It seems like everyone I talk to has a problem right now. The problem is finding and keeping employees. Many call it the Great Resignation – a flood of job seekers, some unemployed but many with jobs – are moving on to greener pastures. That, combined with a rebounding economy, has resulted in signs everywhere – Help Wanted. In our tight labor market, the competition for the best workers is giving many current staff and job seekers the opportunity to rethink their priorities. That includes where and how they work, and for how much and with what benefits.

This situation puts employees or those searching for work in an enviable position. They can find roles that give them not only great compensation, but flexibility, support and sweet perks. So employers need to put their company’s best foot forward and find ways to appeal to what job seekers want right now. Here are some ideas to do that.

Create the culture. A Harvard Business Review analysis found that CEOs are now discussing equity, inclusion, and fairness 658% more now than they did just 4 years ago. Employees want to work for a company that places importance on these values. Can you demonstrate an inclusive, welcoming environment where the color of one’s skin, gender or sexual orientation is valued and appreciated? 

Be a great place to work. Are your current employees engaged with meaningful work? Do you fully embrace remote/flex or hybrid working environments? Do your employees like working for you? Think about ways to let them know you appreciate them – weekly catered lunches, after-hours events (dinners, ballgames, movie nights), etc. And if you can’t think of how to accomplish this, ask your current staff. They will have plenty of ideas to make your place a great place to work.

Emphasize skills, not experience. We all want to hire someone who can immediately hit the ground running. Try focusing more on skills and less on the resume to bring you the perfect candidate. Today’s job seekers likely won’t have the “perfect” resume experience, so look beyond the employment gaps, education, and years of experience for someone who is eager to learn and with the skills to perform the job effectively.

Rethink compensation. Businesses that want a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining workers have to rethink what compensation means. For some it means a higher salary, hiring bonus or tuition reimbursement. For others, it means generous time off. For others, it means health insurance or a retirement package. Consider any or all of these to make working for your company more attractive than your competition. 

Wellbeing is a priority. One of the top trends of the past year is a renewed focus on employee wellbeing. Have you established or expanded your benefits and perks designed to address the health – physical and mental – of your employees? This might include gym memberships, mental health days, programs that promote healthy work/life balance, parental leave, training or ways to reduce burnout and stress. 

Improve your technology. There’s no excuse these days for outdated tech, whether that’s cell phones, computers or the means to do collaborative and/or remote work. In fact, more than 85% of jobseekers consider technology when evaluating a potential job. So get up to date and provide training on how to use the latest technology. 

Enlist your current staff. They say birds of a feather flock together. So the best advertisement for your company might be your current employees. Are you incentivizing them to find others like themselves to work for you? A referral bonus or other signs of appreciation when a new staffer is brought in by a current employee might just do the trick.

As we employers adjust our selling points for hiring and retaining employees, we might just find the perfect ways to improve our workplaces, enhance the employee experience and become more attractive companies to work for. Just sayin’.

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – May/June issue 2022

As the economy inches its way forward, we think about saving money. Imagine you could wave a magic wand and leave all of your worries, stress and money behind. Like any good portfolio, the best investments you make in yourself are diversified, carefully managed, and geared to the long term.

Years ago, I gave up a lucrative “fast-track” executive position for a simpler life after a good dose of soul searching. Here is what I discovered along the way to a better life through investing in the future:

You’re an asset. Think about that. If you work for someone else, you’re an asset to that company. If you’re married, you’re an asset to your spouse. And it goes without saying that  if you have children or grandchildren you are an incredible asset to them. You’re an asset to the community you live in, your neighbors, and to those you interact with you on a daily basis. 

Be good to yourself. Give yourself a break when things don’t go the way you’d like. And reward yourself when you succeed. Celebrate little things like checking off items on your to-do list with a special cup of tea or square of chocolate. The only person you can count on is YOU. 

Attitude of Gratitude. Having an attitude of gratitude can change your negative thinking into a positive frame of mind. Research shows that practicing gratitude may be the best pathway to happiness, health, long life, and prosperity. 

Eat Healthy. Healthy eating is not a diet. It means making changes you can live with and enjoy for the rest of your life. The way we eat affects our entire well-being, helping us feel our best and have plenty of energy. It can help you handle stress better, and prevent and control many health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer. 

Exercise. People who say they are too tired or don’t have the time, have it backwards. Exercising creates energy. Exercise releases chemicals in the brain that improve mood and mental alertness. In reality, you lack energy because you don’t exercise. 

Read. I remember that my Dad read everything he could get his hands on, and knew a little bit about everything. Cutting down on television, carrying a book with you or listening to an audio book during your commutes can squeeze a little more knowledge into time that may otherwise be neglected. 

