Summer is Ending


I honestly cannot comprehend that it is almost September.  This summer has been such a weird time because of COVID.  I've been inside more than I'd like, job searching, along with almost half of the U.S population, and the normal summer activities have been extremely limited.  My family normally has an open house party every summer where we invite friends and family from all walks of life to come enjoy some good food, good drink and good company (hopefully in the sunshine).  This year, the party was supposed to double as a masters graduation celebration for me. This event was cancelled, just like so many other celebrations and reunions.  Summer is normally one of my favorite seasons, but it hasn't really felt the same this year.

The feeling of missing out is something that younger generations call FOMO, but I think most generations understand the sentiment.  The world is pretty crazy right now and most people are feeling isolated and uneasy.  Even those that have retained their jobs and been working from home through the entirety of the pandemic so far are feeling the strain of uncertainty as they don't know when things will go 'back to normal', if ever.

I've been following what companies have been doing during this time to take care of their employees, or at least what they are doing to try and do right by them.  One example, from a Forbes article that talks about the best employers of 2020, comes from the CEO of Marriott.  Two months after the coronavirus pandemic began, when the company's revenue had dropped by 75% and was expected to drop even more, Arne Sorenson had to announce that two thirds of Marriott's employees were being placed on furlough or a reduced workweek.  Since then, Sorenson and Marriott have done their best to try to help those individuals land on their feet.  A director of HR at the company is quoted saying, 'We've almost become a placement agency for our employees.  It was painful for us, but we took the perspective of 'We've got to do what's best for them'".  Marriott, which normally lands somewhere on Forbes' list of top employers, can be an example for other companies who might not realize how important it is to take care of their people during this time.

Some of the criteria that Forbes uses to determine these top employers includes safety of the work environment, competitiveness of compensation, opportunities for advancement and openness to telecommuting.  It is interesting to see these factors being used, as I had identified them as critical in my own personal study on psychological well-being in the workplace.  Telecommuting, or flexible working arrangements (FWAs) are starting to become more important to individuals, as we learn that a large portion of work can be done remotely.

A colleague of mine from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts had actually contributed to work in a similar vein with the Josh Bersin Academy.  This group just put out a report called The Big Reset Playbook in which they highlight what strategies are working right now for employers.  This report includes case studies with specific examples that have been successful in keeping employees engaged and working productively, while also focusing on safety and health.  I personally read the report and felt many of the ideas resonate with the work that I have been doing.  If you care to read more on the topic, you can download the report here once you provide your email and a bit of information on where you work.

As summer comes to an end, whether you are currently working or not, it is important to check in with yourself about how much you have been doing.  I consider job searching, this blog, networking, working on my recovery from surgery and maintaining friendships my 'work' at the moment.  I will, however, be nannying part-time for 3 kids starting after Labor Day because I can't manage to not have income for any longer.   Many people lately have put off vacations, or not taken personal days when they are tired, since they are just going to be home anyways, but mental health is not something that should not be put off.  Especially as the warmer months fade away, I urge individuals to get outside and take advantage of the vitamin D the sun can provide.  It can help with mood and overall well-being to get away from your workspace and take in some rays.

As the photo with this post might suggest, watermelon is one of my favorite summer foods.  Even the pandemic couldn't take that away from me.  I've eaten so much watermelon so far this season and don't see myself stopping until the fruit is out of season again.  In fact, I think I'll go have some now with lunch.

-Vicky

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