human-centered resources
Hi my friends,
We all know what it feels like to be totally burned out. Like so many of us, a few weeks ago I hit a wall.
I couldn’t figure out why I was so exhausted and no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t tap into my creativity. It was like an actual block in my brain…I needed some blank space and I needed it bad.
In a bit of a mad dash, with no real plans to speak of, I threw a bunch of stuff into my jeep and starting driving up the California coast.
I didn’t have anything booked- I didn’t have time to. I just knew I needed a break. My work, my clients, my relationships, and my creativity were all suffering. I hadn’t filled my cup in a long time.
Working my way up the coast, I stayed in Ojai then Moonstone Beach. The more hours into the journey, the more I realized a quick trip wasn’t going to do it. I needed to give myself a week off the grid in the woods. My heart set on Big Sur.
A small, close-knit community sitting right on the edge of the continent, Big Sur has been made famous by writers like Jack Kerouac, Henry Miller, photographer Ansel Adams, and so many others. It’s a convergence of thinkers, dreamers, builders, hikers, healers - all called to its refuge.
Nothing restores me quite like sitting in the magic of the redwoods. It radiates the Pioneering energy that California ignites in people. As I looked out over the Pacific Ocean, very much enjoying doing a lot of nothing, I thought about why I love living here.
California, the idea coast, where imagination is born.
It’s where entrepreneurs like Walt Disney created an industry, where Steve Jobs and Elon Musk took us to new realms of technology. From the forefront of wellness trends like green juicing and mushrooms in your coffee to the future of transportation in all its forms- it starts here.
When people say, ‘this may sound crazy …’, Californians know the crazier, the better.
I was thinking on this, while enjoying my own blank space, and wouldn’t you know, the creative just started flowing again. Maybe it’s the wide-open spaces, clear skies, uncharted territory – it’s hard to say? But the pioneering spirit that came west is ALIVE!
I wanted to share this with all of you because when we work on the big problems of the world, the issues that seem unsolvable, it sometimes seems impossible to step away and take the time to take care of yourself. I have struggled with this for years.
This long weekend, no matter where you are, I hope you find some fresh air or an open road and take advantage of a collective moment to tap in.
I am so happy that I listened to that voice that needed me to get out of the office and into the woods.
Sometimes all we need is a little blank space. Where’s yours?
Natalie
WHAT THE FRIDAY!
Labor Day began in response to a problem with how America was treating its workers. At the time, the average American was working 12 hour days, 7 days a week just to barely survive. And as we all know, the worst conditions are often reserved for impoverished communities, immigrants and other systemically overlooked groups.
Today’s workforce is facing new challenges, and certain jobs that have been underpaid and under-appreciated for a long time have reached a tipping point. As we think about the motivations behind the ‘Great Resignation’ and look to the future, it’s time we re-examine outdated policies in favor of a more human-centered approach.
Have you seen the videos on social media of nurses sharing their pain and publicly quitting, saying things like ‘this was my calling but I can no longer physically or mentally do this.” According to NSI 58% of nurses are looking for a new job with an average 27% turnover rate – and that’s just one example!
The Economist explains the shifting priorities in “The changing role of HR” and that in order to survive as organizations, we must move from striving to reduce staff turnover to thinking bigger about the future of the organization.
dive deeper
63% of companies are open to considering a four-day workweek, with 30% implementing it in at least one location or business unit last year, according to Mercer’s 2022 Global Talent Trends study. Is this in response to findings that 81% of employees are worried about burning out ? The pandemic undoubtedly accelerated work fatigue, blurring the line between career and personal, and in some industries, making work more intense.
The new term trending on TikTok ‘Quiet quitting’ is stemming from overwork and a renouncement of ‘hustle culture’ aka going above and beyond at work. The Washington Post, dives into the signs of this burnout for employers.
Rolling Stones covers how to move from 'Burnout to Chill out' for business owners and CEOs.
my advice: Let’s re-examine outdated policies in favor of a human-centered approach.
what do I mean:
What if we reimagined working culture and practices, and the Human Resources role to a space where it actually represents the ‘humanity’ of an organization.
Acting as the company’s central community barometer and a catalyst for change, this ‘new’ Human-centered Resources would push an organization to evolve and preserve the future workforce by taking care of it.
do something
The ‘Good Work Framework released by World Economic Forum outlines a business agenda for the future of work and gives these top job quality indicators. To deep dive in the topics, download their white paper here.
promote fair pay and social justice
provide flexibility and protection
deliver on health and well-being
drive diversity, equity and inclusion
foster employability and learning culture
**Bonus blank space method: establish regular free-thinking space to tap into creativity!!
Creativity and problem solving are 2 of 10 key skills that will be needed in the world of work by 2025, according to the World Economic Forum. In research they released just a few days ago, the key to getting creative is….. TURNING OFF YOUR PHONE. Surprised?
Our thoughts on it:
let your mind wander – stop always doing, creativity and problem-solving happens in those in between moments
switch up your schedule – studies show that when you work, can stimulate new creative energy - and that the time just before falling asleep is highly creative
get out there – going somewhere new bursts insight, put yourself in unfamiliar places and even rethink your next corporate conference and go somewhere unexpected (we have lots of suggestions)
have more fun – playing around lifts moods, generates ideas and creates lasting friendships
something cool
Nothing for you here, except, one suggestion - clear your calendar and give up on planning this weekend.
It’s probably your last chance to go rogue before it all picks up again.