Let’s start off on the right foot

“When you undervalue what you do, the world will undervalue who you are.” –Oprah Winfrey

The skinny

Employers are feeling the strain of The Great Resignation, as nearly 9 out of 10 executives report they are seeing higher-than-normal turnover at their organization.

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Isn’t this old news?

Not necessarily. The Great Resignation continues to, well, get greater.  

Why?

Thanks to pandemic-relief checks, a rent moratorium, and student loan forgiveness, many (especially those in the service industry) have more freedom to quit jobs they hate and be choosier about what they want to do.  

Seems…optimistic.

It is, actually. While quitting used to be associated with capital “L” losers, now it’s driven by a “we can do better” mentality.  

So, then this quitting is a good thing?

For workers, especially those making lower wages, yes. Wages for low-income workers are rising at their fastest rate since the other Great. The Great Recession.  

What about employers?

Not so much. But it’s more than just the stress of unfilled jobs and people quitting that’s challenging employers. It’s about Americans going ape-shhh.

What do you mean?

With everyone cooped up for so long, our patented “ugly American rudeness” is on full, open display.

Example?

Airlines in the US reported that by June 2021, the number of unruly passengers had already broken records. Raise your hand if you’ve seen at least one person get kicked off a plane in the past couple months.  

**hand**

To slather on more rude sauce, a Cape Cod restaurant had to close briefly in the hope that its clientele would calm down after being put in time-out. 

No way.

Way. Never underestimate an American who has to wait longer than 30 minutes to be seated. 

Ouch.

It’s true. And honestly, people just don’t have the patience they used to. Restaurants and hospitality are the industries taking the full blast of American impatience and rage, which may indicate why the quit rates in these industries are higher than they’ve ever been before. 

Is there a solution?

Umm. Be better? Everyone needs to take a chill pill. Restaurants, and other industries taking a hit in terms of staffing and supply shortages, may not be performing at their peak. But doesn’t everyone deserve some grace?

Defs.

Well then. Organizations also need to think about the mental health of employees who may be in the direct line of fire. Be sure to check-in on your employees and potentially arrange a way for everyone to talk or vent. Team building and trust helps keep the employees who did show up to work, coming back.  

Further reading: DEI is key to avoiding the Great Resignation.  

For you: Why you still need to write a resignation letter.

Date with data: 65% of employees are looking for a new job right now.  

Totes quotes: "Several years ago, I wrote that America had lost its ‘mojo,’ because its citizens were less likely to switch jobs, move to another state, or create new companies than they were 30 (or 100) years ago. Well, so much for all that. America’s mojo is back, baby (yeah), and it may lead to a better-job revolution that outlasts the temporary measures, such as unemployment super-benefits and rent protection, that have nourished it.” –Derek Thompson, author of Hit Makers and host of the podcast Crazy/Genius

The skinny

Employees who rated their company's culture positively in a recent survey were 53% more likely to learn in order to perform better in their current roles than respondents who rated cultures negatively.

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That’s cool.

Crisp. Training and career development are no longer just about getting employees to learn the skills they need to complete their daily tasks, but about helping employees get access to higher education.

Seems expensive.

Actually, there’s amazing ROI in education/training benefits, especially since (as you hopefully read above) many employees are leaving their current jobs.  

Education can stop the flow?

Signs point to yes. In a recent manufacturing study, more than half of industry employees under age 25 said they stayed with their employer for training and development reasons.  

Noice.

Ugh, never say that again. But yes, it is. Remember, don’t overlook bias when it comes to who gets this type of training and development.

What do you mean?

Many male workers tend to have advantages over others when employers choose who gets to do leadership training.  

Still?

Hear ye, hear ye! Yes, there’s still massive bias when it comes to leadership training and promotions. Beware of bias and be sure your company culture highlights and supports diversity in leadership (also major when it comes to retention).  

Date with data: 35% more men than women were selected by managers for leadership training programs.

The skinny

More than a year and a half of social distancing and work-from-home policies have led to less time moving around and more time sitting and looking at screens—and it's a potentially toxic combination that's linked with poorer mental health.

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Pass the couch, this potato needs it.

Ok, you’re not getting it. Which is fine, because many of us may not have noticed that we’re sitting more than we were before. This lack of movement isn’t good for brain or body.

But, I’m scared.

Scared to move more? Sure. Many people got out of their workout routines because gyms closed and, because there was a lot going on in all our lives with exercise taking the backburner to homeschooling, and not dying.  

Exactly.

Well, good news is, something as simple as very light, non-aggressive movement around the house to break up the day can be a huge mood booster.

Really?

Yes. Think small. Don’t get caught up in all-or-nothing thinking when it comes to movement. You don’t have to go to the gym for 2 hours or not go at all. Every little bit counts! Five minutes is better than 0 minutes.  

Going to set my alarm!

Ok hold up. Before you put your running shoes by the door and set your alarm for 5am, first ask yourself: Do I like running? Am I a morning person?

Ummm…negative.

Right. Another key to creating lasting exercise habits is to know yourself. Don’t force yourself to run if you don’t like running; that’s just a recipe for bad thoughts that lead to giving up. Try other activities you enjoy—like hiking, biking, yoga, dancing, swimming, pickle ball, or just plain old walking.  

What about that alarm?

Oh right. If you’re not a morning person, don’t force yourself to work out in the morning. Try an afternoon run (or walk) during lunch, or even in the evening if you’re a night owl. Making movement a natural part of your day will help you keep it in your routine.  

But I only have 5 minutes.

No worries. Five-minute workouts can add up. If it’s hard for you to block out a chunk of time, just spending a few minutes here and there when you can is a win. Even if you work out 5 minutes every hour in a 40-hour work week, that’s 40 minutes a day! 

Wow!

Exactly. First, check if it’s a #bonesday and then try doing squats, lunges, pushups, or planks for short, more intensive workouts. Bodyweight exercises are perfect for circulation and mood boosters.

Totes quotes: “Getting started is the hardest part. Don’t blame yourself if you’re struggling to get started, it’s important to have compassion for yourself.” –Jennifer Carter, sports psychologist at Ohio State University.

For you: Do these anywhere.

Now a break from the news… Need a snooze?

Compliance Corner NYC to mandate vaccines, scrap testing options for workforce.

Here’s something to…

• Consider: Entering enrollment season, what have we learned from 2020?
• Read: The myth of labor shortages.
• Live in: A house of nightmares?
• Meme: They helped us cope.
• Let go: Leaders, here’s why you need to stop obsessing about the future. 
• Watch: Best horror movies to stream rn.

AE Retreat

Own your Zen.