Working hours may be much longer than they were before, and not everyone has sufficient time for rest or exercise. Information overload is affecting every organisation, and members also have to cope with policy changes and pressures for re-organisation for better economy or efficiency. Family and acquaintances of members might have also been vulnerable to economic pressure, and this directly or indirectly may induce worries, anxiety or even emotional fluctuation in these members.

In face of such changes, the following can be considered:

(a) Take a collaborative attitude towards organisational changes, rather than trying to pass on responsibilities;

(b) Allow ample time as far as possible for members to understand and 'digest' changes in policies. Questions and queries should be positively encouraged;

(c) Policy changes can be viewed as some kind of new hardware. For this to run smoothly, a good set of user-friendly software is essential. The software includes an explanation of the background, mutual respect, an ability to understand and a readiness to listen to feedback;

(d) Understand that officers who are going to execute policies are line managers and frontline officers handling the public. They will also need time to appreciate and adapt;

(e) Organise suitable breaks, sports or recreational activities for the team. They also need a break;

(f) The economy affects everybody including the families of officers. Take more time to show concern to them when they are faced with difficulties.

Let's join our hands and devote ourselves to creating a harmonious and rewarding workplace, to meet the challenges in a changing society and organisation.

Mood Management Seminar

Mood disorder is increasingly common in urban living. Prevention is better than treatment and understanding the relationship between stress and emotion is essential to maintain good emotional health. In view of this, the Psychological Services Group will hold a seminar on "Mood Management in Everyday Living" for all Force members.

Date: Saturday, April 26 between 10 am and 12 noon. Place: Auditorium, 5/F of CSTDI. Speaker: Dr Sing Lee. Maximum Number in Audience: 160. Language: The seminar will be conducted in Cantonese. Registration: Please contact Ms Kan at 2735-5308; by fax: (2735-7236), or by PEN (psg-kln-gr@police.gov.hk).

The speaker, Dr Sing Lee, is currently the Professor of Psychiatry Department of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. He is a lecturer with the Department of Social Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He is also the Director of the Hong Kong Mood Disorders Center and of the Hong Kong Eating Disorders Center.

Advanced Stress Management Workshop -
Management of Emotions

We have all had to live with our emotions since birth. But different people react with a different set of emotions in face of the same situation. Please consider the well-known example of the half-filled glass. One thirsty man thinks: "Too bad, only half is left". He feels sad, worried about having no more water to drink, and may start to blame someone else for the situation. Another thirsty man, however, may be grateful, and rejoice: "Thank God, half is still left". This example demonstrates very clearly that our emotions are closely linked to our thoughts and behaviour. If our thinking pattern is habitually pessimistic or distorted, you are more likely to experience negative emotions in your everyday life.

PSG will organise a workshop on "Management of Emotions" to help participants to gain an awareness of the relationship between their own thoughts and emotions, and to learn a set of skills to manage their negative emotions.

Date: Saturday, May 17 from 9 am to 5 pm. Venue: Hong Kong Office, PSG 5/F, 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. Participants: 20 (first-come-first-served). Registration: Contact PSG at 2866-6207.