Flexibility

6 posts



Balancing the demands of a career while nurturing a family is a juggling act that countless parents face every day. The modern world presents working parents with a unique set of challenges, from managing time efficiently to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. What can busy working parents do to excel both professionally and personally? How can they effectively balance work and family?

We recently asked our leading executives for their best tips for working parents.

Here are their responses...

Ana Smith, Leadership Development & Learning Strategist


Working parents in the digital age face unique challenges, but also have a plethora of opportunities and tools at their disposal. Here are some of the best tips for navigating this landscape:

1. Embrace Technology

  • Use digital tools for organization and productivity, such as digital calendars, to-do lists, or apps specifically designed for families like Cozi or Trello.
  • Engage in virtual telehealth appointments, parent-teacher conferences, or tutoring to save travel time.

2. Set Boundaries

  • Designate a specific workspace in your home. When you're in this space, your family knows you're "at work."
  • Set specific "digital-free" times to fully engage with your family, devoid of work emails or distractions.

3. Educate Yourself and Your Kids About Digital Safety

  • Discuss online privacy, cyberbullying, and the importance of strong, unique passwords.
  • Use parental controls when necessary, but also teach your children about responsible internet usage.

4. Prioritize Quality Time

  • Even if you're using technology together, such as watching a movie or playing an online game, ensure you’re engaging in ways that foster closeness.
  • Set aside tech-free zones or times in the home to ensure uninterrupted family moments.

5. Promote a Healthy Tech-Life Balance for Children

  • Limit screen time and encourage physical activities, hobbies, and reading.
  • Use tech as an educational tool, not just entertainment.

6. Stay Connected

  • With the convenience of video calls, working parents can remain connected with their children even when they're away. A quick midday call can work wonders.
  • Use technology to stay involved in your child's school life, such as accessing online grade portals or school communication apps.

7. Self-Care and Mental Health

  • Utilize digital platforms for self-care and mental health, such as meditation apps, online therapy, or digital fitness classes.
  • Recognize when you need a digital detox, and take short breaks away from screens.

8. Continuous Learning

  • Digital landscapes are constantly evolving. Dedicate some time to learn about new tools, apps, or platforms that can make your life easier as a working parent.

9. Outsource When Needed

  • Consider using digital services like grocery deliveries, virtual assistants, or online tutoring to help manage your time more effectively.

10. Maintain an Open Dialogue

  • As children grow, their relationship with technology will change. Keep the lines of communication open and encourage them to share their online experiences, concerns, and discoveries with you.

11. Lead by Example

  • Children often mimic the behavior of their parents. Model good digital habits and a healthy relationship with technology.

The digital age certainly presents challenges for working parents, but by leveraging the opportunities it offers and setting boundaries, you can promote a balanced and fulfilling family life.

Ana Smith helps people & organizations achieve their full talent potential by developing and co-creating people strategies and customized solutions, and turning them into impactful outcomes and collaborative relationships, using coaching as the "red thread."

Michael Willis, Sports Business Operations Executive


Dad holds his baby while working from home

The NFL has always been committed to fostering a workplace that encourages work-life balance and supports the unique challenges faced by working parents. Here are some compassionate suggestions for navigating the demands of our dynamic industry while ensuring a healthy family life:

1. Flexible Scheduling: Encourage managers to embrace flexible work arrangements that allow parents to adjust their schedules when needed. This can significantly assist with managing family responsibilities and job commitments.

2. Parental Leave Policies: Ensure our policies are comprehensive and accommodating. Offering ample time off for new parents is vital in helping them transition into their new roles.

3. Remote Work Options: Consider allowing parents to work remotely, at least part of the time, as it can provide the flexibility they need to effectively balance their family and professional lives.

4. Childcare Support: Explore partnerships with local childcare providers to offer discounts or on-site daycare options. This can ease the burden on working parents and provide peace of mind.

5. Mentorship and Networking: Facilitate mentorship programs and networking opportunities for working parents within the organization. Connecting with colleagues who have faced similar challenges can be invaluable.

6. Employee Resource Groups: Promote and support employee resource groups (ERGs) focused on working parents. These groups can provide a sense of community and a platform to discuss shared experiences and solutions.

7. Wellness Initiatives: Emphasize the importance of mental and physical well-being by offering wellness programs, stress-management resources, and counseling services for parents dealing with the juggling act.

