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🧠 I’ve Been Thinking…

…about boundaries. We’re collectively learning about setting healthy boundaries and assertively protecting them. I saw this in a meme the other day, a quote attributed to @HaileyPaigeMagee, and I simply had to share it:

Next time you feel resentful, ask yourself: “Am I resentful because they trespassed my boundaries? Or am I resentful because I trespassed my own boundaries by giving more than I’m actually comfortable giving?”

I experienced exactly this flow of realization in a personal situation recently. This quote is a great reframing tool.

And here’s a related take on boundary setting and disappointing people when you establish them by Jefferson Fisher.

🚀 Stories to Help You Drive Change

Here are my shares for this week:

SPECIAL NOTE: If you hit a paywall on any of the stories I share, go to Google Search, enter the name of the publication and something about the story (author, title, subject) to get a natural search link that usually by-passes the pay wall. And hey, if you like the publication, consider subscribing to it—that’s how they keep the good info rolling! I’m hearing some paywalls are impenetrable, so for pubs like The Wall Street Journal and the NY Times, I’ll share a bit more here for those of you without subscriptions.

  • Are you celebrating your wins? At my company, Digital Brand Expressions, we have a new way to learn about and help each other. It’s called “Weekly Wins.” Each Monday at our team meeting, we share something that happened the week before that we consider a win. It helps colleagues learn about the challenges and opportunities in your role, makes you feel good about accomplishments, and fosters a feeling of accomplishment as a team, too. Try it, it’s an easy win for everyone.
  • ChangingWork.org is one of the many organizations focused on improving workplace culture that A Better Paradigm was launched to support. They just published their first book, “Leading with Self Awareness.” 25 authors, 25 unique stories to inspire you to help change workplaces for the better.
  • Generous parental leaves are a good start but not enough to help new parents transition back into the workforce. Losing out on advancement opportunities is the number one concern, and often they resign shortly after returning to work—to work somewhere else. Learn about the challenges and how smart companies are working to address them.
  • This post shares the ways you can help someone who may not ask for help but clearly needs it. I love the Omotenashi aspects of knowing what someone needs, and I also like the gentleness of suggestions for how to check in.
  • If you’re looking to improve your workplace culture and encourage others to join you, be sure to visit A Better Paradigm’s resources section. It’s an expanding directory including lists of events hosted by a variety of organizations in the better workplaces biosphere and consultants offering support via coaching, programs, assessments, and more.
  • Hacking HR has produced a kindness in the workplace guide. It’s free, want it? Here’s the link to the download.

🦉 You Never Know… Lack of Sleep

Did you know that 50-70 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, with about 10% having insomnia that affects their daily activities. 1 in 3 regularly don’t get the recommended amount of restful sleep. And about 40% of adults are so tired they fall asleep unintentionally during the day at least once per month! 

There are all kinds of reasons for people not getting the sleep they need, from stress, snoring partners, small children needing nighttime care, and so much more. We’re learning exponentially these days about the correlation between good sleep and good health.

Since we focus on workplace camaraderie, is there something you and your colleagues can do for those with sleep issues? 

Here are a few ideas: encouraging walks throughout the day—in the sunshine—to boost vitamin D which contributes to better sleep. Is a nap room feasible? How about quiet spaces for brief meditation if naps aren’t an option? Is your company culture mindful of not interrupting colleagues after hours?

🌟 Do Good Spotlight: Brain & Behavior Research Foundation

We know that the mental illness crisis is widespread and needs support. The Brain & Behavior Research Foundation is one of those organizations working to alleviate the suffering caused by mental illness. They award grants to lead to scientific breakthroughs in this area. Learn more about them: Brain & Behavior Research Foundation.

🖋 Noteworthy: Sleep Genius

If you’re having consistent trouble sleeping, a sleep study is probably a good next step. You can also investigate Sleep Genius. It’s a technology developed by Alex Doman to help activate and regulate the brain’s sleep systems for optimal deep sleep. Intrigued? These technologies have other applications too. Check out the website for applications for children, military personnel and their families, and more.

🎵 On a Personal Note

Did you know octopuses are super intelligent? Maybe think twice before ordering grilled octopus.

⏳Until Next Time…

Enjoy the smooth slide into real autumn. Summer’s gone my friends–it’s pumpkin spice season whether we’re ready or not! 🎃

Niki

Niki’s Notes for Better Workplaces

Weekly news and insights on the compassionate workplace movement with commentary, spotlights on innovative companies, and not-for-profits that deserve extra love! Edited by A Better Paradigm Founder, Niki.