Volume 2, Issue 8 - August 2007
I've just returned from a great vacation, and that means I'm newly reminded of how important it is to step away from work to get recharged and find a
fresh perspective. A lot of us in the states have a problem with that, as you probably know.
With an average of 14 days a year, Americans get fewer days off than most folks in Europe, where the averages are 24 days in the UK, 26 in
Germany, 30 in Spain and 36 in France. Despite that, most Americans don't take all the vacation they have coming to them. It's a cultural thing, driven by fears about job security or just a push for more productivity. One study found that
one in five women only take time off once every six years. We're a nation of workaholics!
It's not good for us either. There are lots of studies that link this kind of hyper-focus on the job to various health problems. Overwork can
be a cause of heart attack, stroke, memory loss and depression. So do yourself a favor and plan some time away. If you're out of practice, take a look at this slide show from the last issue of Forbes: "Ten Healthy Reasons to Take a Vacation."
Until next time!
Linda Magnusson-Rosario, CEO
IT & Innovation
CIO recently announced the results of its 20th annual CIO 100, the top 100 companies who've embraced IT innovation as a tool for transformation. The winning CIOs helped create an environment that could
foster new ideas and creative solutions. See how your IT organization measures up. Take the quiz.
Next Generation Business Intelligence
Business Intelligence continues to be one of the top investment priorities for CIOs, but there's a shift in focus from complex tools for a few users to more flexible, affordable and
accessible tools for a larger audience. Read the article.
Feds Push for Greener IT
In a report issued to Congress this month, the EPA called on IT managers to adopt best practices for managing power usage, install new energy-saving technologies and make going green a priority. Read
the article.
Rowing for the Team
Each month, we like to say something about what people are doing off the job, because we have some very interesting folks in the InSys family. Take Mary Stober -- she works as a Project Manager in the
Training group at Bristol-Myers Squibb, where she's developing programs to support BMS's global clinical development, analysis and reporting efforts. When she's not on the job, she's into rowing.
Mary was looking to connect with
her new community after relocating to Lawrenceville in 2004. She came across a "learn to row" ad in the local paper, and that introduced her to the Carnegie Lake Rowing Association.
After going through a 12-week training program, meeting folks of all ages and sizes, she became a regular member. She participates in practice rows two to three times a week, and has won a couple of medals in rowing competitions.
"After spending five years working mostly from home," says Mary, "it was great to connect with other people in a non-virtual way." Plus, she appreciates the sense of responsibility to the crew, and the importance of
being in sync. "You can be rowing as hard as you want, but if you're not rowing together, the boat just doesn't move. It's a great metaphor for all kinds of working situations." If you're interested, Mary's association is
accepting applications for the next learn-to-row program, which starts in September.
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