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Spring Cleaning for Relationships
As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, spring marks a season of renewal and growth. It's a time for clearing out clutter, both physical and emotional, and this includes tidying up the relationships in our lives. Just as we declutter our homes, it's essential to engage in some "spring cleaning" for our relationships, particularly when it comes to managing conflicts that can affect our mental health.
Conflict is an inevitable part of any relationship, whether it's with a partner, family member, friend, or colleague. How we handle conflict can significantly impact our mental well-being. Unresolved conflicts can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression if left unchecked. However, navigating conflicts effectively can strengthen relationships and promote emotional resilience. Here are some strategies for spring cleaning your relationships and managing conflict for better mental health:
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Communication is Key: Effective communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship. Be open, honest, and respectful when expressing your thoughts and feelings. Avoid bottling up emotions or resorting to passive-aggressive behavior, as this can escalate conflicts.
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Practice Active Listening: Truly listening to the other person's perspective is crucial for resolving conflicts. Practice active listening by giving your full attention, summarizing what you've heard, and asking clarifying questions. This demonstrates empathy and shows that you value their viewpoint.
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Choose Your Battles Wisely: Not every disagreement needs to turn into a full-blown conflict. Learn to differentiate between minor annoyances and issues that genuinely matter to you. Focus on addressing the most significant concerns while letting go of smaller grievances.
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Seek Compromise: Conflict resolution often involves finding a middle ground where both parties feel heard and respected. Be willing to compromise and negotiate solutions that are acceptable to everyone involved. Remember that it's okay to agree to disagree on certain points.
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Take Time for Self-Care: Dealing with conflict can be emotionally draining, so it's essential to prioritize self-care during these times. Engage in activities that help you relax and recharge, whether it's exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, or pursuing hobbies.
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Consider Professional Help: In some cases, resolving conflicts may require outside assistance. Don't hesitate to seek the guidance of a therapist or counselor who can provide objective support and teach valuable communication skills.
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Set boundaries and Enforce Them: Communicate your needs, expressing what you're comfortable with, and asserting your limits regarding topics like personal space, time commitments, and communication preferences.
Take the FREE Conflict Resolution for Everyone Training: Come learn basic conflict management skills that anyone can use to help resolve problems in everyday life.
 In May, we participated in one in-person career fair! We hired a total of 6 full-time employees and had 1 promotion.
Please help welcome our new staff to TEAM AUBURN!
We are currently recruiting for 6 full-time benefited positions. Please share these opportunities with your family and friends so they can be a part of Team Auburn.
 We are hosting our 2nd annual formal internship program from June 17, 2024 to August 23, 2024!
 MultiCare is pleased to announce that we have reached a new agreement with Premera Blue Cross. This agreement ensures that all MultiCare hospitals, facilities, and providers will remain in-network for patients with Premera commercial, Individual Exchange Plan and Medicare Advantage products.
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Training Opportunities
 June Required Compliance Training
Employees identified based on position will be enrolled in Bloodborne Pathogens training through NeoGov. This is a 45-minute required training that you can access from your NeoGov dashboard in the Tasks Section. Please reach out to Human Resources with any questions.
Overdue Compliance Trainings
Thank you to everyone that has been taking their assigned trainings! We are making progress but still have over 400 overdue compliance trainings or policy acknowledgments in NeoGov, so please login to your account and complete your activities.
Upcoming training sessions for June! Click on the training title to see the training description and to register.
Are you still using a 50-pound lifting limit to keep workers safe?
It’s not just how heavy the item is, but where it’s lifted from. If you have to lift, keep your hands in the green area shown here.
To see how much the chance of injury changes when lifting from different heights, check out our Lift Height Tool
 DCP Roth and Roth IRA – What’s the difference?
Washington’s Deferred Compensation Program (DCP) offers a Roth option in addition to the traditional pretax option many customers contribute to. Here we’ll take a look at questions you’ve asked about the newer Roth option, especially in comparison to a Roth IRA.
The basics of retiring with DRS
Once you’ve reached the required age and years of service for your plan, you can apply for your pension retirement through DRS. Review the basic steps and recommended resources to guide you through the retirement process.
How pensions are guaranteed in Washington State
Did you know not all states manage pensions the same way?
Washington State is 94% on track to meet the funding goals of pension plans. That rate is one of the highest in the country.
Your pension is a guarantee.
On a recent podcast episode, Mitch from the Office of the State Actuary explains how pensions are funded in Washington to meet that guarantee.
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Come celebrate Juneteenth with the City of Auburn, hosted by the Mayor’s Office of Equity. This federal holiday commemorates the end of slavery and liberation of Black people in the United States. This is a perfect event for the whole family to enjoy.
Come participate in community fellowship, support local small businesses, and learn from community leaders. Enjoy amazing local artists and musicians and lots of free activities for kids of all ages. The newest addition to the celebration will be a Juneteenth historical exhibit by our local Auburn School District high school students.
Les Gove Park, 910 9th St SE Auburn | 10:00am - 3:00pm
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 The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) launched a new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website that is specifically designed for people living in Washington state. 988 is the nationwide, three-digit dialing code that connects anyone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis with a trained counselor. The 988 Lifeline is free, confidential, and available 24/7/365 via phone call, text, or online chat. DOH’s new website is part of the state’s larger 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Awareness Campaign and is designed to build upon and complement the existing national 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline website.
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BENEFITS SECTION
As a reminder, you may need to submit documentation to substantiate claims made using your VEBA card to prevent your card from temporarily being suspended. To find out if you have any claims that need to be substantiated, login to your BPAS account. You can also view the information guide for more information on what’s covered, how to access your online account, adding dependents, and more!
 Financial Planning Education Program
Financial planning services are available to ALL participants and offer an opportunity to help meet employees' education needs as they journey to
-and- through retirement.
Get To Know Your Retirement Plan
Starting to save early, saving a regular amount consistently, and investing those savings wisely can contribute significantly to your retirement security and independence.
Get answers to these common questions:
- Why save now?
- Will Social Security be there for me when I retire?
- What benefits does my employer plan offer?
- What should I consider when estimating retirement expenses?
- How can MissionSquare Retirement help?
Enroll today!
Enrolling in your employer's retirement plan is the first action you should take on the road to a secure retirement. Once you enroll, you can contribute automatically, setting aside a little from each paycheck to start building your retirement savings. Log in to your plan's website to enroll today.
Let's Connect
Sonia Rogers
Retirement Plans Specialist
202-759-7143 SORogers@missionsq.org
www.missionsq.org
Click here to access the City of Auburn MissionSquare webpage!
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WELLNESS SECTION
UPCOMING WELLNESS ACTIVITIES QTR 2, 2024
 Team Trivia Competition (old format!)
Wednesday, June 5th
Council Chambers
SIGN UP FOR TEAM TRIVIA TODAY!
Sit2Fit Challenge is back...Summer Edition!
Click image to open larger
 Sign ups will start in June!
Tournament will run in July & August
More info to follow soon…
Auburn Family Feud is coming back…
Look for additional information to come out soon!
The goal of the book club is to provide a social atmosphere where employees can share and discuss opinions, thoughts, and ideas about a chosen book. It’s free to join and open to all City of Auburn employees!
For more information, CLICK HERE!
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