The proliferation of email, cellphones, laptops, BlackBerrys, pagers and Palm Pilots has changed the meaning of "work."

Many people are now employees around the clock. Responses to email are expected an hour ago. And multi-tasking is a way of life.

Here are some tips for taming "Work-creep":

• "No-email Fridays," to encourage a day of face-to-face conversations.

• "No-meeting Thursdays," to clear time for focused work.

• A concerted effort to cut down on emails and voice mails sent.

• A moment of relaxed breathing before meetings.

• Open discussion about the personal costs of 24/7 demands.

• Taking group stretch breaks.

• Blocking out an hour a day to manage email.

• Ignoring phone and email for an hour each day to focus.

Find more resources and ideas to assist you in developing a strategic, comprehensive approach to organizational health at HealthyWorkplaceWeek.ca.