8. Clear Communication: Encourage open and transparent communication between employees and supervisors. This helps in setting realistic expectations and finding mutually beneficial solutions.

9. Professional Development: Ensure that career growth and development opportunities are accessible to all employees, regardless of their parental status. This encourages retention and motivation.

10. Recognition and Appreciation: Recognize working parents' hard work and dedication within the organization. Simple gestures of appreciation can go a long way in boosting morale.

Incorporating these strategies into our workplace culture demonstrates our commitment to supporting working parents and contributes to a more inclusive, empathetic, and motivated workforce. Together, we can create an environment where all employees, including working parents, can thrive in the fast-paced sports business industry.

Michael Willis has 18+ years of experience working with accounting & sports organizations and has managed P&Ls of $10M - $125M+ with budgets of $3M-$50M+. He worked for the NFL for 22 1/2 years, mainly with the game officials working on the financial/accounting side of the business.

Lisa Perry, Global Marketing Executive


Working mom helps her child with homework while working remotely

As a mother of two girls and a brand marketing executive, I know the intricacies of balancing work and family and the numerous challenges it brings. “Balance” often felt like an elusive concept as I constantly made sacrifices, for work, family time, or personal well-being. I’ve been through the extremes—working relentlessly, traveling extensively, and grappling with the guilt of being away from my children to declining work commitments to ensure I’m present for girls’ milestones and bedtime routines. Achieving harmonious work-life balance was a perpetual battle.

If you are a working parent, here are some tips that I’ve used that can help you make the balancing act a little easier:

  • Prioritize Family: Spend quality time with your family to strengthen bonds and nurture happy, healthy children. Make family time a non-negotiable priority.
  • Self-Care: As women, we often overlook self-care and end up stretched thin. Whether it’s a leisurely lunch with a friend, a spa day, regular exercise, or simply getting ample rest, taking care of yourself is crucial for mental well-being and resilience.
  • Delegate Family Responsibilities: Consider delegating tasks if you’ve shouldered most household chores as a working mom. It’s okay if things aren’t done your way; what matters is the quality time you gain with your family.
  • Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to unrealistic work expectations and establish clear boundaries. This not only helps you focus but also opens doors to new possibilities.
  • Open Communication: Maintain open communication with your boss and colleagues about your family responsibilities. A supportive work environment can make a significant difference in managing work and family life.
  • Time Management: Effectively managing your family’s time by creating synchronized schedules that balance work, family, and personalized activities. Coordination and alignment are key.
  • Flexible Work Arrangements: Explore flexible work options like remote work or adjusted hours, if your job permits. These alternatives empower parents to meet their needs within a traditional 9-5 workweek.

Finding the right balance between work and family life is an ongoing journey. Adjustments are okay as your family’s needs and work responsibilities change. If you’re eager to delve deeper into effective strategies, I invite you to explore my book How to Develop a Brand Strategy. Within its pages, you’ll discover a comprehensive step-by-step guide to crafting a robust brand strategy that aligns seamlessly with your business objectives.

Remember, you’re not alone! With the right strategies and mindset, you can navigate the challenges of being a working parent while fostering a fulfilling life for yourself and your family.

Lisa Perry helps companies drive revenue by using consumer trends, insights, and data analytics to innovate their approach to marketing.

What are your best tips for working parents? Join the conversation inside Work It Daily's Executive Program.

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Executive Spotlight: The Best Tips For Working …



In mid-June, in the Leadership Table Talk Series, I had the privilege of interviewing Colin Corby—my friend, technologist, and CEO of Technology Wellbeing LTD, who over the last 20 years has been very studious of the influence of technology in the psychology of the mind, and where this might lead us. In this article, I summarize the key nuggets from our discussion.

In recent years, the world of work has been buffeted by powerful winds of change. From the rapid advancement of technology to the unexpected consequences of a global pandemic, businesses and their employees face a landscape that’s shifting beneath their feet. The culmination of these factors creates what some may term a "perfect storm." The question is how do we navigate through it?

An Unsettling Landscape


The COVID-19 pandemic catapulted organizations into the future, forcing them to adapt quickly to remote and hybrid work models. While this pivot provided immediate solutions, it unearthed the fragility of our global economic structure. Such fragility was only exacerbated by global events like the war in Ukraine.

