The Skinny by Businessolver

Less is more.

Written by Businessolver | Mar 11, 2023 5:15:00 PM

Let’s start off on the right foot

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” —Alan Watts
The skinny 

Time is precious. With a little more, employees can achieve work-life balance. 

 

It's not you, it's me.

More than 30 states want to breakup with daylight saving time. Until Congress agrees, we’ll continue to change our clocks twice a year. Thankfully, our smart phones will automatically update for most of us tonight at 2 a.m., so don’t forget to tuck in early! 

So yesterday.

Established more than 100 years ago in 1918, most people today find daylight saving time not only unnecessary but responsible for sleep disruption and seasonal depression. Areas without this practice report not only brighter afternoons but also increased economic activity. 

Remind you of something?

Similarly antiquated, the traditional 40-hour, 9-to-5 work week hasn’t changed in the last century. Only since 2020 have we seen the dramatic rise of remote positions, gig work, and other flexible options. And you know what? Those employers that embrace this change are also seeing increased activity—more candidates, more engagement, and more productivity.

Less is more.

The world’s largest trial of the four-day work week revealed jaw-dropping results: 92% of the companies will continue after the trial ended. In fact, 18 companies say the decision is permanent, experiencing improvement across the board in employee productivity, job satisfaction, wellbeing, and even better sleep.

32.

Without worrying about any reduction in pay, participants were still expected to maintain their current level of work for six full months. The extra day in their weekend allowed workers to better handle all those household tasks that easily stack up but contribute to overall calm: laundry, dishes, yard work. Feeling refreshed on Monday with more control over their time, employees smashed this experiment.

Time to think smaller.

Who even decided the bare minimum is 40 hours per week? Part-time professional work is increasing, especially as inflation is hitting many Americans hard. Currently 52% of retirees expect to pick up part-time positions, so it’s safe to say employers looking for talent need to think outside the box.

Date with Data: Despite 67% of companies agreeing flexibility is a key factor in employee retention, only 16% say they have increased the number of roles that can work remotely.
For you:  Problem Solving Can Be a Proactive Exercise
Savor: Honey Soy Baked Chicken Thighs
Bookmark: The 9 Most Popular Houseplants of 2023
Shop: The 5 Best Vacuum Sealers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed 
Consider: Based on empathy, grounded in science: The essential role of health coaches
Listen: The ROI of Employee Development
Watch: How to be a team player without burning out
 

Now a break from the news…

Curious George


Compliance Corner

Prepare for May

Social Corner

Solver Selfies


Rae's Roundup - what we're reading 

The pipeline of women leaders has hollowed out in the middle