Leaping for HR

Happy Leap Day! A day apparently needed to keep our calendar aligned with annual events, like solstices and equinoxes. If you didn’t know… now you know. Also, Chipotle Mexican Grill is giving out free guac today to celebrate. So run! You'll have to wait another 4 years for a day when guac isn't extra.

And hopefully today gives you one more day to get work done and walk into March swinging.

The internet’s favorite workplace distraction??

Speaking of getting work done... or not... HR Dive made a list of the top workplace distractions in 2023. The Barbie movie, office noise (for those who returned to the office), and work from home chores all sat at the top. We asked our audience, “What’s your main workplace distraction?” The winning votes went to daily tasks and phone use.?

What do you do to balance distractions while you work? Here’s a great article on improving workplace productivity if you’re looking for a boost.

Let’s hear it for employees! ??

Employee Appreciation Day falls on March 1st this year... That’s tomorrow! If you don’t have a plan yet, it’s not too late. Here are 7 ideas:

1. Publicly thank employees on your company social channels.
2. Send a thank you video message company-wide.
3. Hand out small gifts or a treat.
4. Spotlight your employees on your website.
5. Announce a new benefit.
6. Improve employees’ remote-work set up.
7. Up your break room game.

Do you think HR is a lonely job????

We recently saw a poll on LinkedIn that showed over 56% of HR professionals feel lonely in their HR career. And we get it. HR teams are often small and you shoulder an immense amount of responsibility and confidentiality. If you’re looking for a network of other HR pros to be a part of… join our slack community , HR Heroes! There are over 3,000+ HR professionals to meet and connect with. We would LOVE to see you there.?

Why is everyone so unhappy at work?

Employee satisfaction took a turn for the worse in the last quarter of 2023, resulting in the lowest overall average eNPS score in four years.

So what can we do? Our Head of HR, Anita Grantham , advised managers to step up efforts in employee communication, compensation, benefits and support, and overall company culture. Try holding regular check-ins with your teams to understand what the problems are and and then act on the feedback.

Similarly, the employees we surveyed shared that regular feedback and time with managers would make them feel more supported. Competitive pay, transparent structures for raises, promotions and bonuses, and improved incentive programs were also suggested. ??

Bambooligans in the Wild: Cozumel, Mexico

We'll tell you one way to cure low happiness levels.... head to Mexico. ?? Here are a few tips from Bambooligan Nicholas Potter .

1. The one thing you can't miss!

You can not miss going to El Cielo. The most crystal clear waters you have ever seen! Also do not skip exploring Campeche. It’s a hidden gem that is actually a UNESCO world heritage site. Try some marquesitas and elote while there, you will not be disappointed!

2. Best thing you ate?

Mariscos, Ceviche (All of the seafood is incredible!) ??

3. Know before you go...

Although Cozumel is a small island, I highly recommend renting a car for at least one day so you can explore beyond just downtown.

?? See you next month!