And just as the dust seemed to settle, newer challenges arose. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulations, demographic shifts in the workplace, a mass exodus of experienced professionals (often termed the "Great Resignation"), and increasing reports of employee burnout became prominent. Toss in the projection by the World Economic Forum that by 2025 machines will equally share work tasks with humans, and it's clear: the future of work is daunting.

What’s the toll on employees? A 2021 Deloitte report pinpoints a surge in burnout, absenteeism, presenteeism, and labor turnover. The more ominous insight? An overwhelming feeling of isolation pervades 40% of U.S. workers.

Digital Culture: Logic Or Magic?


Employee presents updates to executives/C-suite members on the future of work

In this tumultuous scenario, the emphasis on digital culture cannot be overlooked. But what is it? Simply put, it's the intersection of technology, leadership, and employee interaction within an organization. With disruptive technologies constantly emerging, it's vital for organizations to ensure that their evolving digital culture aligns with core values.

Why does this matter? Three primary reasons:

  1. Alignment with Organizational Values: Neglecting digital culture can result in a misalignment between an organization's core values and the behaviors adopted due to disruptive digital transformations.
  2. Preserving Connections: Digital transformation has the potential to rupture the essential connections between employees. In an era of remote work, it's vital to restore and strengthen these networks.
  3. Futureproofing: As technology takes on a more significant role, its interactions with humans will play a pivotal part in shaping an organization's culture.

Ethical/Human Digital Transformation™: The Road Ahead


Team of employees stay connected during the digital age

As we brace for the future, we believe the answer lies in what we term Ethical/Human Digital Transformation™. This concept revolves around three pillars:

  1. Connectedness: In an era defined by loneliness, organizations need to foster genuine connections among employees. This goes beyond virtual meetings and entails a deep sense of shared purpose and mutual respect.
  2. Autonomy: Employee autonomy is pivotal. Organizations need to ensure that their systems and tools empower employees rather than constrain them.
  3. Flexibility: The future is uncertain. Ensuring that both the organization and its employees are adaptable is key to navigating unexpected challenges.

Embracing AI, But Retaining The Human Touch


Virtual leader talks to her employees during a work meeting

While AI promises a boost in GDP and efficiency, it also brings forth challenges. The automation potential of AI might threaten jobs, requiring leaders to adapt and innovate. The intertwining of human-AI dynamics requires vigilance to avoid "psychological entanglement," where the lines between human judgment and AI outputs blur.

Leaders should be aware of AI's limitations. Its outputs, often based on training data, may sometimes be misleading. Hence, the emphasis should be on retaining human strengths like critical thinking, creativity, and genuine human connections.

In Conclusion

As the storm rages on, it's evident that the future of work hinges on striking a balance. Embracing technological advancements while upholding human values is the challenge ahead. Through proactive strategies and a human-centric approach, we can steer our organizations to calmer waters.

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The Perfect Storm: Navigating The Future Of …



Having a flexible work schedule is becoming one of the most sought-after job perks. According to a survey conducted by FlexJobs, 97% of respondents said a job with flexibility would have a positive impact on their overall quality of life.

Here are a few reasons why a flexible work schedule might change your life:

1. It Can Allow You To Do What You Love Outside Of Work


Woman on laptop works a flexible work schedule

Erik Freeman, a benefits advisor representing Aflac, strongly believes today's employees work far more hours than those of past generations. However, he lives by a different credo. "I work to live, not live to work," he explains. "With Aflac, I create my own schedule around my life goals, like raising a family and producing rock albums with my band."

Luis Correa, who is also a benefits advisor representing Aflac, says that working as an independent agent allows him to thrive both at work and outside of work. "It has provided me with the flexibility and financial resources to create my own schedule in a way that allows me to pursue my passions and still be fully committed to servicing my clients," he states.

2. It Can Give You The Opportunity To Focus On Your Health


Happy man on laptop working from home with a flexible work schedule

Freeman believes having time to focus on mental health, wellness, and hobbies is huge, and his opinion is shared by many others. According to the FlexJobs survey, 79% of respondents said a flexible work schedule would make them healthier, and 87% said it would lower their stress levels.

Freeman, who once worked long hours in retail for another company, says he often went home completely exhausted from helping so many people and meeting high expectations. As a result of stress, he ended up gaining weight, losing energy, and developing harmful personal habits to cope with the stress. "If companies really want healthy employees that create efficient results, they need to take a big look at how they're helping their employees stay up with their life goals," he says.