Listen. Ever notice a person who rolls their eyes, talks over you or looks away as you’re talking? I used to do that. It’s taken me a long time to learn to stop and listen. Over the years, I missed some very good advice because I wasn’t listening. 

Learn. Be open to learning something new. Diversify your thinking and the people and ideas around you. Change with the  times. Your brain withers if it isn’t challenged every day. 

Hobby. Find your release, like a hobby. You may find out that a hobby could turn into a fulltime job, or an opportunity to volunteer to help others. This connection with others invests in our own wellbeing, too. 

Money. I firmly believe that the key to financial happiness is spending less than you earn. Determine what’s “right” when it comes to how you earn, invest, and spend your income. If you’re not living the life you want, you won’t be able to buy enough things to make up for it. 

Home. My home is a place where I gather my strength every day so that I can go back into the world. Make this place special by decorating it in a way that you love. Use color, texture and music to create this sanctuary for yourself. Even a small, sunny nook for reading or listening to music can make a difference.  

Family. We’re working longer hours and spending less time with our families. It’s easy to fall into the together but alone trap. Try eating together in the evenings at the table without distractions of TV and computer. Catch up on and with each other.  

Good friend. What I call my go to person. This person listens without judgement, advises when asked, and tells us we’re being silly, unreasonable or plain crazy when necessary. Having a person like this gives us a safe place to explore ideas and get encouragement when we need it.

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” formula for the good life. Instead, I’m convinced that no matter how deep in debt or how rich, how unhappy at home or at work or content, you can make your life better. Sometimes all it takes is a bit of fine tuning, investing some time and energy into figuring out what you really want out of life. Just sayin’.

Published: Apartment News Magazine – March/April issue 2022

When is the right time for a career change? Lockdown has certainly given many people the time they might not ordinarily have to think about where they are in their lives and whether their careers are making them happy. The prospect of a career change, particularly in an economy riddled with uncertainty, is never a decision that should be taken lightly, though.

However, moving on may be the most rewarding thing you can do for yourself. I changed my career COMPLETELY – moved to a different state and into an industry I knew nothing about – in my mid-forties. And it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

There are many reasons why people seek a career change. Here are a few for you to consider. 

Only in it for the money. Making a lot of money but hating every second of your job (or worse, feeling indifferent to it) is just not worth it. Money doesn’t buy happiness, remember? A career change could give you the chance to land a job that brings both personal and professional satisfaction and still pays the bills. If you get the “Sunday night dreads” or feel the need to constantly compensate for the pain of your working life by buying things, or self-medicating with food, drugs or alcohol, it’s probably time to pivot.

When you’ve learned everything you can. Some wisdom says it’s time to think about a new job or change in career entirely when there’s nothing more for you to learn. Some jobs have long learning curves and provide meaningful experiences for years. Others simply don’t. Every aspect of your job should not be mind-numbingly dull. If you don’t feel quite ready to take the leap to a new job, a good step would be asking to work on a project or task that excites you. If you’ve learned everything you can from your current career and want to learn more, it’s time to move along! 

Your job is impacting your self-esteem. A fulfilling career should provide a boost to your confidence and self-esteem, not make you doubt yourself or the work you do. Enduring a toxic workplace culture or a career you no longer enjoy can grind you down and impact your long-term physical and mental health. If that’s how you feel, then it’s time to get out.

Less stress. High stress jobs – healthcare, public service, law enforcement or public safety – have high burnout rates. But any job can be stressful given the right circumstances. So if seeking a less stressful life is the goal, leaving the high pressure career is vital. 

More flexible hours. These days, many jobs can be done from home as easily as in an office. If you need more flexible hours to care for family, go back to school, or deal with other circumstances, and your current workplace won’t accommodate you, don’t feel bad about finding another position that will give you the flexibility you need.

Dreading work every day? It is unrealistic to think you’ll wake up every day excited and eager to get to work. We all have days that seem harder than others to get out of bed and be motivated for work. However, if you dread going in to work every day, you probably need to start looking for a new job. The rule of thumb is that you’re unhappy or miserable for more than 90 days in a row, it’s probably time to leave.

Being the boss. If your dream is to run your own business or turn a hobby into a career, there might never be a better time than now to do so. That holds true for whenever “now” is! Because there’s never a more perfect time than when you decide to make it happen.

So whatever the motivation, if you’ve identified with one, several or all of these telltale signs, start the process of moving out of your current position and into a new one. Just sayin’.

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – November/December 2021

As businesses have opened around the country, some employees want and will continue to work from home. If that’s within the business’s ability, super! But if you’re an employee working from home, you might be struggling with balancing work and home demands. It’s easy to fall into the too much work trap, or the opposite. Home demands may be interfering with your ability to get work done.

