Jamaica Information Service

TW: September 10 is observed as World Suicide Prevention Day. The Government of Jamaica continues to pay close attention to mental health issues and is working to break the stigma towards people with mental health challenges. Suicide usually follows a period of ill mental health. As the world reflects on methods to revent suicides, we are going to share symptoms that could lead to suicide in the workplace. 1) Sudden decline in job performance - If a high-performing worker unexpectedly begins to perform their job poorly, e.g., missed deadlines, frequent tardiness, and careless mistakes, it may indicate suicidal ideation as their struggles with depression have likely eroded their passion for their work and, by extension, their drive to commit it to it. 2) Self-isolation - If a coworker increasingly has a preference for self-isolation or actively shuns and/or declines support for and inclusion in workplace bonding activities in which they used to participate, it could be a sign that they are facing severe mental health challenges. 3) Hopelessness - A coworker may voice feelings of being a burden or express the belief that others would be better off without them and that there is no longer any point to their existence. If you know anyone who is exhibiting these signs or you are experiencing them yourself, we advise you to call (888) 639-5433 to get in touch with a counselor. You are not alone! For continued insight on the dynamics of mental health and the workplace, visit https://lnkd.in/eHyvkHSU. #worldsuicidepreventionday #suicideprevention #suicidepreventionawareness #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #changingthenarrative

Even if your field spells out "STEM,"  it's still important to harness and appreciate the ability to R-E - A - D. Reading comprehension is critical to surviving and thriving in the world of work. Let's explore three ways literacy is valuable to the world of work to recognise Sunday's (September 8) observance of #InternationalLiteracyDay. 1) Navigating an emergency situation - In the event of an emergency, you need to be able to accurately interpret signs and labels to be aware of the appropriate ways to handle relevant equipment, e.g., fire extinguishers, and identify exit or evacuation routes to leave the building in time. 2) Proofreading - Your comprehension skills assist you to identify and correct spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and false or misleading data. Remember that there is a difference between "Let's eat Grandma" and "Let's eat, Grandma." 3) Following instructions - Achieving targets and successful outcomes requires you to follow instructions and the use of your comprehension skills. Your ability to interpret or correctly process maps and written instructions helps to reduce errors and conflicts in the workplace and enhances efficiency, productivity, and profits. #internationalliteracyday #literacy #read #reading #book #books

As we celebrate the anniversary of the birth of renowned late cultural icon, Dr. the Hon. Louise "Miss Lou" Bennett Coverley on September 7, let's look at some of her more frequently quoted sayings, which are useful reminders for the employees. 1) Howdy and tenky bruk nuh square - It costs nothing to be polite. Everyone comes to work with the ultimate goal of supporting themselves, so try to interact with your coworkers and clients in a manner that will not alienate them. At the end of the day, it's easier to catch a fly with honey, not vinegar. 2) Suh cow a grow suh nose hole open - This saying translates to "as a cow grows, his nostril becomes larger," or as you spend more time in the job, the more your knowledge and experience will expand. Use this saying as a confidence booster by reminding yourself that no one in the world of work knows everything; every second on the clock gives you opportunity after opportunity to add to your knowledge and skills set and spruce up your resume. 3) Mawga cow, a bull muma - In other words, a skinny cow is a bull's mother. Do not judge a book by its cover. Not all CEOs wear Rolex watches or drive Rolls Royces. Networking is crucial to navigating the world of work. As such, it's important to note that even a rank-and-file employee may have influence or connections, or a random person who offers you a seat at a conference could turn out to be a diplomat. To learn about the activities planned to honour the national icon's 105th birthday this year, visit https://lnkd.in/d-auG9Ur. #misslou #jamaica

Continuing the focus on the back to school period and to recognise #InternationalDayofCharity which is being observed tomorrow (September 5), we're highlighting how our agency continues to impact the lives of the residents of the Mount Olivet Boys' Home, our main corporate social responsibility project. Last month, our agency donated several items to assist their preparation for the 2024/2025 academic year. How have you and your colleagues been giving back to your community and country? #backtoschool #school #education #charity #givingback #corporatesocialresponsibility