3. It Helps Free Up Time For Family And Friends


Working mom holds her baby while on a flexible work schedule

For Heather Siems, a district sales coordinator representing Aflac, having the flexibility to spend ample amounts of time with her family while still working full time was a huge selling point when she accepted the opportunity with Aflac. "I knew that I wanted the flexibility as I started a family, so I could go to dance practices and soccer games but still work full time," she says.

Having a flexible schedule as well as the ability to work from home has allowed Siems to spend more time with her family and watch her children grow.

4. It Can Give You Time To Travel


Man on laptop with a flexible work schedule works from home

Do you wish you had more time to travel? You're not alone. More than half (58%) of FlexJobs' survey participants said they want a flexible work schedule for that reason.

For Shyla Syverson, an Aflac benefits advisor from Montana, being able to take vacations and trips on her own time is a huge bonus. "I started working as a benefits advisor with Aflac for a variety of reasons, and one of those was for the flexibility that being an entrepreneur can offer," she says. "As a result of really hard work and taking care of my policyholders and clients, I have been able to travel more than I ever imagined possible. I can enjoy the great outdoors of Montana and also travel the world."

5. It Can Make You A More Productive Employee


Woman takes a break while on a flexible work schedule

Working in an office atmosphere 40 hours a week may affect your productivity. Between interruptions from co-workers, a loud atmosphere, and other distractions, it can be hard to focus on your projects. Studies show that having a flexible work schedule can actually make you a more productive employee. Having the ability to work whenever and wherever you want can help you to complete your tasks more efficiently.

Syverson says she believes workplace productivity is enhanced by a healthy time-off policy. "When an employee knows they can take time off without there being backlash or feelings of guilt, they will want to work hard for the company," she explains.

6. It Can Make You Appreciate Your Job More


Man works from home while on a flexible work schedule

A recent study conducted by Leadership IQ revealed that people who work from home are 87% more likely to "love" their job than people who do not.

Being able to spend time with your family, having the ability to travel, and being able to pursue your passions outside of work all contribute to a solid work-life balance. This makes sense because when you are happy outside of work and productive when you are working, you are generally more satisfied.

Do you want a flexible work schedule?

These are just a few of the benefits stemming from a flexible work schedule—there are many more. Aflac offers flexible, independent contractor (or agent) roles that can give you the power to do the things YOU want to do. If you are interested in pursuing a career that allows flexibility, check out opportunities with Aflac.

Need help finding a job with a flexible work schedule?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This post is sponsored by Aflac. Aflac agents are independent agents and are not employees of Aflac. Aflac herein means American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and American Family Life Assurance Company of New York. This post was originally published at an earlier date.

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6 Reasons A Flexible Work Schedule Will …



As we move beyond the pandemic, many businesses ask employees to return to the office. Despite two years of hybrid and flexible work arrangements, many employers emphasize the value of in-person collaboration and client connectivity for maintaining high-quality products and services.

While employers have made their plea, the challenge is that the talent pool applying for critical positions has shrunk. According to Inbusiness.com, 63% of the workforce now works flexibly, meaning businesses must find creative ways to lure top talent back to the office despite the competition.

This week, a client talked to me about her struggles attracting talent due to her company's in-office work policy and inability to offer flexibility like other businesses. She anticipated these questions would arise in a candidate interview and wanted a well-thought-out response. How does an employer address the issue of work-life balance when candidates raise the question in an interview? I was empathetic and hoped to deliver some recommendations to her and others struggling.

Here are the five top ways YOUR company can attract talent if working from home is not an option:

5 Strategies Employers Should Use To Attract Talent To Positions That Do Not Offer Working From Home


Woman shakes hands with the hiring manager before her job interview

As someone who has worked remotely for the last half of my career, I understand the appeal. However, after collaborating with numerous clients and my colleagues in person post-pandemic, I missed the personalized connection and appreciated the benefits of in-office work. And let's remember the value of face-to-face conversations and the opportunity to build strong relationships with colleagues and superiors.

The energy of a shared workspace is challenging to replicate in a virtual environment and can be stimulating. Some candidates feel the same way; you must know how to find them. Here is how you can identify those in your pool who are interested.

