As The Harvard Happiness study found, social connections are often the most valuable and rewarding aspect of retirement for Verizon employees - Patrick Ray, The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.
As Verizon employees plan for retirement, they must recognize that the wealth of social relationships built at work can provide more emotional fulfillment in retirement than any financial asset - social capital - Michael Corgiat, The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.
In this article we will discuss:
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1. Relationships matter during retirement for Verizon employees.
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2. Best practices for building and maintaining good work relationships.
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3. Findings from the Harvard Happiness study on how relationships influence retirement satisfaction.
Harvard researchers began investigating what makes us joyful in 1938.
Two years apart, the researchers reviewed 724 health records and asked questions about lifestyles across the globe. As participants aged into middle age and old age, the Harvard study raised many retirement-related questions. Their answers revealed the biggest obstacle for retirees is finding work that lasts them longer than social connections.
Retirees miss working but they miss people they worked with.
We worry about finances, health and caregiving in retirement.
But Verizon employees should ask how the best retirees build relationships. But almost nobody discusses the importance of finding new meanings and purposes.One participant told CNBC what he missed about being a physician for nearly 50 years. Another participant, Leo DeMarco, said the same thing: Once retired as a high school teacher, he had difficulty contacting former colleagues again.He said discussing business gives him spiritual food. Teaching young people started my exploratory project.
But hobbies are not sufficient.
Many feel most important at work because we serve colleagues, customers, communities, and sometimes our families too. Verizon employees may relate.Changes at his factory forced Henry Keane into abrupt retirement. So he suddenly had time to himself and energy.He began assisting with the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed furniture restoration and cross-country skiing. Yet something remained lacking.
To get your golden years now, invest in your relationships.
Verizon employees should know that Keane's epiphany not only teaches a lesson about retirement, but work in general: We are so consumed by money and time constraints that we do not appreciate our work relationships until they are gone.
According to a Harvard happiness study covering 85 years, the biggest retirement challenge for Verizon employees that is rarely discussed is finding new social connections and relationships after working years. The study found that retirees do not necessarily miss the work itself but rather the people they worked with. Such is the value of having meaningful relationships throughout one's career and beyond retirement.
Verizon employees should consider the following when developing deeper relationships:
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Who do I like working with and how do they contribute to my success? Am I seeing their worth?
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Which types of relationships do I want more of but am I lacking? But how will they come about?
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Anyone I should know better? But how do I contact them?
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How do I end a disagreement with a coworker?
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Who thinks differently, has a different background, or works in a different field from me? How will they help me?
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Consider what has shaped your daily experience of meaning and purpose. It may therefore be that this influence is net positive. But in any case - can you make a few minor changes?
- Former university administrator Ellen Freund tells CNBC in a 2006 study.
Every workday is part of our individual experience - and the more interpersonal contact enriches it. Work is also existence.Things we as Verizon employees should consider when building positive work relationships:
Intimate relationships with others take time and effort. Yet there are also simple things Verizon employees can do to better communicate with coworkers.
Set your relationship requirements. Know what you expect of others? And can you comprehend what is asked of you? Recognizing these requirements may create stronger relationships.
Develop your interpersonal skills. Relationship health depends on interpersonal competence. Verizon employees can take the Mind Tools assessment of collaboration, communication, and conflict management. The exam also points you to resources to strengthen any weak spots.
Consider your EI. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to understand and process one's own and others' emotions. You will get better at recognizing the emotions and demands of others as your EI increases.
Practice mindful listening. They feel more positive about people who listen carefully to what they say. You will speak less and understand more with mindful listening. You will also build a reputation for reliability.
Set aside time for relationship building. You might take a colleague out for a coffee if possible. Comment on a colleague's LinkedIn post or send a short note asking about their health. These little interactions are necessary for lasting relationships.
Establish your boundaries. Make time - but don't waste it! A work relationship can sometimes impede productivity when a friend or coworker takes over your time. There needs to be boundaries and time management around social interactions at work.
Consider others. Everyone wants to feel appreciated from the manager to the intern. So when others perform well, compliment them. Praise and recognition will build good workplace relationships.
Be optimistic. Keep yourself upbeat. Because positive energy is infectious, people tend to follow those who make them happy.
Avoid gossiping. Occupational politics and gossip sabotage workplace relationships. In a dispute with a group member, contact the member directly. The gossip with other colleagues will only increase distrust and animosity.
