FOUR WAYS TO COMBAT END-OF-YEAR BURNOUT
BY LISA BOYLAN / DEC 11, 2020
As a tumultuous year comes to a close, reckoning with burnout is understandable. A productivity expert offers some guidance on ways to put a few things in order and make more time for yourself.
That persistent feeling of burnout? It’s real and has been exacerbated by the pandemic more than at any time in the past several years. A study by FlexJobs and Mental Health America found that 75 percent of workers have experienced burnout recently, and 40 percent of those polled said it was a direct result of the pandemic.
Carson Tate, CEO of Working Simply, had her own personal bout with burnout a couple of years ago and understands its impact, especially on women. “Even though it’s 2020, women bear a disproportionate load of household and child responsibilities,” Tate said.
The pandemic has added to that burden. Women are “overstretched and overwhelmed,” she said, and many are leaving their careers. With the loss of support structures like schools and day care, “it’s almost impossible to do it all without cracking,” she said.
More than one in four women are contemplating downsizing their careers or leaving the workplace entirely, according to a 2020 Women in Workplace study by McKinsey and LeanIn.
Tate recommends four key strategies for overcoming end-of-year burnout after a year that has stretched almost everyone’s patience, mental capacity, and focus:
Conduct a meeting audit. Go through your calendar and if a meeting doesn’t have an agenda, ask yourself: Why am I attending this meeting? Respond to the meeting organizer and ask: What is the meeting objective, and how can I support you in achieving it? This message puts them on notice that if there isn’t a good reason for you to be there, you don’t need to be there.
Do you play a role in the meeting? If there is an agenda for the meeting, but you’re not on it to make a specific decision or as an influencer or a subject matter expert, and you won’t be responsible for any execution of goals, that’s a great opportunity to just say no. Time is a commodity, and making sure you are really thoughtful about investing your time is essential.
Take intentional breaks. Put a five-minute break—with a reminder—on your calendar to reduce your cognitive load. Walk up and down a flight of stairs, flip through a favorite magazine, listen to a song. Disengage, disconnect, and let your brain rest.
Winterize your task list. What tasks should stop? Ask: Does this task generate revenue? Is it aligned to a strategic goal or priority? Is it a core requirement of my job? If it’s not, stop doing it. Now assess what you need to start. Is there a new project or initiative that you haven’t broken out into action items? Capture the action items and put them in a task management tool. What tasks need to be continued? If it aligns with revenue generation, a strategic goal, or is a core responsibility of your job, keep doing it.
Research has shown that working longer hours does not equate to increased productivity. A Stanford University study found that productivity declines sharply when a person works more than 50 hours per week. And those who work up to 70 hours a week are only getting the same amount of work done as those who put in 55 hours.
As 2020 comes to a close, it’s time to make time a priority and arrange tasks so they are manageable, achievable, and necessary to enter the new year refreshed and ready to engage.
“You’re a human being,” Tate said, “not a human doing.”
BY LISA BOYLAN / DEC 11, 2020
As a tumultuous year comes to a close, reckoning with burnout is understandable. A productivity expert offers some guidance on ways to put a few things in order and make more time for yourself.
That persistent feeling of burnout? It’s real and has been exacerbated by the pandemic more than at any time in the past several years. A study by FlexJobs and Mental Health America found that 75 percent of workers have experienced burnout recently, and 40 percent of those polled said it was a direct result of the pandemic.
Carson Tate, CEO of Working Simply, had her own personal bout with burnout a couple of years ago and understands its impact, especially on women. “Even though it’s 2020, women bear a disproportionate load of household and child responsibilities,” Tate said.
The pandemic has added to that burden. Women are “overstretched and overwhelmed,” she said, and many are leaving their careers. With the loss of support structures like schools and day care, “it’s almost impossible to do it all without cracking,” she said.
More than one in four women are contemplating downsizing their careers or leaving the workplace entirely, according to a 2020 Women in Workplace study by McKinsey and LeanIn.
Tate recommends four key strategies for overcoming end-of-year burnout after a year that has stretched almost everyone’s patience, mental capacity, and focus:
Conduct a meeting audit. Go through your calendar and if a meeting doesn’t have an agenda, ask yourself: Why am I attending this meeting? Respond to the meeting organizer and ask: What is the meeting objective, and how can I support you in achieving it? This message puts them on notice that if there isn’t a good reason for you to be there, you don’t need to be there.
