Out of Office

Your Power is in the Pause

Today, we discuss the growing issue of virtual fatigue in the workplace, caused by prolonged exposure to digital platforms. We emphasize the importance of taking breaks and practicing self-care to avoid virtual fatigue, citing research from Microsoft's Human Factors Lab and Arianna Huffington's article on Thrive Global. We also discuss the trend of employees taking more PTO days due to workplace stress and the need for managers to provide 'air cover' for employees to take breaks and prioritize their well-being, leading to a more productive and engaged workforce, reduced stress, and burnout. How to take action: * Make it a practice to block off 15-minute breaks on calendars for "breathing room" and resetting. * Ensure managers provide "air cover" and support for staff who schedule their break time. * Check-in with your team to see how they are feeling after implementing virtual breaks. Resources Mentioned in the Show: * https://coda.io/@arianna-huffington/the-power-of-reset [https://coda.io/@arianna-huffington/the-power-of-reset] * https://thriveglobal-apac.com/stories/virtual-fatigue-is-real-and-so-is-the-science-on-taking-breaks/ [https://thriveglobal-apac.com/stories/virtual-fatigue-is-real-and-so-is-the-science-on-taking-breaks/] * https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2020/07/08/future-work-good-challenging-unknown [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2020/07/08/future-work-good-challenging-unknown]

The BEST Time to Make Your Move

Out of Office hosts Kadesh and Chris discuss the importance of making a move in one's career, prioritizing satisfaction over position, and finding purpose and fulfillment. They also discuss the shifts in career choices and social isolation during the pandemic, highlighting the need for meaningful work beyond titles and positions. Finally, they emphasize the importance of social interaction in people's lives, with Kadesh noting that loneliness statistics may not accurately reflect the situation, as some individuals find fulfillment in being around others. How to Take Action:  * Reflect on past career journey and purpose to identify your "North Star", the direction you truly feel pulled toward. * Consider whether your current and potential opportunities align with that purpose and whether the people in that community feel aligned with your direction. * Don't have a "North Star"? Start by pursuing new opportunities in an exploratory way rather than fixating on specific outcomes or positions.