Co-op Focus Group Topic
Winter 2026
Self-Management / Wellness
Why it matters: Balancing stress, managing interruptions, and maintaining wellness are critical for long-term success in placements and beyond. Self-management skills help students stay organized, resilient, and healthy.
Ep 107: Deborah Mendes on Health and Wellness in the Workplace (44 minutes to listen | or read)
Discussion Questions
Personal Reflection & Experience
- Think back to your work term: When did you feel most overloaded or stretched thin? What cues helped you realize you were reaching your limit?
- Deborah Mendes talks about “micro‑awareness pauses.” Have you ever used a strategy like this—consciously or unconsciously—during a busy day? What impact did it have?
- How do you typically respond when you’re interrupted or pulled in multiple directions? What did you learn about yourself in those moments?
- Describe one situation where self‑management (time, energy, boundaries) went really well for you. What enabled that success?
- What’s one challenge you didn’t anticipate in managing your own workflow during the co‑op?
Managing Interruptions & Workplace Dynamics
- The podcast discusses handling interruptions with both assertiveness and empathy. How might you politely hold a boundary without harming the relationship?
- When is it appropriate to say “not right now,” and what language can make that feel professional rather than dismissive?
- How does your approach differ when the interruption is from a peer versus a supervisor?
- How can increased self‑awareness help you recognize whether an interruption truly needs immediate attention or can be deferred?
- What role does workplace culture play in your ability to manage interruptions effectively?
Application to Professional Growth & Wellness
- Early‑career burnout can happen quickly. What are the early signs you should look for in yourself?
- Self‑management is both a personal and professional skill. How could you practice it now so it becomes second nature in future roles?
- How might you balance being a “team player” with protecting your own capacity?
- Imagine you're returning as a senior co‑op student. How would you model healthy self‑management for new team members?
- How do resilience and adaptability help you maintain wellness when workplace pressures increase?