Do you play a role in the meeting? If there is an agenda for the meeting, but you’re not on it to make a specific decision or as an influencer or a subject matter expert, and you won’t be responsible for any execution of goals, that’s a great opportunity to just say no. Time is a commodity, and making sure you are really thoughtful about investing your time is essential.
Take intentional breaks. Put a five-minute break—with a reminder—on your calendar to reduce your cognitive load. Walk up and down a flight of stairs, flip through a favorite magazine, listen to a song. Disengage, disconnect, and let your brain rest.
Winterize your task list. What tasks should stop? Ask: Does this task generate revenue? Is it aligned to a strategic goal or priority? Is it a core requirement of my job? If it’s not, stop doing it. Now assess what you need to start. Is there a new project or initiative that you haven’t broken out into action items? Capture the action items and put them in a task management tool. What tasks need to be continued? If it aligns with revenue generation, a strategic goal, or is a core responsibility of your job, keep doing it.
Research has shown that working longer hours does not equate to increased productivity. A Stanford University study found that productivity declines sharply when a person works more than 50 hours per week. And those who work up to 70 hours a week are only getting the same amount of work done as those who put in 55 hours.
As 2020 comes to a close, it’s time to make time a priority and arrange tasks so they are manageable, achievable, and necessary to enter the new year refreshed and ready to engage.
“You’re a human being,” Tate said, “not a human doing.”
Post Jobs and Your Internship Positions
ASU’s Handshake is Career and Professional Development Services’ recruiting platform that allows employers to post full-time degree-related career positions and professional internships, sign up for events, schedule recruiting visits and more. It is free to create an account and post positions.
Considering hiring an ASU intern for a virtual internship? A Virtual Internship Guide for employers interested in hosting interns is available: https://www.asuemployerguide.com/virtual-internship-guide. There are also resources in this guide if you want to connect with Arizona State University’s Career and Professional Development Services to post jobs/internships. Check out the website for more details on recruiting students at ASU: https://career.asu.edu/employers.
For additional questions contact Travis Leybeck at travis.leybeck@asu.edu.
ASU’s Handshake is Career and Professional Development Services’ recruiting platform that allows employers to post full-time degree-related career positions and professional internships, sign up for events, schedule recruiting visits and more. It is free to create an account and post positions.
Considering hiring an ASU intern for a virtual internship? A Virtual Internship Guide for employers interested in hosting interns is available: https://www.asuemployerguide.com/virtual-internship-guide. There are also resources in this guide if you want to connect with Arizona State University’s Career and Professional Development Services to post jobs/internships. Check out the website for more details on recruiting students at ASU: https://career.asu.edu/employers.
For additional questions contact Travis Leybeck at travis.leybeck@asu.edu.
You’re Not Fit to Lead: If Your Best Strength is Seeing Weakness
That may sound a little harsh. But many business owners and leaders are truly not fit to lead their team because they are only seeing weaknesses in others.
We all know, or have worked for, or even are, that smart talented leader that finds it easy to point out inadequacies, describe what’s wrong, and explain disagreements.
- There’s no creativity in pointing out weakness.
- There’s no imagination in disagreement.
- There’s no innovation in explaining what cannot be done.
- There’s no added value in tearing someone down.
Amazon delivery station planned in West Valley
An Amazon delivery station is planned for a 38-acre site. The project will include a 145,491-square-foot standalone package delivery facility, which will be used for sorting packages to be delivered into local neighborhoods.
According to Surprise city documents, the site will be near Litchfield Road and Soledad Street. Steve Backman, co-founder and partner of BH DevCo, the developer of the project, said Surprise is perfectly positioned for this new industrial build, and we anticipate even more market demand regionally as we see the rise of e-commerce continue and the increasing need for brands to optimize their shipping and distribution services.
The project will include a 145,491-square-foot standalone package delivery facility, which will be used for sorting packages to be delivered into local neighborhoods, according to city documents, which did not refer to Amazon by name, instead calling the development "Project Baxter." The delivery station is expected to open in 2021.
An Amazon delivery station is planned for a 38-acre site. The project will include a 145,491-square-foot standalone package delivery facility, which will be used for sorting packages to be delivered into local neighborhoods.
According to Surprise city documents, the site will be near Litchfield Road and Soledad Street. Steve Backman, co-founder and partner of BH DevCo, the developer of the project, said Surprise is perfectly positioned for this new industrial build, and we anticipate even more market demand regionally as we see the rise of e-commerce continue and the increasing need for brands to optimize their shipping and distribution services.
