Not to state the obvious, but can do better.

According to a study from the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and PSB Insights, “LGBTQ people in the U.S. are more likely than the general population to have experienced a cut in work hours due to the pandemic.” Not to mention that “more than half (54%) of transgender and transgender people of color (58%) lost work hours, while 19% of transgender people and 26% of transgender people of color became unemployed.”

Looking for a store that sells all things Pride? Check out Love is Love in Hampden, an eclectic Baltimore boutique that stocks its shelves with love—from unique cards (for all occasions) to gifts and even pet apparel! Here’s our COO’s pup, George, repping his pride.

As Americans continue to struggle with mental illness (up to 50%, according to some reports), the use of psychedelics to battle depression and addiction is catching fire.

It’s estimated that $16B is spent annually on anxiety and depression treatment and that $238B is spent on mental health treatments and ancillary services.

One of our SHIFT Society members is part of Field Trip Health—a global leader in the development and delivery of technology-enabled psychedelic therapies. Their tagline: Bringing the world to life through psychedelics. Sounds interesting, right? Pardon the selfish plug for SHIFT Society, but as you can see, our members set the bar pretty high.

Interested in learning more about SHIFT Society? Drop your info here.

Back to the office blues?

Does going back to the office have you feeling down? We hear you, but sometimes, a little perspective can go a long way. So, before you complain, just think of all the essential workers who never stopped going into work and who might have something to say about it! Check out their punch-in-the-face perspective here. And most importantly: remember to thank a nurse, teacher, police officer, or anyone who has risked their life to help humankind over the past year.

On another note: Do you feel like you’re suffering from a pesky post-pandemic hangover? Still stuck in the pandemic fog? Do you just feel...blah? There’s a new name for that blah feeling: it’s called Languishing. These days, instead of simply feeling burned out, many employees are feeling aimless and joyless...yet another fun COVID-driven side effect. Even if you’re not experiencing it yourself, you might know someone who is. Share this concept with your circle to show other languishers they’re not alone!

Gatherings are coming...

As the pandemic fog lifts and leaders navigate their post-pandemic return, most are planning their first in-person gathering since news hit that we would all need to quarantine over 14 months ago.

Average leaders are likely to wing it. Great leaders will do things differently and with much more thought. Why? Because these leaders understand that times have changed, and that they need to treat employees today with the utmost care.

Remember: it’s a tumultuous time for everyone, and we’ve collectively navigated countless life-changing hardships to get where we are today. Plus, I think we can all admit that a year of being locked in our homes hasn’t exactly done wonders for our social skills.

Remind me—why can’t I just wing my first gathering?

• It’s likely the FIRST time your team will be seeing each other in person for a long time. What does that mean? This meeting must be engaging. It must be inspiring. It must be positive. It must be different. It must be safe. It must connect with employees on a deeper level. No pressure, though!
• There are varying comfort levels when it comes to meeting in person, and leaders must consider this fact before haphazardly pulling everyone into a room again. The risks are higher than they once were, but can be overcome with adequate planning. For example, if someone gets COVID at your first all-hands meeting, how would you handle it?
• Vaccines. Enough said. Are you requiring them? Not requiring them? What about people that won’t come unless you do?

Are You Listening to Your Employees?

Capture valuable employee insights and empower yourself to better show up for their current needs with our Post Pandemic Survey and Strategy Program.