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The Skinny

Brb, daydreaming.

Posted on Saturday, August 28

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Weekly Skinny

Let’s start off on the right foot

“You don't always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go, and see what happens.”–Mandy Hale


 

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The skinny

Staffing shortages are costing U.S. businesses more than $60 billion a month in lost sales.

What’s the deal?

Well, to put it frankly, it’s a game of musical chairs where workers are finding a better seat. With 10.07 million job openings in June, there are a lot of freaking chairs to choose from.  

But, where have all the workers gone?

Great question. While businesses have been hiring at break-neck pace, adding more than 1.8 million workers in June and July, there are millions of people who were working before the pandemic that are saying, “Um, maybe not.”  

So, are they just living in cool airstreams traveling the world?!

Perhaps. No doubt the pandemic lead to many moments of people looking in the mirror and asking, “Who am I?” But you should feel happy to know that many economists aren’t that worried about the current labor shortage.  

Easy for them to say.

Sure. Despite many companies not being able to fill orders or take on more events (like weddings) due to labor shortages, many economists think that this churn is “totes cool, bros.” In fact, they think that once these workers on the sidelines find the perfect fit, they will be more productive and satisfied in their jobs than before.  

Hello, inflation called, and it wants its money back.

You aren’t wrong there. The competition among employers has been stellar for workers’ wallets, as average wages have risen (a real W, if you ask me). But many employers are passing that cost to consumers.  

Say what?

It’s true. But, more good news is, many consumers don’t mind paying an extra dollar for their burritos.

Just don’t burn my burrito.

Your burrito is safe with me. But since you mentioned the burn…you know where this is going.  

Burnout?

Right now, employees are doing more, more, more. And the effects of burnout cannot be ignored. But forecasters have been counting on some relief this fall when supplemental unemployment benefits run out and kids go back to school. So, not all is lost. Yet.  

Ominous much?

Well, we all need to take off the COVID-colored glasses and be real about the affect the new Delta variant will have on hiring. Especially when it comes to schools.  

But schools are back in session.

Yes. Many are. But if they can’t stay open because of Delta outbreaks, many caretakers will not be able to rejoin the workforce. **Hint hint: Childcare benefits could be the spice in your pumpkin spice latte this fall.  

Date with data: Nearly 2/3 workers say they are looking for a new job and that more money was the top reason for quitting their old jobs.  

Double date: Wages in the hospitality sector are 10% higher from last July.

Further reading: Employers and workers have different recruiting and retention initiatives in mind.

Totes quotes: "Staffing levels are not what they were. So, if it takes a little bit longer to get something, there's a good reason behind it. It's not just people being lazy and not doing their job." –Anne Boninsegna, co-owner of The Kitchen


 

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The skinny

New survey finds that 98% of HR leaders say the pandemic has transformed their role, and that might not be a good thing.

Why not?

Bottom line, stress. HR leaders say that the pandemic transformed their role alright, but also that these have been the most challenging years of their careers. Being the gatekeepers and information hubs for their organizations has taken a real troll toll.

A real roller coaster.

Worse. A lonely roller coaster. Being in charge of layoffs is bad enough, but then the employees who had to shoulder more work also come to HR for support. Leaving HR as the proverbial boy with the finger in the dam.  

This is getting ugly.

The dam is bursting. There is simply too much work for HR (and others) to step away and take time off.  

Isn’t that a cultural issue?

Well sure. Being at an organization that doesn’t encourage taking time off is a problem. But that’s not what’s happening here.  

What’s happening?

Short-staffed organizations simply can’t spare anyone stepping away. So, it doesn’t really matter if an organization has a saucy time off policy if everyone is needed bailing water in the sinking ship.

Heave, ho?

Taking initiative, I see. But therein, lies the problem. HR is tasked with being a strategic partner to the C-suite to initiate business strategy and new policies. But that doesn’t make it easy for HR workers to be the messengers between employees on the ground struggling through the health crisis, and leaders at the top making decisions about how, where, and when people work.  

Not easy, but necessary.

Yes. The pandemic has truly revealed that HR departments are simply irreplaceable. But leaders need to grab a bucket and start bailing alongside their HR comrades. That, and encouraging (and potentially forcing) HR to take their own advice when it comes to accessing mental health benefits.  

What do you mean “force?”

Well, great example, Nike is closing all global offices for an entire week. No one is allowed in the office, which creates a safe space for everyone to take time away, guilt-free. At the end of the day, leadership needs to recognize HR is hurting and something, at the end of the day, has to give.  

Totes quotes: “Now, HR professionals really need to lean into taking care of themselves. They need to make sure they’re taking advantage of the benefits they’re working to shape for their employees. The benefits they’ve built are more important than ever as we go into the next couple of months in particular.” –Alison Stevens, director of HR services at Paychex

Further reading: Vacation days don’t always alleviate burnout. But mandatory time off might.  

For you: Something soothing, ASMR style.


 

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The skinny

Letting your mind wander is actually good for focusing and deep work.

What was that?

Focus! As you have demonstrated, staying focused can be a challenge at the best of times. But with everything going on in the world, concentrating can seem almost impossible.  

Brb, multitasking.

No, that’s bad. Every activity we do uses a different set of cognitive resources. Checking email = cognitive resource, Zoom meeting = cognitive resource, reading a report = cognitive resource. If you do all of these at the same time, your cognitive energy tank is going to be empty.

Just need to focus more.

Actually, wrong again. Overfocusing can also burn brain fuel like a 1971 Mustang. The key here is to unfocus.

Unfocus?

Yes. The brain does its best work when it’s allowed to toggle between focus and unfocus.  

Toggle me.

Ok first, you seem to like schedules, so be sure to build breaks into your day and allow your mind to travel into the “default mode network” for a bit of freestyle riffing. This is where the magic happens.

Abracadabra?

Daydreaming is actually the magic word. Try turning your attention inward, travel in your mind to someplace enjoyable. Close your eyes.

Ok, closed.

Now imagine you’re walking through a sun dappled forest. Deep green leaves above you and soft, squishy grass below you. A bird chirps in one of the trees and the sun warms your arms (don’t worry you have sunscreen on.) 

Lovely.

Now, explore this imaginary place for 20 minutes. Pairing a daydream with some form of low-key activity is best. Like walking, gardening, or knitting. Doing this, especially when working on a hard project, will help open the minds “default mode network.” This can help clear the cobwebs and reveal some new/hidden creative ideas.  

Dreamy.

It is. But just remember, before you dive into your daydream, block any and all interruptions. Turn off your phone, mute your emails, and close your door to outside distractions. This will allow your brain to fully let go to explore new ideas.

For you: Daydreaming playlist.  

Further reading: Tinker, Dabble, Doodle, Try.

Here’s something to…



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