Develop and maintain good working relationships that increase interest in your work, your career, and a harmonious work environment. Employ all of the above strategies to build productive working relationships with colleagues / managers / customers / others. Some business relationships will be easier than others. But with thought, time, and effort, these relationships can also be beneficial.
Retirement is like a garden with flowers representing various aspects of our lives. And while the financial blooms are often more prominent - a nest egg or investment return - the social connections we made whilst working go unnoticed. As a garden produces many different and vibrant flowers, so too can our retirement if we take care of our relationships. The Harvard Happiness study finds these social connections - like petals on a flower - are the top retirement challenge for Verizon employees. The colors they add bring color, joy, and purpose to our golden years. Just as a gardener spends time and care on his or her garden, so must Verizon employees invest in their relationships with intention and cherish the bonds that make retirement enjoyable and fulfilling.
Articles you may find interesting:
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
- Corporate Employees: 8 Factors When Choosing a Mutual Fund
- Use of Escrow Accounts: Divorce
- Medicare Open Enrollment for Corporate Employees: Cost Changes in 2024!
- Stages of Retirement for Corporate Employees
- 7 Things to Consider Before Leaving Your Company
- How Are Workers Impacted by Inflation & Rising Interest Rates?
- Lump-Sum vs Annuity and Rising Interest Rates
- Internal Revenue Code Section 409A (Governing Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plans)
- Corporate Employees: Do NOT Believe These 6 Retirement Myths!
- 401K, Social Security, Pension – How to Maximize Your Options
- Have You Looked at Your 401(k) Plan Recently?
- 11 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Planning for Retirement
- Worst Month of Layoffs In Over a Year!
Sources:
1. Mineo, Liz. 'Over Nearly 80 Years, Harvard Study Has Been Showing How to Live a Healthy and Happy Life.' Harvard Gazette , 11 Apr. 2017, news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2017/04/over-nearly-80-years-harvard-study-has-been-showing-how-to-live-a-healthy-and-happy-life .
2. Mineo, Liz. 'Work Out Daily? OK, but How Socially Fit Are You?' Harvard Gazette , 10 Feb. 2023, news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2023/02/work-out-daily-ok-but-how-socially-fit-are-you .
3. Liebergall, Molly. 'Author Talks: The World’s Longest Study of Adult Development Finds the Key to Happy Living.' McKinsey & Company , 16 Feb. 2023, mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-on-books/author-talks-the-worlds-longest-study-of-adult-development-finds-the-key-to-happy-living .
4. Broom, Douglas. 'Scientists Have Found the Key to a Healthy, Happy Life: Our Relationships.' World Economic Forum , 22 Aug. 2023, weforum.org/stories/2023/08/relationships-basis-long-healthy-life .
5. Kram, Kathy E. 'How Will My Relationships Change in Retirement?' WorkTies , 4 Nov. 2024, workties.org/post/how-will-my-relationships-change-in-retirement .
How does the Verizon Pension Plan facilitate retirement income for long-term employees, and what specific benefits can employees expect when enrolling in the retirement program provided by Verizon? What unique features does the Verizon Pension Plan offer compared to other retirement plans an employee might have encountered, and how can employees maximize the benefits of these features throughout their career at Verizon?
Verizon Pension Plan Benefits: Verizon's Pension Plan offers substantial benefits aimed at facilitating a secure retirement for long-term employees. Upon enrolling in the retirement program, employees can expect defined benefits that are based on their salary and years of service, ensuring a predictable and stable income after retirement. Unique to Verizon, compared to some other plans, may include options for early retirement under certain conditions and a choice between annuity payments or a lump-sum distribution upon retirement. Employees can maximize these features by planning for long-term service and considering their retirement income needs early in their careers.
In what ways can employees at Verizon strategize their rollover decisions when transitioning from the Verizon Pension Plan to other retirement savings plans upon leaving the company? What factors should be considered by Verizon employees to ensure they are making informed choices regarding rolling over funds to a traditional IRA or another qualified employer plan?
Rollover Strategies: When transitioning from the Verizon Pension Plan to other retirement savings options upon leaving the company, employees should strategize their rollover decisions carefully. Factors to consider include the tax implications, the investment options available in the rollover destination, and the timing of the transfer to avoid penalties. Verizon employees should evaluate the benefits of rolling over to a traditional IRA or another employer's plan, considering their future financial needs and retirement goals.
What are the implications of the recent IRS limits for 2024 concerning contributions to retirement plans for Verizon employees, and how does Verizon align its offerings with these federal regulations? Additionally, how can Verizon employees best take advantage of these limits to enhance their retirement savings while adhering to tax regulations?
