Set Yourself Up For Success

An effective manager is crucial for driving business results, from engagement and belonging to productivity and retention. We know it’s top of mind for most HR leaders, but what does it take to really move the needle and increase the number of effective managers at an organization — and what are the outcomes?

Dr. Natalie Baumgartner, Chief Workforce Scientist at Achievers recently joined Marcel Schwantes, host of Love in Action Podcast, for an in-depth discussion on how to improve manager effectiveness to drive better employee and business outcomes.

This 45-minute comprehensive podcast, The Foundations of Manager Effectiveness, dove into findings from Achievers Workforce Institute’s latest report, Empowering people leaders in the new world of work, and provided key takeaways that HR leaders can action today to improve and empower manager effectiveness in their organizations.

What makes a manager ineffective?

If your managers are not prioritizing contact, recognition, coaching, and professional development, they’re falling short. Research has uncovered a direct correlation between manager effectiveness and belonging. Managers who don’t foster a sense of belonging among their employees won’t be as successful. Achievers Workforce Institute found that:

• Individuals who feel a deep sense of belonging at work are more likely to experience greater job satisfaction, better mental health, higher levels of productivity, and lower levels of both fatigue and emotional exhaustion.
• Manager effectiveness and sense of belonging have a strong positive correlation. Employees who would recommend their manager are almost twice as likely to have a strong sense of belonging, compared to average, and over five times more likely than those who would not recommend their manager.

What makes an effective manager?

There are four pillars of an effective manager:

1. Contact
2. Recognition
3. Coaching
4. Professional development

When employees say their manager is good at one of the above factors, it doubles the likelihood that they would recommend their manager. When all four are present, mNPS scores (a measure of whether or not an employee would recommend their manager) almost triples.

Read More: https://www.achievers.com/blog/manager-effectiveness-empowering-leaders/

At this point, I think everyone is burnt out on blabbering about burnout. And as much as you’re likely invested in and value your work, sometimes (and often!) you need to take a break. “Working for the Weekend” is a banger of a song, but it’s no way to live a life! The ways you engage — or disengage — after work are critical for your well-being. Think about it: Your after-work time shouldn’t be defined simply as the time after working ends. There are countless ways to maximize your time after work! Here are 25 things to do after work to make your post-work evenings (aka your 5-9) feel a little more like carefree weekends.

1. Refresh your location, whether that looks like walking around the block, commuting home, or simply switching rooms. Just get the heck away from where you were working and enjoy an environmental reset.
2. Meet a friend at your favorite cozy bar’s happy hour and make it home in time to relax and unwind. Friend’s tied up? Grab a book and indulge in a solo martini or mocktail.
3. Pop into a store that’s not a typical stop along your rotation and thus feels more like a treat.
4. Start tackling that big home project you’ve been putting off. Even if you only have time to tape up your borders and can’t actually start painting walls until Saturday, putting a dent in the prep work adds up.
5. Treat yourself to an ice cream. Craft homemade sundaes or try a new flavor with creative toppings at a parlor.
6. Head to the movie theater and snack on popcorn and candy for dinner. Everything in moderation!
7. Take your workout outside. Find a spot in the yard, on the sidewalk, or at a park and work through your typical routine in the fresh air.
8. Spend time working on a creative hobby. Try out some low-stakes painting, sketching, cross-stitch, or collage. It’s not about the end result, but rather the process of letting time fade away while you focus on creativity for creativity’s sake.
9. Indulge in a hot shower or long bath, pop on clean pajamas, and then switch out your sheets for a fresh set. Light a soothing candle and unwind in the flame’s glow.
10. Embrace your inner kid. Cook one of your favorite childhood meals (or grab some of your favorite childhood snacks) and watch a notable film or series from your youth. I’m talking about Capri Suns and “A League of Their Own.” I’m talking about a bowl of Apple Jacks cereal and “Clarissa Explains It All” (on Paramount Plus!).
11. Museums frequently offer free or discounted admission on certain weeknights. Make a night of your visit.