Are you feeling anxious as your child starts the new academic year? Sometimes, the best way to treat anxiety is to arm yourself with information. So, here are a few tips to help you embrace the upcoming year. 1) Remember It's Natural—You're not alone. Many parents can relate to your anxiety and are sharing your feelings. Feeling anxious in this situation does not mean you're not a reliable or capable parent—it means you're human. 2) Meet With Other Parents - You can meet with other parents who can provide you with reassurance and offer advice on other aspects of parenting. Together, you can support each other through the wide range of activities and emotions that accompany the start of the school year. 3) Get In Touch With Professionals - Don't be afraid to contact a professional to address intense and long-lasting feelings of anxiety that disrupt regular activities. Asking for help doesn't mean you're weak; it is a reminder that it truly takes a village to raise a child. For more insight on back-to-school activities, visit https://lnkd.in/e_8JgGxp. #backtoschool #school #education #parent #parents #parenting #parenthood #student #students #workingparent #workingparents #anxiety #parentalanxiety #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthawareness

How can employers back working parents as their children head back to school? Let's go in for a deep dive! 1) Provide Flexible Arrangements - Giving employees the option to choose from different shifts and work from home can offer immense relief to working parents who can easily drop off or pick up their kids or watch over them without missing project deadlines or being late for meetings. 2) Facilitate Easy Access to Available Resources - If you're familiar with extra lessons offered at the school or community centres that provide homework assistance and playgrounds, or if your company offers after-school programmes for employees, advise your employees so they can access help in remaining productive at home and beyond. 3) Promote Open Communication - Create an environment where employees are comfortable with being clear about any challenges or situation that might affect their ability to multi-task, set up an event, or finish a project on time, whether it's a PTA meeting, their child suddenly falling ill, or simply being stuck in traffic because it's OK to ask for help. #backtoschool #school #education #parent #parents #parenting #parenthood #student #students #workingparent #workingparents #workculture

The school year starts in 5.4.3... Teachers, take note of these tips to assess your preparedness: 1) Reflect on the Previous Academic Year - You can either run from the past or learn from it. Make note of all the challenges and achievements of the past year to guide yourself into the making the most of the next term. 2) Be Prepared to Adjust Your Teaching Environment - No one knows what the year may bring so you should brace yourself for the possibility of being required to shift to online or remote modality depending on the circumstances. 3) Take Time to Build Bonds with Students - Getting your students to recognise your authority, consider you a role model, and seek your advice requires patience. Remember that they're likely experiencing other challenges outside of the demands of transitioning back into the academic mode so they probably won't be in the frame of mind to open about their struggles to just anyone. You're just as new to them as they are to you. #backtoschool #school #education #teacher #teachers

Back to school is an ever busy time, especially for working parents. Achieve a solid balance between family and work by using these tips as a guide: 1) Review the School Calendar - To better meet your obligations as a parent and employee with your child's needs we recommend that you go through all the important events and periods in the school beforehand to plan ahead. Whether it's marking the date with a red circle or setting a reminder with your phone, avoid the hassle that comes with letting these events come as a shock. 2) Inform the School Admin About Your Child's Academic/Health Needs - Don't let the school calendar come as a surprise and don't let your child's situation come as a surprise to the school. In lieu of constant calls about your child's habits or health condition, ensure that you equip them with the knowledge necessary to easily accommodate your child in your place while you're at work. 3) Reestablish the Bedtime Routine - Get your kids up and ready for the transition to a new year by setting the school mode into operation with their usual sleep schedule. #backtoschool #school #education #parent #parents #parenting #parenthood #workingparent #workingparents

The new academic year is almost upon us! Are you ready? Start the year on the right foot with this advice: 1) Do a Credits Check - To ensure that you're on track for graduation, take some time to make an appointment with your faculty office. Every second counts. 2) Visit the Career Centre - For key insights on resources available to enhance your professional prospects, seek guidance from the campus' career counselors. 3) Review Your Timetable - Going through your timetable alerts you to courses clashes and enables you to get clarity on how intense your daily schedule will be. #backtoschool #school #education #college #university #jiscollegecorner

#JISThrowback: It's #WorldSeniorCitizensDay! Securing your pension is an important feature of navigating the world after the world of work. It's never too early to plan for your retirement. With that in mind, we'd like to remind you that PM Holness announced a new initiative to support Jamaica's pensioners during his address at the Jamaica Government Pensioners Association's (JGPA) 57th Annual General Meeting on Wednesday (July 17). In his speech, Prime Minister Holness made a significant commitment to the association. He stated that the JGPA executive would now have the authority to recommend two beneficiaries per year for the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP) to extend housing support to the country's retired public servants. To learn more about this initiative, visit https://lnkd.in/gwxwzzxJ.