Businesses have levers to pull when attracting talent:

1. Personalize your hiring approach.

Internal recruiters and department managers must be aligned on all aspects of the job, including incentives and the positioning of the position in the market. Treating candidates with respect and regular check-ins while waiting for a decision will speak volumes.

Research shows that personalization is vital to keeping candidates engaged in the recruitment process. One effective way to personalize the experience is by exploring the candidate's motivations. If you cannot personalize your interactions with candidates, hire an external recruiter who spends time understanding the company's value proposition and the candidate's motivation.

2. Emphasize the benefit of in-person collaboration when speaking to the candidates.

While remote work has become more prevalent in recent years, you can emphasize the benefits of working together in the same space for improved communication, faster decision-making, and better team bonding. Research has shown that in-person collaboration can lead to higher productivity, increased creativity, and stronger working relationships.

3. Brand your work culture to increase a candidate's desire to work for you.

Illustrate your company's critical differentiators on social outlets, websites, and other media to showcase your competitive advantage. A strong company culture can be a significant draw for job seekers, especially those who value community and belonging in the workplace. You can highlight your company's values, mission, and vision to show candidates what they can expect when they join your team.

Testimonials or employee success stories demonstrating how your company supports and invests in its employees are the perfect way to draw people in. To my surprise, I hired someone recently, and she selected Duffy Group because we are a women-owned business. She had multiple offers to work with other well-known consulting practices for more money. She chose our company because she was respected during the process and loved our culture.

4. Strategize with HR on additional incentives.

Employers can offer more competitive salaries, improved health and wellness benefits, work-life balance programs, and resume-building opportunities. One effective way to personalize the experience is by exploring the candidate's motivations. As an employer, asking critical questions about what motivates a candidate is essential.

Discuss with your HR team the incentives that make the most sense for the job. Understanding the candidates during your recruitment stage is critical to know what motivates them, and you should encourage the hiring manager to flex when possible.

5. Consider a phased approach.

If you are not ready to offer a fully flexible or hybrid work schedule, consider a phased system. For example, you could start with a limited number of remote work days per month or a relaxed start and end time. This can help ease employees into a new way of working and demonstrate that the company is open to change.

One remote example that comes to mind is a CPA firm in Boston. The perfect candidate was already working remotely but was unsatisfied with the opportunity. If the candidate were to pursue this job, there would be a commute, and his work environment would change. Getting the candidate to say yes meant the employer had intimate discussions with the candidate about what attracted him to the position and decided to offer (some) flexibility by suggesting he work in the office for the first month to get to know the staff and his team since this was a leadership role. More employers are becoming more flexible when employees have established themselves.

Lastly, be proud and confident in the role you're offering the public. The client I spoke of earlier should understand that every job provides someone an opportunity to serve. Likewise, ensure your recruiting teams understand what motivates each candidate. Some processes can last months. Employers should develop the most personalized recruiting approach possible if they are eager to hire, establish a good rapport with candidates, and get them to say yes, too!

How do you compete?

Sources:

1. "2023 Hiring Trends: What Recruiters Need to Know" by Lizzi Hart, LinkedIn Talent Blog, January 12, 2023: https://business.linkedin.com/talent-solutions/blog/talent-on-tap/2023/2023-hiring-trends-what-recruiters-need-to-know

2. "2023 HR Predictions: The Year Ahead for Hiring, Recruitment, and Talent Management" by Sharon Florentine, CIO, January 3, 2023: https://www.cio.com/article/3652121/2023-hr-predictions-the-year-ahead-for-hiring-recruitment-and-talent-management.html

3. "5 Hiring Trends That Will Impact Your Talent Acquisition Strategy in 2023" by Brandon Metcalf, Forbes, December 19, 2022: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brandonmetcalf/2022/12/19/5-hiring-trends-that-will-impact-your-talent-acquisition-strategy-in-2023/?sh=7718463c1b3d

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Top 5 Ways To Attract Talent To …

Executive Spotlight: The Skills Executives Need To Succeed In Today’s Hybrid Workplace



The workplace looks a lot different today than it did a couple of years ago. With the rise of remote work, many companies have permanently adopted a hybrid work model. This change has impacted employees and management alike. But in order for companies to stay competitive and build on their successes, their executives must develop the skills necessary to lead in today's hybrid workplace.