The project will include a 145,491-square-foot standalone package delivery facility, which will be used for sorting packages to be delivered into local neighborhoods, according to city documents, which did not refer to Amazon by name, instead calling the development "Project Baxter." The delivery station is expected to open in 2021.
Your Voice Was Heard: Reopening the Economy Letter
Almost 300 businesses and individuals signed on the Chamber letter encouraging local, state, and federal officials to safely reopen the economy. The lettered recommended consistent guidelines (not more regulations) when moving forward in opening up the economy. The Chamber of Commerce message made it very clear "The NW Valley business community appreciates that reopening safely will require that we all undertake measures to reduce further transmission of COVID-19. We stand ready to do our part. Make no mistake; employers want to reopen in a way that is safe and sustainable."
Most of the elected official responses to our letter were very supportive, below are two examples .
Letter Received by Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce
Arizona State Senator Rick Gray
First, I want to tell you I appreciate your willingness to sign onto the letter from the Surprise Chamber encouraging our state government to release our businesses to open. I am proud to be an Ex Officio board member of the Chamber, but I was not in the discussion to put this letter and recommendation together, although I wholeheartedly support it. And that just adds to the pride I have in our Chamber.
My position, which I have shared with all our Senators as well as many others, is that businesses know their employees and customers better than anyone else. They should be released to make their own determination of what is the most appropriate response for their business. When the government arbitrarily makes decisions for businesses, they will not be making the best choices. A mechanic shop is different than a daycare. And we have seen some ridiculous regulations for business, like a clothing store that is allowed to be open but customers are not allowed to use the changing rooms.
I want you to know that our Republican Caucus in both the Senate and the House is working to get our businesses the opportunity to run their companies as they see fit. I am hopeful the Governor will be motivated, in answer to our concerns and your input from all the emails.
Rick Gray
Senator, LD 21
Senate Majority Leader
Arizona Representative Ben Toma
I want to thank you for reaching out to me on this critical issue. As a small government, pro-business conservative, I strongly share your concern over the damaging economic impact this shutdown is having on our state’s residents and businesses.
I believe it’s time for Arizona to reopen.
As discussions with Governor Ducey continue, I am glad to have a seat at the table and continue to fiercely advocate for a quick and safe reopening of our state keeping in mind the importance of not including arbitrary regulations that hinder our businesses.
It can be done, and more should be done now.
It’s important that the Governor’s office hears this message from you too. You can call his office at (602) 542-4331 or email at engage@az.gov.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Ben Toma
Representative, District 22
Almost 300 businesses and individuals signed on the Chamber letter encouraging local, state, and federal officials to safely reopen the economy. The lettered recommended consistent guidelines (not more regulations) when moving forward in opening up the economy. The Chamber of Commerce message made it very clear "The NW Valley business community appreciates that reopening safely will require that we all undertake measures to reduce further transmission of COVID-19. We stand ready to do our part. Make no mistake; employers want to reopen in a way that is safe and sustainable."
Most of the elected official responses to our letter were very supportive, below are two examples .
Letter Received by Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce
Arizona State Senator Rick Gray
First, I want to tell you I appreciate your willingness to sign onto the letter from the Surprise Chamber encouraging our state government to release our businesses to open. I am proud to be an Ex Officio board member of the Chamber, but I was not in the discussion to put this letter and recommendation together, although I wholeheartedly support it. And that just adds to the pride I have in our Chamber.
My position, which I have shared with all our Senators as well as many others, is that businesses know their employees and customers better than anyone else. They should be released to make their own determination of what is the most appropriate response for their business. When the government arbitrarily makes decisions for businesses, they will not be making the best choices. A mechanic shop is different than a daycare. And we have seen some ridiculous regulations for business, like a clothing store that is allowed to be open but customers are not allowed to use the changing rooms.
I want you to know that our Republican Caucus in both the Senate and the House is working to get our businesses the opportunity to run their companies as they see fit. I am hopeful the Governor will be motivated, in answer to our concerns and your input from all the emails.
Rick Gray
Senator, LD 21
Senate Majority Leader
Arizona Representative Ben Toma
I want to thank you for reaching out to me on this critical issue. As a small government, pro-business conservative, I strongly share your concern over the damaging economic impact this shutdown is having on our state’s residents and businesses.
I believe it’s time for Arizona to reopen.
