Let’s start off on the right foot

“Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.” –Madam C.J. Walker

The skinny

According to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 34.5% of private-sector employers increased telework for at least some of their employees since the start of the pandemic.

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Tele-brate!

Indeed. The BLS data is hefty (think data collected from +82K private sector employers) and reveals some trends that are likely here to stay and keep giving life to workers. Just like these rap icons.  

You’re still talking about that half-time show?

You can’t deny dynasties. Anyway, BLS data has confirmed what many trend forecasters predicted a while back: hybrid work isn’t a fad.  

It’s not?

Nope. Hybrid work, when done right, is good for productivity. In fact, remote workers reported starting their days earlier and taking fewer sick days.  

What are some other trends?

$$$—nearly 15% of private-sector employers increased base wages, with the highest wage increases happening in the accommodation and food service industries.

Will that last?

Most likely the base-pay increases will continue, however, some bonus pay structures will likely fade away like hazard pay and one-time bonuses for those working through the pandemic.  

What about workplace flexibility?

That’s still a mystery to be honest. While some organizations are wising up to the benefits of flexibility, especially for mental health, there isn’t a consensus as to what a truly flexible workplace looks like.

Why not let employees paint that picture?

Like one of your French girls!? Because that could be a major iceberg to your company culture ship, to say the least.

Elaborate.

Some employees prefer to choose the hours they work, while others prefer to choose the day. If you’re not careful, chaos will ensue if you don’t establish clear and manageable expectations for a flexible work schedule.

So how do I tap into this hybrid trend?

Think about the 5Cs: communication, coordination, connection, creativity, and culture. Understanding these five challenges and establishing solutions to them will help you pave a clear path to hybrid workforce victory.

Date with data: 60% of employers that increased telework expect it to be a permanent change.

Further reading: 5 challenges of hybrid work–and how to overcome them.

The skinny

Having regrets is not only a natural part of life but they can actually make you perform better.

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Regretting this conversation.

Now, hold up. Before you achieve next-level sassiness, remember that first and foremost, regret is universal. It’s not dangerous or abnormal or a deviation from the steady path to happiness. It’s healthy.  

No regrets.

Hate to break it to you, but everyone has regrets. In one study from 1980, regret was the second-most-common emotion expressed in interviews, trailing only one emotion.  

Revenge?

Yikes, what podcasts are you listening to? Love was the first.

Warm meet Fuzzy.

If you don’t feel regret, you may be more similar to those serial killers on your precious true crime podcasts. The only people who don’t have regrets are five-year-olds, people with brain damage or neurodegenerative disorders, and, oh yeah, sociopaths.

Eeeks.

Exactly. But don’t worry, regrets can make us feel worse but can also push us to do better. Dealing with regrets properly can help.  

Guessing wallowing isn’t in the positive category.

Right you are. Don’t ignore or wallow in your regrets but instead reflect on them. Reflecting on prior mistakes can help us avoid cognitive biases and make better decisions.  

That’s good news.

More good news: regret can help elevate problem solving. People who regret their performance on a problem-solving task best themselves on their next attempts. Also, don’t hang up the phone when your bestie starts reminiscing about her ex…again.  

Why?

Well, because we can actually learn from others’ regrets as well. But before you start diving deeper into your regrets remember to have self-compassion. Normalizing negative experiences neutralizes them and makes them easier to move past.  

Totes quotes: “Our everyday lives consist of hundreds of decisions, some crucial to our well-being, many inconsequential. Understanding that difference can make all the difference. If we know what we truly regret, we know what we truly value. Regret—that maddening, perplexing, and undeniably real emotion—points the way to a life well-lived.” –Daniel Pink

For you: How busy people keep it together after two years of COVID burnout.

Now a break from the news… WorLdle – the next hot thing.

Compliance Corner Hospitals continue to flout price transparency requirement rules.

Here’s something to…

• Listen to: The beauty in the break.
• Consider: Why most effective leaders follow the “on the dot” rule.
• Move to: Retirement homes for Disney fans. 
• Watch: New movies and shows to watch this weekend.
• Support: 100+ Black businesses to support in 2022 and beyond.
• Cook: Eat more greens with this delish vegetarian recipe.

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