Back in the pre-pandemic days, going to work, then rushing home to cook, clean, and help the kids with homework had many of us feeling drained. Being at home for an extended period of time during the pandemic allowed many of us to find balance between family demands and the boss’s. Now, after my own experience balancing work and home life, here are a few ideas to help.

Rise and shine. Try waking up several hours before starting work. A few more added minutes to your morning can help with tasks around the house – defrosting something for dinner or starting the dishwasher. The small things we do on a daily basis add up. By waking up a little earlier you eliminate frantically preparing yourself and/or your kids, not eating breakfast or forgetting tasks that can accumulate by the end of the day and week.

Food to go. Keep nuts and health bars handy. This helps when you’ve got to get the kids or yourself to a soccer game or doctor’s appointment and your schedule doesn’t allow time to fix lunch or dinner. I do this and it’s been a real lifesaver! 

Go-to place. Near the door, find an area for items that you need on a daily basis: keys, purse, school backpacks or letters to be mailed. Also, keep a petty cash jar handy for all household members to use for parking, lunches or that all important tip for the delivery person.

Go-to person. Find a trusted friend that you can vent your frustrations to. And equally important, allow them to vent to you. Share your feelings to ease your pain. Put a time limit on the pity party, though, then do something fun together.

Routine. You’ve heard it before. Repetition strengthens and confirms. Develop routines in your life so that on the days you don’t have the mojo, you can put yourself on autopilot. Knowing you can fall back on built-in routines will get you through the day.

Say no. Quit doing things out of guilt or a false sense of obligation – both in your  personal and  professional life. You will make more room for the activities that are meaningful to you and bring you joy.

Leave work at work. With the technology to connect to anyone at any time virtually anywhere, there’s no real boundary between work and home – unless you create it. Make a conscious decision to separate work time from personal time. When you’re with your family, turn off your cell phone. When it’s time to take a vacation, take that time off. You need that time to recharge for when you’re back to work. 

Leave home at the door. Assuming you’ve got someplace other than the kitchen table to work! If you do, close the door to your workspace and hang a sign that says “Unless the house or you are on fire, do not disturb.” And then concentrate on work while you’re there. Remember those boundaries.

You’re worthy of balance. Eat healthy foods and include physical activity as a part of your life. Better yet, discover activities you can do with a partner or friend – such as hiking, yoga or taking cooking classes (my favorite). Schedule these things regularly – even during your “work” day. Taking a 15-minute break to walk around your neighborhood can actually make you more productive.

Laugh. Look on the bright side and have a sense of humor. Remember that great viral video of the two kids interrupting the man’s work meeting and he just kept talking? Stuff happens, so laughing can help ease difficult situations.

So if you’re someone continuing to work from home, try these strategies to bring balance to your life. Just sayin’.

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – September/October issue 2021

It’s really easy for us to fall into a routine. Routines are good, because they keep us on schedule, keep us moving forward, and help to create a stable daily life. But sometimes shaking up our regular routines is the best way to grow.

At age 44, I decided to make a career change to start a business in a garage. In a different state. Who does that? Was I scared of trying something new? You betcha! By stepping into the unfamiliar, though, I achieved incredible benefits for myself – emotionally, physically, creatively, and more.

So, what do you have to lose by taking a leap into the unknown? The benefits of trying new things are incredible. And it’s never too late to venture out of your comfortable routine. Here are some of the gains you can achieve by trying new things, whatever they may be.

Time becomes more memorable. By trying new things, you benefit from new and special memories that will last a lifetime. Trying something new gives you a fresh perspective. And gets you excited with the anticipation of what might happen!

Fear takes a backseat. One of the best and most exciting benefits of trying something new is that you overcome fear – fear of the unknown, fear of the imaginary consequences and fear of failure. As you practice new adventures, fear transforms from a crippling factor to a minor bump in the road. You’ve created a new routine after all!

Your sense of adventure grows. Your adventurous self is set free when you try new things. These new things can be as simple as a food you’ve never tasted or a recipe that’s not in your usual rotation. Or they can be as complicated as learning a new language or planning a vacation to an exotic, faraway land. Approaching these new opportunities with the spirit of adventure sets us up for success and helps us approach the next challenge with even more confidence.

New experiences stimulate creativity. When you try new things, you challenge your brain to think and adapt. This stimulates creativity. That creativity naturally transfers to other areas of your life. You begin to think about everything differently. That’s amazing!

You learn empathy. Trust me, you aren’t the first person to take up a paintbrush, mount a saddle for horseback riding or attempt to learn Chinese. Trying something new teaches you about other people’s experiences and the struggles they went through to achieve their goals. Empathy and insight into another person’s life are perhaps the most valuable lessons you can ever learn.