As discussions with Governor Ducey continue, I am glad to have a seat at the table and continue to fiercely advocate for a quick and safe reopening of our state keeping in mind the importance of not including arbitrary regulations that hinder our businesses.
It can be done, and more should be done now.
It’s important that the Governor’s office hears this message from you too. You can call his office at (602) 542-4331 or email at engage@az.gov.
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Ben Toma
Representative, District 22
Breaking NEWS:
Chamber to Offer Free Marketing Tools for Every Business in the NW Valley in Effort to Jump Start the Economy!
The Chamber says it is now time for all businesses to prepare to re-open, recover and grow: and it’s providing the resources and tools to help make it happen for every business in the NW Valley. “This is why we have launched the Saving Small Business Initiative: Helping Business Re-open, Recover and Grow.”, says Bill Vensel, Chair of the Board of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce.
In an unprecedented move, the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce is opening up its entire marketing arsenal for the benefit of the entire business community and doing so at no cost to the business with its free COVID-19 Marketing Resources Membership
Chamber to Offer Free Marketing Tools for Every Business in the NW Valley in Effort to Jump Start the Economy!
The Chamber says it is now time for all businesses to prepare to re-open, recover and grow: and it’s providing the resources and tools to help make it happen for every business in the NW Valley. “This is why we have launched the Saving Small Business Initiative: Helping Business Re-open, Recover and Grow.”, says Bill Vensel, Chair of the Board of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce.
In an unprecedented move, the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce is opening up its entire marketing arsenal for the benefit of the entire business community and doing so at no cost to the business with its free COVID-19 Marketing Resources Membership
Chamber Moves to New Offices
08/15/2019
The Chamber has moved to new offices located off Bell and Reems Roads in Surprise. The move is a strategic one, Raoul Sada, the Chamber's President, and CEO, said.
"Many businesses assumed the Chamber was affiliated with the government because we were located on City property. We frequently had to explain that while we often work with government, we are not part of the government, and we are totally independent. We have our own local board of directors comprised of business owners and business leaders that provided leadership and strategic direction for the organization, with our first and foremost objective is being an advocate for the business community” said Mr. Sada. “Having our new location surrounded by private sector businesses, off Bell Rd., will help end send a different message?” he said.
The current offices are in at 15331 W. Bell Rd. and afford the Chamber a 21st-century flexible office space solution. Our new location offers us flexible workspace with access to a variety private meeting rooms of various sizes. This allows the Chamber to expand and contract as required, without having to invest in permanent space.
Raoul said the chamber would continue with its “be in the community initiative” by having all staff, including himself, spending more time meeting with business owners and community stakeholders, outside of the office. To accomplish this, the Chamber has created an "Appointment Only" policy for our facility hours. “We need more facetime with business owners and leaders,” Mr. Sada said. “This year getting in front of business leaders and owners takes on new importance as we roll out our new Business Climate Survey this fall and start soliciting input from the business community regarding our local government policy agenda.”
The mission of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce is to champion economic prosperity, foster a pro-business climate and to improve the quality of life in our region.
Chamber Moves to New Offices
08/15/2019
The Chamber has moved to new offices located off Bell and Reems Roads in Surprise. The move is a strategic one, Raoul Sada, the Chamber's President, and CEO, said.
"Many businesses assumed the Chamber was affiliated with the government because we were located on City property. We frequently had to explain that while we often work with government, we are not part of the government, and we are totally independent. We have our own local board of directors comprised of business owners and business leaders that provided leadership and strategic direction for the organization, with our first and foremost objective is being an advocate for the business community” said Mr. Sada. “Having our new location surrounded by private sector businesses, off Bell Rd., will help end send a different message?” he said.
The current offices are in at 15331 W. Bell Rd. and afford the Chamber a 21st-century flexible office space solution. Our new location offers us flexible workspace with access to a variety private meeting rooms of various sizes. This allows the Chamber to expand and contract as required, without having to invest in permanent space.
Raoul said the chamber would continue with its “be in the community initiative” by having all staff, including himself, spending more time meeting with business owners and community stakeholders, outside of the office. To accomplish this, the Chamber has created an "Appointment Only" policy for our facility hours. “We need more facetime with business owners and leaders,” Mr. Sada said. “This year getting in front of business leaders and owners takes on new importance as we roll out our new Business Climate Survey this fall and start soliciting input from the business community regarding our local government policy agenda.”
The mission of the Surprise Regional Chamber of Commerce is to champion economic prosperity, foster a pro-business climate and to improve the quality of life in our region.
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