? Spring forward = productivity falls back

Employee Appreciation Day is just around the corner, and there’s no better way to show your team they’re valued than by tackling the challenges affecting their work. From AI-related fears to the sneaky effects of daylight saving time and the rise of “task masking” (when employees pretend to be busy), recognizing and addressing these obstacles allows leaders to create a more supportive, productive, and results-oriented workplace. This week, we’re diving into how AI anxiety is slowing your team down, why task masking is becoming a workplace trend, and the surprising productivity costs of "springing ahead” – and what you can do about it.?

In this edition:

• How upskilling could ease AI anxiety?

• “Task masking” takes over TikTok

• Why DST is a productivity pitfall?

• The rise of the Results-Oriented Work Environment?

This week's top 4 workplace trends

INNOVATION

?? Why employees fear AI (and how to address it)

AI anxiety is on the rise – according to the Pew Research Center, 52% of workers are worried about its long-term impact, and 32% fear job losses, particularly among lower- and middle-income employees. Yet, 63% of workers say they rarely or never use AI at work, and only a third see AI skills as highly important today. This disconnect presents an opportunity for employers: proactive upskilling. By providing AI training, companies can empower employees to see AI as a tool rather than a threat. Pairing this with stress management and mental health resources can help teams confidently navigate change.?

WELL-BEING

?? Does presence = productivity? “Task maskers” would say otherwise?

Workers are quietly protesting RTO mandates through "task masking," a viral TikTok trend where they pretend to be busy, like scheduling unneeded meetings. A Bospar survey reveals that 61% of employees feel more productive working from home, where the focus is on deliverables, not theatrics. This disconnect speaks to the heart of the RTO debate: does being in the office really lead to better results? Task masking may point to an engagement issue, and leaders should address the root cause by clarifying the value of in-person work, recognizing employee contributions, auditing workloads, and ensuring alignment between company goals and employee needs.?

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

? Springing forward…but falling behind in productivity

The transition to daylight saving time (DST) could be costing your company two weeks of productivity. A recent University of Oregon study found that workers experience a decline in early-morning performance after the spring shift, with productivity picking up later in the day. However, the return to standard time in the fall saw an increase in morning output, likely due to the extra hour of sleep. Employers can help ease this shift by offering flexible schedules during DST transitions, running a sleep-focused challenge, and encouraging healthy sleep habits, such as maintaining consistent routines, creating a restful environment, and educating employees on the importance of sufficient rest.?

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

?? Work smarter, not harder: the power of results-oriented work?

Say goodbye to clocking in and out—the Results-Oriented Work Environment (ROWE) is revolutionizing the workplace by prioritizing results over hours. In this model, employees are given complete autonomy over how, when, and where they work, as long as they deliver measurable results. This approach has been shown to boost productivity by 40% and reduce sick days by 78%. To implement ROWE successfully, employers must foster psychological safety, prioritize trust, and ensure clear communication of expectations and performance metrics. By focusing on results and empowering employees, organizations can improve satisfaction, reduce burnout, and attract top talent seeking flexibility.?

Employee turnover is expensive, making retention a top priority for organizations. Strategic recognition helps employees feel valued and connected, reducing turnover and fostering a more engaged workforce.

The future of employee recognition is here! Wellable’s platform is transforming how companies celebrate their people, moving beyond generic plaques and forced fun to create a recognition experience that drives engagement, boosts morale, and improves retention.

With features like peer-to-peer rewards, automated milestone celebrations, and personalized recognition options, Wellable makes it easy to acknowledge and appreciate individual contributions, big and small. Plus, our fully integrated platform makes it easy to manage, track, and analyze your wellness and recognition programs from one central dashboard.

While our hub offers a wealth of free tools and resources, we understand that every organization is unique. If you're looking for professional guidance, our dedicated team is here to help. Whether it's planning a comprehensive wellness program, working within your budget, or recommending the best wellness initiatives tailored to your organization's needs, we've got you covered. Feel free to reach out to us anytime for personalized assistance.

Visit?Wellable?for free resources including tools, templates, on-demand webinars, articles, and more to help you build a long-lasting?culture?of?health.

Stay Wellable!