• RETURN-TO-OFFICE POLICIES ARE PROVING CHALLENGING, especially with Gen Z workers who tend to have the best attitudes in a hybrid environment (i.e. some days in, some remote). A McKinsey survey of thousands of employees and employers across America found that regardless of which model is set, in-person, remote and hybrid workers all report mostly similar levels of intent to quit, burnout, effort and satisfaction. So, focus on the work environment is what’s critical in driving worker performance and organizational stability. Core practices are: (1) Collaboration – Having clear and shared objectives for Goal alignment and clarity as to priorities for how work fits together, with timely meetings whether live or virtual; (2) Connectivity –  Leaders & managers offering a transparent rationale for meeting times since this expectation is no longer the widespread norm, and providing visibility & availability for their teams including blocked times for connection; (3) Mentorship – a combination of formal programs and informal peer coaching during the year, in advance of annual performance reviews. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/returning-to-the-office-focus-more-on-practices-and-less-on-the-policy
  • LATEST RESEARCH ON CUTTING RISK OF DEMENTIA, projected to triple in the next 25 years, suggest seven steps in daily routine:  (1) Keep learning – which allows the brain to cope with changes and can reduce risk by up to 11% yearly;  (2)  Maintain social interaction – since persistent loneliness is physically stressful and can increase risk by up to 60%;  (3) Be conscientious, not neurotic – with consistent routines & habits, surrounded by positive people which seems to protect the brain from dementia; (4) Optimize vision – by reading/ watching TV/ playing computer games/ observing nature on walks, since horizontal eye movements improve memory retrieval and may predict dementia up to 12 years before diagnosis;  (5) Make sleep a priority – since less than seven hours nightly has been associated with up to a 30% increase in risk; (6) Exercise regularly, eat healthy, avoid smoking – each of which help keep blood pressure low, prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes, collectively reducing risk up to 28%; (7) Best avoid air pollution – which directly links to overall dementia risk by 4% for every two micrograms per cubic meter of exposure.  https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/how-to-cut-your-dementia-risk
  • LISTENING TO MUSIC FORMULATED WITH “STRONG RHYTHM, SIMPLE TONALITY, MODERATE DYNAMISM AND BROAD SPECTRAL ENERGY” has been shown to improve work performance from increases in focus, concentration and mood enhancement. As ‘work flow playlists’ have begun popping up on music distribution sites, research & psychological tests by a team of neuroscientists, psychologists and musicologists have confirmed this impact and attribute the performance improvement to drops in ongoing distractions which occur in most workplaces.  [PHYS.ORG]

                    THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK:

  • Over six-million car crashes with some 40,000 fatalities happen yearly in the U.S.  Roughly 95% are categorized by the Dep’t of Transportation Causation Survey as resulting around 30% each from Distracted Drivers causing rear-enders or by drivers not staying in their lane; another 12% each from Blind left turns or from loss of control due to weather variables or vehicle maintenance problems; 7% from drivers falling asleep at the wheel; and 5% just from ‘aggressive’ driving. Also, one-of-every-six accidents involves a “drowsy driver.”
  •  An all-electric, 13-unit prefabricated apartment building is currently being installed in Santa Monica and expected to be done in 7 to 8 months – six months ahead of the typical site-construction timeline. Complete with community garden, rooftop deck, solar panels, courtyard and community room, the building is intended to provide affordable housing for low-income families and transition-age youth.
  • Alternatives for those swearing about it again being Income Tax time: States with no income tax – Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming. Western Hemisphere Countries with no income tax – Anguilla, Antigua, Bahamas, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, St. Barthelemy, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Turks & Caicos. Also, European – Monaco, Vatican City; Plus six Middle East countries.