We recently asked our successful executives what skills they think leaders need to succeed in today's hybrid workplace.

Here are their responses...

Melodie Turk, Learning Experience Executive


Every executive in a hybrid workplace needs a good time management formula.

You need to be able to spend time on your actual deliverables, you need to spend time with your direct reports—not only directing work, but in personal development—you need to spend time with your department or organization, and you need to spend time in strategic planning. This list could continue but plotting out the hours for each time description adds up really quickly, such as 15 hours for deliverables, 5 hours for direct reports, 10 hours for organization, and 3 hours for strategic planning. Now, you only have 7 hours left for ad hoc meetings, innovation, your own development, putting out fires, etc.

Knowing that you need to be more intentional with your time is key. Intentional plotting out your time on your calendar (and sticking to it) is critical. Having others understand your time priorities is essential.

Melodie Turk is a learning experience executive with a unique background in the learning and development arena as well as change management. She is passionate about bringing change to the workplace—change that is meaningful and change that will last.

Lisa Perry, Global Marketing Executive


Executive/leader on laptop manages a hybrid workplace

We’ve seen more changes in the workplace over the last two years than in the previous two decades. In these two years, we’ve learned quite a bit about working remotely including how to enhance leadership skills in this new work environment.

Here are five skills executives need to succeed in today’s hybrid workplace:

1. Communication: Executives need to be great communicators from increased listening skills, more in-depth and personal conversations, focusing on written communication, to enabling informal interactions.

2. Trust: Trust is even more important in today’s hybrid work environment. With less managerial oversight, organizations are empowering employees to do their work. Conversely, employees have had to be confident that work is being assigned fairly.

3. Accountability: Without being able to see people to generate an understanding of their productivity and performance, executives need to hold employees accountable for their outcomes and results.

4. Flexibility: The people who will thrive in a hybrid workplace will not only be flexible. They’ll be agile to adapt to changing circumstances, be creative problem solvers, and have a degree of open-mindedness.

5. Virtual Innovation: A study of Microsoft employees shows how remote work puts productivity and innovation at risk. To drive innovation in a hybrid work environment, have open communication and encourage working sessions.

Lisa Perry helps companies build leadership brands, driving loyal customers & delivering profitability. She does this through a process that builds brands consumers love. Her goal is to help companies develop, monetize, and grow their brands.

Dr. Hannah Hartwell, Learning & Development Executive


Executive/leader sets clear expectations with his employee

The most successful executives who are managing well in today’s hybrid work environment provide clear and consistent expectations. Having clear expectations has always been important, but now even more so. Clear expectations also involve having crucial and vulnerable conversations about any other factors that could impact work. We have all gone through this pandemic together, but people experienced it differently based on their own situations. It’s important to recognize and acknowledge the differences. Have those conversations with your team and ask how you, as the executive, can provide more direction or support.

One of my mentees recently asked me how she can better advocate for herself at work. I asked some probing questions, and her concerns were about expectations. She felt inspired to have a vulnerable conversation with her manager and enthusiastically shared that she knew exactly what was expected of her moving forward. As executives, it’s important for us to open our hybrid office door to facilitate those conversations.

Dr. Hannah Hartwell is a learning and development executive and change management practitioner with 15+ years of business transformation experience in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, higher education, and professional services industries.

Percy Leon, Digital Media Content Executive


Group of executives/leaders work together in a hybrid workplace

Here are some of the most important skills executives need to succeed in today's business world:

1. Communication: The ability to manage remote teams effectively. It's crucial for executives to know how to manage a virtual team.

2. Leadership: The ability to lead change. Executives need to be able to lead their teams through times of change, whether it's a change in the company's direction or a change in the market.

3. Set Boundaries: Make sure they separate work and personal time. Sometimes this can be a challenge if executives also play at the same space they work at.

4. Creativity: The ability to come up with new and innovative ideas. This includes thinking outside the box and coming up with creative solutions to problems and also building their brands.

Percy Leon is a digital media content producer specializing in educational technology and entertainment. He is interested in web3, metaverse, and the use of virtual reality for storytelling.

Andrea Markowski, Marketing Executive


Executive leads a team meeting with hybrid, in-office, and remote employees

In a hybrid environment, there is one thing that is often overlooked: equity.

