Let’s start off on the right foot

“Valor is stability; not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul.” –Michel de Montaigne

The skinny

Working parents are giving up on their employers, with 40% thinking about leaving their job.

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That seems like a lot.

It is. Employers are at a crossroads; do they change their company culture to support working parents, or risk losing them in this current hiring market?  

Great question.

Truly. I probably don’t need to remind you that the US is still the only rich nation that doesn't offer paid parental-leave programs; it’s no wonder working parents feel left out in the cold by employers.

So why don’t employers step up?

Some are. But the truth is, only 21% of US workers have access to paid family leave through their employers. 

It just doesn’t make sense.

You’re right there. But the issue of paid leave is complicated and goes all the way back to WWII. Without going into a full-blown history lesson, you can boil down the issue into one key difference between Europe and the US.

What’s that?

Europe was concerned with growing the country's populations after the devastating effects of the war, while America was not so concerned with population growth.

Interesting.

It is. In the US, as men were coming back from the war, women were encouraged to give up their jobs and return to being homemakers.

Huh.

So, while European countries all have hefty leave policies dating back generations to ensure healthy population growth, the US has none. 

Seems more complex than that.

It definitely is. There’s A LOT to unpack here, but I’ll leave you with this: Employers have an opportunity to showcase their support for working parents by enacting policies that support parents' “whole selves.” In turn, when supported, parents are more productive, loyal, and satisfied at work. 

Thanks for the history lesson.

No problem. At the end of the day, we are a different nation now than we were way back when. It might be time to reevaluate the way we value and think about work/life and the balance that needs to exist between both.

Further reading: Why doesn’t the US have mandatory paid maternity leave?  

Date with data: 1.4 million moms are not actively working compared to 2020.

Double date: 82% of Americans support paid parental leave.  

Further insight: “There are very few of us living alone on an island as we try to navigate our professional goals and pathways. Managers should create an atmosphere where employees can bring their whole selves to work—and by supporting your people, you’re supporting your bottom line.” –Debi Yadegari, Founder and CEO of Villyge

The skinny

Middle managers are struggling mentally and reporting higher rates of burnout than other positions.

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Middle child syndrome?

Kinda. Middle management has always been tough, but the younger workers filling the roles today face a unique set of challenges and circumstances that can lead to higher rates of burnout.  

Like what?

Basically, dealing with the squeeze of managing people below while proving something to the people above. Many of these younger middle managers are finding themselves leading teams that are a lot older or are the same age as them. Which can get a bit awkward.  

So, get rid of the middle?

Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Middle managers play an integral, important role within organizations. But leaders who oversee middle managers should understand how the position can be isolating and stressful.  

Why in particular?

When their teams are stressed, overworked, and burnt out, they can feel responsible and take on that extra work. Being responsible for alleviating other people’s burnout is a good way for middle managers to end up the burnt-out ones, and that starts a vicious cycle. 

How do you break the cycle?

First and foremost, monitoring middle managers for signs of overwork. Checking in on projects and workloads and asking honestly how someone is doing.  

Ok, what else?

Honestly, not all employees should be managers. Creating new paths for development and promotion that don’t require people to become middle managers is a good idea and one that can increase retention rates.

Further reading: The squeezed middle: Millennial managers worse-off while supporting a burnt-out workforce.

Date with data: 74% of women said they were very or somewhat stressed for work-related reasons, compared with 61% of employed men.

Totes quotes: “I didn’t have a management team I worked alongside. I just reported up and then down. My direct reports had each other to complain with or talk through whatever they were going through, and I didn’t have that. I got along with everyone I worked with, but it just wasn’t the same.” –Lea, 25-year-old from Pennsylvania who was recently promoted to middle management, then left the position.

The skinny

Falling asleep between 10pm – 11pm is better for your health, by a long shot.

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For real?

Yes. The time you go to bed may affect your risk for heart disease. Latest study shows that between 10 and 11 is the sweet spot. Latest study revealed that those who fell asleep after midnight had a 25% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

What happens if you go to bed at...8pm? Asking for a friend.

That actually isn’t good either. Falling asleep earlier than 10pm was associated with a 24% increase in developing cardiovascular disease.  

Mind blown.

I know, right? It’s all because of our 24-hour internal clock, the circadian rhythm. If we go to bed way earlier or way later than that sweet spot, it could disrupt that delicate body clock.  

What about wake up times?

Great point. Sleep duration is important to cardiovascular health as well. Those that sleep less than six hours are at risk for hypertension.  

Ok, so get more sleep?

Sleep looks good on you. It’s important to note that cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the US. So, getting to bed on time can really help you live a healthier life.

Further reading: Night owls die young in a world scheduled for early birds.

Now a break from the news… Lost teddy found in Glacier National Park.

Compliance Corner What you need to know: preparing for the Transparency Rule and No Surprises Act.

Here’s something to…

• Consider: Ambition is overrated.
• Watch: Best new TV and movies coming out this week.
• Read: 3 ways to support veterans in the workplace. 
• Take note: This gesture saved a life.
• Cook: 25 ridiculously easy baking ideas for beginners.

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