Read More: https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/things-to-do-after-work-37253209

In the era of digital nomads and Zoom meetings, crafting the ultimate home office setup has shifted from a luxury to a necessity. As remote work becomes the norm, the importance of a well-designed workspace at home cannot be overstated—it’s vital for productivity and well-being. This article aims to guide you through creating a space that not only meets your needs but enhances your work-from-home experience.

Home Office Setup

Finding the ideal location for your home office setup is the first step toward achieving workplace zen at home. It’s about merging functionality with tranquility to foster productivity.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Quiet and Distraction-Free Zone – Distractions are productivity’s nemesis. Your best bet is a zone where the noise and commotion of daily life don’t intrude. Whether it’s the peaceful attic or a snug corner away from the living area, a quiet spot will help maintain your focus and efficiency.
• Dedicated Space Matters – Establishing a specific area for work is essential. This doesn’t necessitate an entire room—if you’re tight on space, just setting up a spot for your desk should work just fine. What’s important is that this space is reserved solely for work, which psychologically reinforces a work mindset.
• Storage Solutions – Adequate storage is synonymous with a clutter-free mind. Ensure your chosen area can accommodate essential storage units. This might mean built-in shelves or space for a filing cabinet. A well-organized space can drastically improve your workflow and reduce unnecessary stress.
• Ventilation for Vigor – Your brain’s performance is directly linked to the quality of air you breathe. A well-ventilated space, preferably with a source of natural air from a window, is invaluable for maintaining alertness and health, particularly during extensive work sessions.
• Power and Connectivity – An often overlooked but critical aspect is the availability of electrical outlets and a reliable internet connection. Your workspace should have enough outlets to power all your devices without resorting to extension leads strewn across the floor. And strong Wi-Fi connectivity is a must for seamless digital work.

In essence, the right location for your home office harmonizes quietness, dedicated space, storage, ventilation, and connectivity, setting the stage for a successful and comfortable work environment.

Read More: https://careersidekick.com/home-office-setup-the-ultimate-guide/

If you believe you should be paid more for the work you do and want to do something about it, you have two choices: find a new higher-paying job or ask for a raise.

Both of these job choices can introduce new anxieties, but they’re each a gateway to new opportunities. We can certainly help you find a new job—but if you like your current employer and believe you can grow there, it’s often a good idea to ask for a raise. After all, your employer may not know you’re dissatisfied with your current pay until you speak up.

In this article, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on how to ask for a raise, plus tips and scripts to help you prepare your own request.

How To Ask for a Raise?

The following is a simple step-by-step guide you can follow as you prepare to ask your employer for a raise.

1. Pick the right time to ask

It’s not uncommon to want a raise. In fact, in a recent Indeed survey, only 19% of people were comfortable with their rate of pay. However, when you do ask for a raise, you need to carefully choose your timing. Ask yourself these questions as you’re identifying the right time to ask for a raise:

How is the company doing financially?

If the company isn’t doing well, this is not the time to ask for a raise. As an employee, you may be aware of the company’s financial health. You should look for warning signs, such as cutbacks in spending or layoffs. Check the news for stories about your employer or industry. Do company research and look at financial reports.

Even if the financial health of the company is good, this research will be useful to you when you talk to your manager.

What is your manager’s workload?

If you know your manager is under a lot of stress or focused on too many things right now, it may not be the time to ask for a raise. Paying attention to your manager’s moods and identifying how to help them demonstrates a level of maturity that will be useful to mention in your conversation about compensation.

Read More: https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/pay-salary/guide-how-to-ask-for-a-raise

Starting your day with positive morning affirmations has a significant impact on how you interact with the rest of your day. Positive affirmations shimmer the light of positivity and healthy thoughts on your mind to look at the world with an empowered perspective.

