5-1 Analysis of a Written Work for a First Audience Draft (1)
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Nicole Peluse's “Take A Break”:
A Critical Analysis with Military and Health Care Perspectives
John Utterback Jr.
Southern New Hampshire University
ENG 130: Foundations of Written Communication
Professor Kelly Cutchin
February 5, 2024
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Past generations believed that you could take a break when you were done with your work. Many people work hard, and their work causes them a lot of stress. A variety of benefits can be gained from taking breaks throughout the workday. Increased productivity, better focus and concentration, enhanced creativity, reduced stress, and burnout, as well as better mental and physical health are some of these benefits. It is important to recognize the importance of breaks if individuals are to maintain a more efficient and balanced work life and recharge and rejuvenate. In her article “Take a Break,” Nicole Peluse addresses these issues by focusing on medical field workers who are stressed at work and not being able to relieve stress. Exploring ways to reduce stress and how to recognize the signs of stress, Nicole Peluse presents a convincing argument for work-life balance. She emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between work and personal life, especially in high-stress professions. Examining work-life balance from the perspective of military and healthcare workers, Peluse provides a balanced critique and analysis. She emphasizes the benefits of taking breaks for productivity and mental well-being. She argues that breaks can boost creativity, decrease stress, and enhance performance, challenging the myth that constant work is the key to success. These perspectives reveal the unique challenges and stressors that individuals face in these fields and advocate for personalized strategies to promote balance. Peluse’s argument serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of proactively managing work-induced stress and protecting against burnout. According to Peluse, the most essential thing a human can do is socialize with one another,
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which is known to help reduce stress as it helps distract us from our everyday stressors. (Peluse, 2010)
Peluse advocates for a holistic approach to achieving work-life balance, emphasizing the need to recognize and manage stress in both personal and professional settings. Key strategies for managing work stress, as proposed by Peluse, include regular exercise, realistic management of expectations, and seeking support through resources such as support groups or adult day care for caregivers. According to Peluse, regular physical activity not only improves overall health but also fosters social bonds that go beyond the scope of the exercise itself. Peluse places a significant emphasis on managing one's expectations, highlighting the power of saying no to reduce stress and focusing on activities that offer genuine value. The philosophy advocates for a supportive organizational culture, where leadership plays a critical role in acknowledging stress and providing the necessary resources and support to employees. In Peluse's vision, leadership is not just about setting examples in work ethic but also in demonstrating self-care and healthy stress management techniques to inspire employees. (Peluse, 2010)
The military presents unique challenges to maintaining work-life balance, underscored by
unpredictable deployments, long working hours, and the need for readiness at all times. Nicole Peluse's strategies, such as acknowledging and processing stress, seeking help, and valuing self-
care, hold potential applicability within the military context. However, the structured and disciplined nature of military life may necessitate adaptations of Peluse's strategies to fit the specific needs and constraints of military personnel. For instance, seeking help within the military might involve more formal support systems, such as military chaplains or mental health services rather than civilian-style support groups. Incorporating regular exercise, as Peluse
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suggests, can be naturally aligned with the military's emphasis on physical fitness, potentially enhancing stress management among soldiers. Managing expectations, a key element of Peluse's advice, could pose a challenge in the military's high-stakes environment but could also promote a
healthier approach to stress and obligations. Ultimately, while the direct application of Peluse's strategies may face limitations, their adapted use could foster stronger resilience and work-life balance within the military setting.
Work-life balance issues are notably pervasive within the healthcare industry for those with families, posing significant challenges for professionals who strive to maintain equilibrium between their personal and professional lives. Nicole Peluse's insights into managing stress and acknowledging personal stress levels may be particularly relevant in the high-pressure settings of
healthcare, where the stakes are notably high. One key consideration is the adaptation of Peluse's
stress management strategies, such as encouraging self-care and seeking help, to the unique dynamics and stressors present in healthcare settings. Healthcare professionals might need tailored support groups that specifically address the challenges encountered in their field, thereby
facilitating a more effective stress management approach. Adapting Peluse's recommendations, healthcare facilities could explore offering more flexible work arrangements or implementing wellness programs aimed at reducing occupational stress. The acknowledgment of stress across all levels in healthcare, from administrators to practitioners, and the provision of necessary resources are crucial steps in improving the well-being of those in the healthcare industry.
Peluse's vision for enhancing work-life balance illuminates significant strengths, notably its comprehensive approach to addressing the intricate needs of individuals across high-stress professions. However, an area ripe for improvement within this vision is the need for a more granular, customizable framework that can better adapt to the diverse personal and professional
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landscapes faced by workers. The ability to tailor work-life balance strategies to fit the specific challenges and demands of various careers is critical, recognizing that one size does not fit all in the context of mental health and job satisfaction. In fields where the stakes are high and the hours
long, such as healthcare and the military, embedding flexibility and support into the fabric of the workplace could mark a revolutionary step forward. The conversation around advancing work-
life balance, especially in demanding job sectors, calls for innovative solutions that go beyond traditional perks and benefits. By fostering an environment that prioritizes mental well-being as much as professional achievement, organizations can unlock a new level of productivity and morale among their workforces. Ultimately, Peluse's vision sets a formidable but essential goal for the future of work: creating sustainable careers that not only blossom professionally but also support a thriving personal life.
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References
Nicole Peluse. (June 14, 2010). Take a break. Hudson Valley BUSINESS JOURNAL, 21(24), 12-12.
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