Hi,

So, it’s really truly almost the end of August. I know many of our southern readers have kiddos back to school already. Here in the Princeton, NJ area, we’re looking at a week after Labor Day return. Not that it affects me these days, my two are all grown and impressing me regularly with what they’re doing with their lives—I’m at the point in my life where I get to applaud from the sidelines.

And speaking of back to school, do you know a teacher who could use a little help with their classroom purchases? Have you thought about asking a teacher what might be on their wish list and then sending them the $ to make the purchase? It’s an easy way to say, “I see you, and thanks” and the amount you chose is entirely up to you.

Now, on to the show…. This week’s items I thought you might find insightful, enjoyable, and/or concerning (but worth noting) are here:

First, a bit of inspiration from Jim Kwik via Instagram (@JimKwik):

• This piece from Business Insider (paywall) talks about research showing younger employees no longer feel as connected to work because they aren’t making the same “friends at work” connections that were integral to people when most of us worked in offices. The ramifications for engagement and retention are significant.
• On the flip side to the research in that piece are these three articles, two from Forbes, on the same topic but with different stats and POVs:
  • https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/6759-friends-at-work.html

• • https://www.forbes.com/sites/markcperna/2022/07/19/employees-want-more-friends-at-work-why-arent-they-finding-them/?sh=66e21e5b19ab

• • https://www.forbes.com/sites/tracybrower/2022/06/14/the-connection-crisis-craving-friends-at-work-and-how-to-bring-back-belonging/?sh=7217e384244d

(Tip about paywalls: If you Google the part of the story you can see before the paywall blocks you, Google will list the story as a clickable option. If you haven’t exceeded your freebies from that publication for the month, you can typically see the entire story, bypassing the paywall.)

• A group of teenagers are suspected of attacking boats off the coasts of Spain and Portugal. Experts believe it’s the same kids doing the damage in all areas. Why am I sharing this? Click to find out.
• Hopefully that last one gave you a chuckle…or if you’re a boater, sorry about that… This one talks about why you need to get outta’ the house.
• There’s new thinking about hiring back good employees who left your company for other opportunities. They’re called boomerangs, and the latest is they are definitely smart rehires. Sharing: someone in a business owner group I’m told us she recently hired back a star who had left seeking greener pastures. When the employee asked to come back, they hired her without hesitation. Not only is she rocking it, but she spent her team meeting back telling everyone that if anyone was thinking of leaving, talk with her first—and she’d tell them how not so green that other grass was. Love it!

Do Good Spotlight
🌟 Hydrocephalus Association 🌟

Affecting over 1 million Americans, hydrocephalus is a chronic, neurological condition marked by an excess accumulation of fluid in the brain. The Hydrocephalus Association’s mission is to “find a cure for hydrocephalus and improve the lives of those impacted by the condition.” See more about what they do and plan to do: https://www.hydroassoc.org/

As always, please let us know if you’d like us to spotlight and donate to a cause that’s close to your heart. 💗

That’s it for this week. Please let me know how you’re doing and if you’d like to chat about any of this week’s stories, or just catch up. You know where to find me. In the meantime, stay strong, stay focused, and keep being you!