Here are 110 positive morning affirmations for you:

Affirmations to Start Your Day

1. I am feeling healthy and strong today.
2. My body is a vessel of wellness.
3. Today I will focus on what makes me feel good.
4. I am a healthy and happy person.
5. I know each day is a blessing and a gift.
6. Today is going to be a really, really good day.
7. I am excited to wake up today and experience this beautiful life that I am creating with my thoughts and visions.
8. Today I align myself with freedom, growth, and joy.
9. I am grateful that my life is so happy and successful.
10. I believe in my ultimate potential.
11. I greet this day with confidence and ease.
12. I have all I need to make today a great day.
13. I always see the good in others and in myself.
14. I am self-sufficient, creative, and resilient.
15. I love myself.
16. I am the creator of my best reality.
17. I am filled with gratitude and kindness for another wonderful day on this earth.
18. I make the right choices all day using my inner wisdom.
19. I am full of positive loving energy.
20. Good things are happening.

Positive Morning Affirmations about Gratitude

1. My heart is full of gratefulness.
2. I am living in a state of gratitude.
3. I am grateful now, and that is keeping the door open for more blessings.
4. I am always finding something to appreciate around me.
5. Things keep getting better and better, and I am so grateful.
6. I am grateful for this moment.
7. I am grateful for the abundance in my life.
8. I am worthy of being loved, being happy, and doing what brings me joy.
9. I am joyfully embracing each new day with gratitude.
10. I am experiencing gratitude for everything I have in my life.
11. I gratefully receive the lessons that each experience brings.
12. I realize the gift of this precious human life.
13. I am giving thanks for each exquisite moment.
14. I am appreciating every blessing, no matter how small.
15. I am grateful for my sense of gratitude.
16. I am living my life with awareness and gratitude.
17. I am finding gratitude and joy every day.
18. I have so much to be thankful for.
19. I welcome all of the ways the universe wants to bless me.
20. With every moment, I am becoming more and more grateful.

Read More: https://blog.gratefulness.me/20-morning-affirmations-for-a-bright-start-to-your-day/

In a world that is always buzzing, it seems nearly impossible to schedule time for ourselves. There is a revolving door of reasons to push “me” time until tomorrow and when tomorrow becomes today the story stays the same. Knowing why, how, and when to schedule time for yourself is the spark that ignites the fire when it comes to self-care and living out the best version of yourself.

The Advantages of “Me” Time

The importance of positive self-talk is put on a pedestal when it comes to building self-confidence but what about the good ol’ “actions speak louder than words”? Choosing to set aside time “just for me” sends a positive message, through action, to our insides. This action proclaims “I matter”, “I’m worth it” and “I am a priority”. When we choose “me” time we give ourselves a free space to try new things, fall in love with a hobby, and really find what makes us come alive.

Taking care of ourselves not only improves our relationship with ourselves but with others too. When our bodies and brains are always running it’s easy to become overwhelmed with life. This in turn causes our moods to fluctuate more quickly. We become easily frustrated while having less control over our reactions. Regular, uninterrupted “me” time helps our busy brains to unplug and unwind. In doing so we relieve stress which helps us sleep better, gives us more control over our moods, increases our patience level, and helps us to live in the moment. All of these benefits fill us up on the inside and when we are full we can pour into the things that matter most to us, including our relationships. “Me” time is our magic reset button.

Scheduling “You” Time

This is not just another responsibility to check off our list. “Me” time is something to recharge you. It is simply choosing to use the time we already have a bit more mindfully. Me time can be spent and scheduled in several ways but there are a few hacks to balance any schedule.

First things first, learn to say no. It is our nature to be social and say yes to almost every opportunity that comes our way but it also leads to an overcommitted schedule. When we are overcommitted we aren’t able to give one hundred percent of ourselves to who we are with or where we are. Saying no, helps us regain the balance we need in our lives.

Start with the big picture; your calendar. Having an overall view of your schedule will help you discern when to say no. Add in all commitments for the month in each week: work, kids activities, grocery shopping days, etc. Next, choose and add in “blocks” a.k.a at least two nights during the week with zero plans after 6 pm along with one weekend day or night block. Try to schedule all of the “opportunities” that come up outside of these while politely responding with a “no” to anything conflicting with the blocks you have chosen. Finally, pencil in some me time into the pre-set blocks, whether it be twenty minutes or three hours you will be thankful later. As a rule of thumb, if our schedule is consistently set up in this way we’re likely to have balance all month long.

Read More: https://www.claritychi.com/blog/importance-of-me-time