The First 30 Days: Workplace Changes, Work-Life Balance, and Goal Setting

The Office Meets the White House: What’s Next for Workplace Policies? ???

President Trump's first moves as the 47th President of the United States could potentially impact the workplace. From the Return to Office mandate for federal employees to the TikTok extension, these developments indicate that work in 2025 may take a different shape than anticipated.?

For many businesses, the government’s decision to make in-person work a priority is the kind of signal that could shake up remote work policies everywhere. As companies wrestle with hybrid models and productivity questions, this return-to-office push raises a key question: Are you ready for the shift back to the office, or will the flexibility of remote work still hold strong?

Then there’s the uncertainty surrounding TikTok. With a 75-day extension in place, businesses that rely on the platform for recruitment, employer branding, and workplace culture now face an unclear path forward. As companies navigate this transition, the role of social media in talent attraction and employee engagement may need to evolve.?

As for Trump’s move to end diversity programs in the military, it has people talking about inclusivity at work. Companies big and small will likely be taking a hard look at their own DEI programs, wondering where they stand—and what’s next for diversity in the workplace.

In the early days of this new administration, one thing’s clear: The business world is in for some shifts, and we’re all waiting to see how it unfolds.

A World Where Work Doesn’t Get the Last Word ????

Season 2 of Severance is back on Apple TV+, immersing viewers in its eerie take on workplace life. While it’s an exaggerated take on office life, it raises a compelling question: What would it be like to completely separate work from personal life?

The characters in Severance live dual lives—one for the office and one for home—and they can’t access each other’s memories. While this leads to some pretty bizarre moments, it also highlights something we’re all grappling with: how to maintain a healthy work-life balance.?

While “severing” work and personal life isn’t possible, creating a sustainable balance is. The reality is, work and life will always overlap in some ways, but setting intentional boundaries can help prevent burnout and improve overall well-being. Here are a few ways you can find that balance:

?Take Meaningful Breaks - Short, intentional breaks throughout the day can boost focus and productivity. Try stepping away for a quick walk, practice deep breathing, or doing a non-work-related activity to reset.?

?Support Systems - Surround yourself with a network of supportive people – whether friends, family, or colleagues. Having a reliable support system can help you navigate stress and maintain a balance.??

?Prioritize Workload Effectively - Use productivity techniques like time blocking or the Eisenhower Matrix to focus on high-impact tasks while reducing unnecessary busy work.?

? Make Time for Yourself - Whether it’s exercise, passion projects, or spending time with loved ones, schedule personal activities with the same level of importance as work meetings.?

By making small, intentional changes, it’s possible to create a routine that supports personal well-being and professional growth - no sci-fi technology required.?

Wrapping Up January: Have You Set Your 2025 Goals Yet? ??

Can you believe January is almost over? If you haven’t quite gotten around to setting your goals for 2025, don’t worry—you still have plenty of time. January is all about self-development, and it’s the perfect time to hit the reset button and start working on personal and professional growth. Whether you’ve already mapped out your goals or are still figuring it out, now is as good a time as any to dive in.

But let’s face it: goal-setting can be intimidating. Many of us struggle to figure out where to start or how to turn big ideas into tangible steps. If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. The good news is, there are simple ways to get started and resources to guide you along the way.

Here are some tips to kickstart your 2025 goals:

• Start small, dream big: Break down big goals into smaller, manageable actions. It’s easier to tackle smaller tasks that build up to the bigger picture.
• Be specific: The clearer your goals, the easier it will be to measure progress. Instead of saying “I want to be healthier,” try setting a goal like “I’ll walk 30 minutes every day.”
• Accountability is key: Share your goals with someone who can help keep you on track—whether it’s a colleague, a friend, or a mentor.

And to help you along the way, here are some awesome resources that can take your self-development to the next level:

Goal Setting Strategies and Worksheets: These tools can guide you step-by-step through the process of setting effective, actionable goals.?

Forbes’ Top 25 Self-Help Books for Personal Growth: Need some inspiration? Check out this list of must-read books to fuel your growth journey.?

Heroic: A one-stop shop for self-improvement. They offer hundreds of book summaries, video lessons, and in-depth courses. Heroic is a go-to source for daily wisdom and personal growth.?

James Clear’s Blog: From health to productivity, creativity to happiness, James Clear offers articles filled with practical advice?

Thanks for Reading! ??

We appreciate you taking the time to stay connected with CoAdvantage and the HR Huddle. Your support means a lot to us! Stay tuned—next month’s edition is packed with even more insights, tips, and updates you won’t want to miss. We’ll see you then!