Imagine: Your team is split, and half you see regularly in person while half are 100% remote. It could be quite easy for you to “forget” the remote folks because, as they say, out of sight, out of mind.

What this means is potentially giving the juicy projects and even more job advancements to team members that you interact with in person, while those who you never see get left out.

Or, those who are in the office more often might have access to more resources, equipment, and even social opportunities than those who work remotely, giving them an advantage.

Managers should make a deliberate effort to be equitable and fair with opportunities in hybrid environments. Greater visibility does not mean that someone is more productive or a higher performer. Be aware of any biased opinions you may hold due to informal, in-person networking.

Andrea Markowski is a marketing director with specializations in strategy development, digital tactics, design thinking, and creative direction. She has superpowers in presentations and public speaking.

What skills do you think executives need to succeed in today's hybrid workplace? Join the conversation inside Work It Daily's Executive Program.

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Executive Spotlight: The Skills Executives Need To …

5 Benefits Of Hiring Creative Employees



Uncertain economic conditions have prompted organizations to rethink their hiring process and attract top talent. In their quest to find the best candidates, most organizations have now realized that they have to look beyond academic qualifications and experience.

They are scouting for people who can not only complete their job at hand but also bring new perspectives to the table. Sharp thinkers and proactive resources are, therefore, in demand today as they can help a company grow in the right direction.

Here are some ways in which employers can benefit from hiring creative employees who think outside the box:

Creativity Brings New Solutions For Difficult Problems


Creative employees work on a project

In today's highly competitive landscape, companies need to stay one step ahead to win the trust and confidence of their customers. Moreover, with customers becoming more demanding, companies need to come up with creative problem solving and innovative solutions for complex challenges in the workplace.

A simple way to deal with this problem is to hire creative thinkers who can think outside the box and suggest better solutions. Over the years, creative thinkers like Steve Jobs and Bill Gates have revolutionized technology with their innovative solutions. By hiring creative people, companies across industries can find solutions to difficult problems.

Creative People Find New Opportunities


Creative employee shows her boss her idea

By thinking differently, creative employees help organizations find new opportunities to grow. As creative employees do not believe in simply doing what they are asked to do, they show more commitment and proactivity in exploring other opportunities.

In doing so, they exceed expectations and take up jobs with greater passion. For most companies today, the biggest challenge is to identify the right opportunities and leverage them for good returns. Creative employees can be a great asset to address this challenge and explore potential areas of growth in the workplace.

Creative Thinkers Ask Questions Before The Customers Do


Creative employees brainstorm

For most managers, a big challenge is to elicit an honest response from his/her team members. Even if the team members are honest in their assessment, it is not uncommon to find people who do not spend too much time thinking and minutely evaluating everything.

With creative team members on board, managers can see a paradigm shift in how the process works and the way in which they share their thoughts. Creative people think from different perspectives and ask questions that can be quite pertinent from a customer's point of view. Answering those questions is important to satisfy customers and grow business.

Creative Employees Have A Broader Outlook And Approach


Creative employees solve a problem

Unlike analytical thinkers who have a set way of doing things, analyzing situations, and arriving at conclusions, creative employees have a broader approach. No two creative employees will react to a situation in the same way. Therefore, their approaches will be different from one another.

Different approaches bring new solutions to problems and enable organizations to respond to challenging situations. Moreover, their creative bent of mind can open up several unobserved issues and opportunities for the organization to look into.

Creativity Ushers Enthusiasm To Learn


Creative employees work on a project together

With the business environment becoming more dynamic, there is no room for rigidity. Companies need flexible employees in the workplace who have the enthusiasm to take up new challenges and explore different opportunities. Creative employees respond well to change. They do not shudder when they have to try something different, which can be a great boost for an organization that wants to manage costs and build leaders from within its workforce.

Investing in the career growth of a creative professional is a rewarding experience for the organization today. It is, particularly, beneficial for companies that lack the drive and confidence to reach out to customers. Creative thinkers can change things for the better and take the company to newer heights.

In addition to the above five benefits, creativity is something that you can build into your personal brand to stand out to employers while on the job search, and being a creative employee will also make you invaluable as technology continues to change the workplace.

Struggling to find a job where your creativity can shine? You're not alone. We know how difficult it is to find a job and/or career that lets you leverage your strengths. The good news is, it's easier than you think to overcome burnout and acheive career success.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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