IRS Contribution Limits: The implications of IRS limits for 2024 are critical for Verizon employees as these limits dictate how much can be contributed tax-deferred into retirement plans. Verizon aligns its offerings with these federal regulations by adjusting contribution limits in their plans accordingly. Employees are encouraged to maximize their contributions to take full advantage of tax-deferred growth, especially when IRS limits increase, thereby enhancing their retirement savings while adhering to tax regulations.
How does the special tax treatment for lump sum distributions from the Verizon Pension Plan affect employees who receive their benefits early or have specific circumstances, such as being born before 1936? What options do these employees have to manage their tax burden effectively, and how can they best navigate these complicated rules while planning for their retirement?
Tax Treatment of Lump Sum Distributions: The special tax treatment for lump sum distributions from the Verizon Pension Plan can significantly affect employees who opt to receive their benefits early or under specific circumstances like being born before 1936. These employees have options to manage their tax burden effectively by opting for ten-year averaging or capital gain treatment on eligible distributions, allowing for a potentially lower tax rate on their pension benefits.
For surviving spouses and alternate payees of Verizon employees, what are the specific benefits available under the Verizon Pension Plan? How do these benefits compare to those available to employees, and what steps must surviving spouses or alternate payees take to ensure they receive their entitled benefits without delays or complications?
Benefits for Surviving Spouses and Alternate Payees: For surviving spouses and alternate payees, the Verizon Pension Plan offers benefits similar to those available to employees, such as annuity payments or lump-sum options. These beneficiaries must take certain steps to ensure they receive their benefits without delays, such as providing necessary documentation and adhering to plan rules. The plan details and processes for claiming benefits should be clearly understood to avoid complications.
How can Verizon employees utilize the resources available through the Verizon Benefits Center to better understand and manage their retirement benefits? What specific tools and services does the Benefits Center provide, and how can these resources assist employees in making informed decisions regarding their pension plan options?
Utilizing Resources at the Verizon Benefits Center: Verizon employees can utilize various tools and services provided by the Verizon Benefits Center to manage and understand their retirement benefits. The Benefits Center offers personalized consultations, detailed plan documentation, and tools for estimating pension benefits and planning retirement income, assisting employees in making informed decisions about their pension plan options.
What challenges might Verizon employees face regarding eligibility and tax withholding when receiving their pension payments, and how can they mitigate these issues? It's crucial for employees to understand the mechanics of eligibility regarding rollovers and payment processing; what key pieces of information should they be aware of to avoid unexpected taxes?
Challenges in Eligibility and Tax Withholding: Verizon employees might face challenges regarding eligibility and tax withholding when receiving pension payments. Understanding the plan's criteria for eligibility, the implications of rollovers, and the impact of mandatory withholding on distributions is crucial. Employees can mitigate these issues by consulting with the Verizon Benefits Center or a tax advisor to ensure compliance and avoid unexpected taxes.
What is the process for Verizon employees wishing to initiate a direct rollover from the Verizon Pension Plan, and what documentation will they need to prepare? Can employees receive assistance from the Verizon Benefits Center during this process, and how does using a direct rollover benefit them compared to other forms of payment?
Direct Rollover Process: The process for initiating a direct rollover involves deciding the destination of the rollover (traditional IRA or another employer plan), completing necessary documentation, and potentially seeking assistance from the Verizon Benefits Center. A direct rollover helps in avoiding immediate taxes and maintaining the tax-deferred status of retirement savings.
In terms of retirement preparedness, how does the pension plan at Verizon accommodate employees’ needs for financial security in their senior years? What additional education or resources does Verizon provide to assure that employees fully understand their retirement options and the importance of planning ahead?
Retirement Preparedness: Verizon's pension plan is designed to accommodate the financial security needs of employees in their senior years. In addition to the pension benefits, Verizon provides educational resources and planning tools to ensure employees understand their retirement options and the importance of early and consistent retirement planning.
How can employees reach out to the Verizon Benefits Center for further information about the pension plan and other retirement benefits? What specific contact methods are available to employees, and how can these interactions enhance their understanding and management of retirement benefits provided by Verizon?
Contacting the Verizon Benefits Center: Verizon employees seeking more information about their pension plan and other retirement benefits can reach out to the Verizon Benefits Center through various contact methods such as phone, email, or online portals. These interactions are crucial for enhancing understanding and effective management of retirement benefits, ensuring employees make the most of the benefits available to them.
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