workday to boost your energy. What were they?

Answer: ABC’s Becky Worley said the best way to boost your energy for the workday afternoon was to take a 20-minute walk immediately after eating lunch. She also said that the more you can stand or walk during the workday, the higher your energy and productivity levels will be.

If you are unable to walk around the office and must sit for long periods of time at your desk, she suggest you mind the 20/20/20 rule—look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. While doing so, stretch your shoulders, wrists, and back. An application called “Workrave” can deliver a reminder to do so.

   

2. What tips did Reader’s Digest editor Linda Vaccariello provide to improve energy during your daily commute?

Answer: Reader’s Digest editor Linda Vaccariello says that, since commuting often saps energy, you should avoid it whenever possible. If you must commute, she suggests cleaning your car and turning off your cell phone to eliminate distractions. Further, she suggests playing soothing music. Three songs that have been scientifically proven to soothe the listener are Coldplay’s “Yellow,” Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.”

   

3. What can you do to help yourself get a more recuperative sleep?

Answer: Reader’s Digest editor Linda Vaccariello made several suggestions. First, when going to bed, pull your shades only halfway down. When the sun rises, your melatonin levels will fall and your adrenaline levels will rise, so you are chemically waking up before you physically awake. Second, turn off your PDA or tablet 15 minutes before bed. The bright light can stimulate your brain. Third, wear socks to bed. Sleep labs have shown that socks improve the circulation to your extremities so your body stays cool. Fourth, avoid new smells. If the smell is new to your brain, it can keep your brain vigilant. Finally, set your alarm to sound 15 minutes before you must awake. This will give you time to rise slowly and mentally prepare for your day.

Quiz:

1. When is the perfect time to have your first cup of coffee?

a. 7 a.m.

b. 8 a.m.

c. 9 a.m.

d. 10 a.m.

Answer: d

Explanation: Caffeine takes 45 minutes to enter your system, so having a first cup at 10 a.m. means that you will be productive from 10:45 a.m. until lunch.

2. What is the best way to boost your energy for the workday afternoon?

a. Take a 20-minute walk immediately after you eat.

b. Take a 20-minute nap at 2 p.m.

c. Turn off your computer monitor for 20 minutes.

d. Meditate for 20 minutes.

Answer: a

Explanation: Taking a 20-minute walk immediately after eating lunch will give you enough energy to be productive until quitting time.

3. Linda Vaccariello from Reader’s Digest made several recommendations about how to keep your commute from sapping your energy. Which of the following was NOT one of them?

a. Avoid commuting if at all possible.

b. Clean your car.

c. Fill your car with the scent of oranges.

d. Turn off your phone.

Answer: c

Explanation: To keep your commute from sapping your energy, Vaccariello recommends that you avoid the commute if at all possible. If not, cleaning your car and turning off your phone will rid you of distractions.

4. What song has been scientifically proven to soothe the listener?

a. “Over the Rainbow” by Judy Garland

b. “Yellow” by Coldplay

c. “Symphony No. 9” by Beethoven

d. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen

Answer: b

Explanation: Three songs have been scientifically proven to soothe the listener: Coldplay’s “Yellow,” Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons,” and Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.”

5. Which of the following was NOT one of Vaccariello’s recommendations for a better night’s sleep?

a. Go to bed with your shades halfway open.

b. Turn off your PDA or tablet 15 minutes before you go to bed.

c. Wear socks to bed.

d. Welcome aromatherapy and try new scents before bed.

Answer: d

Explanation: Linda Vaccariello from Reader’s Digest says that you should avoid new smells before bedtime. If the scent is new to your brain, it can keep your brain vigilant and impede sleep.

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