You’ll get to know yourself better. The more you try, the more you’ll figure out what you really like and dislike – because these preferences are unique to you! You may find that salsa dancing, making bread from scratch, learning to fly a plane are all things you really enjoy. Or that you don’t. Really, how do you know if you like or dislike a new food, activity or adventure before you try?

Your emotional health improves. Studies show that people who engage in a variety of experiences are more likely to retain positive emotions and minimize negative ones than people who have fewer experiences. Being emotionally centered is good for you, and those around you.

Your physical health will benefit. There are health benefits that come from constantly developing and living one’s life to the fullest. Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle called it eudaimonia, or the condition of human flourishing or of living well. Today, research posits that the greater sense of purpose and personal growth associated with eudaimonia correlates with lower cortisol levels, better immune function, and more efficient sleep. Bonus!

You listen to your gut. So, after taking those piano lessons for a few weeks you’re not enjoying them? Do they feel too much like homework? Stop. It’s okay to listen to your gut when it talks to you. If a new venture isn’t exciting or fun anymore, take the experience and move on to the next one. But don’t make an immediate snap judgement. Remember that being uncomfortable is part of the process of trying something new.

So, I challenge you to do something that you’ve been interested in for a bit. Is it volunteering with homeless pets? Is it joining a writer’s group to hone your story telling skills? Is it designing a new garden or painting your kitchen? Whatever the new thing is you’ve wanted to try – go for it! You’ve got nothing to lose but your fear. And so very much to gain. Just sayin’.

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – July/August issue 2021

As I get older, I find that I am becoming wiser. Wisdom comes with age―mostly from making mistakes and learning from the consequences. And I earned every one of those gray hairs that my stylist covers up. The most important thing to remember is that each mistake is a chance to learn, and to grow personally and professionally. Here are some things I’ve learned over the years.

It’s okay to slow down: As a perfectionist and a workaholic, I used to think that being busy all the time was a badge of honor. That if I was not doing something productive or knocking myself out, that I was a complete failure. But I have also learned that slowing down is actually good. Working too much makes us stupider and depressed according to the American Journal of Epidemiology. So slow down!

Choose your words. Words can be powerful, and I’ve learned (only with time) to choose mine carefully. Have you ever said something or texted someone a quick response, to only think later “Why did I say that?” I have learned to pause and collect my thoughts before responding in haste. That way I can fully concentrate on what I have been told or asked and can consider how to best reply.

It’s okay to ask for help. I’ve always struggled with asking (and accepting) help from others. But I’ve learned that I’m not suited for all tasks or jobs. So, I surround myself with people who have different strengths and skills than me. Admitting that I need and want help also allows those people to shine in their jobs! It’s a win-win for everyone.

Use the “off” switch. This is a big one in today’s fast-paced world. It’s okay to turn off social media and the news. That off switch really works! My mind can’t handle the constant negativity, fighting, and toxicity that we often see on TV or online, so I’ve learned to really limit my consumption of it all. I personally find myself much happier when I’m not comparing myself to everything I see on social media.

Love and respect yourself and others will do the same. A good friend of mine once pointed out that I was unconsciously saying things to myself that were hindering me. I had no idea that I was doing this. So, I made the conscious decision to identify those negative thoughts as they happen and replace them with positive ones, I eliminated limiting phrases like, “I can’t …” “I won’t be able to …” “There’s no way …” and   replaced them with empowering phrases likes “I can …” “I will….” “I’m capable of …”  As soon as I started using uplifting language not only did, I believe in myself more, but so did everyone around me.

Learn from your mistakes without beating yourself up. Some days we just blow it. We drop the ball, snap at a coworker or loved one, or the day just doesn’t go as planned. We also set unrealistically high goals or standards for ourselves and feel like we should be doing more. But don’t blame others – take responsibility. Then stop obsessing! It happened. Learn from it and let it go. You’re only human.

Put work aside. Rest equals recharging your creativity and energy. That doesn’t just mean getting a good night’s sleep – it also means taking time off to relax and play. When I learned that this isn’t “wasting” time, I found myself with more energy and ideas and interest in my work. That also means when you’re sick, stay at home and rest, too. And don’t be afraid to put your work aside and enjoy some time relaxing with friends, family or by yourself.

Take the time for self-care. If your body is healthy and in good repair, you are better able to handle any stress in your life. Conversely, a healthy mind impacts your body, too. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, drink plenty of water and get enough sleep. And indulge yourself with whatever you consider self-care – get a mani/pedi (yes, guys, too), a massage, play golf, go to the movies, read a book, play with your pet, have a special cocktail, or fancy dessert.

Set boundaries. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can’t participate in every project or activity. Be prepared to say no when someone asks you to do something you don’t want to do. You’ll feel better and it’ll be easier the next time.

So take a lesson from someone who’s been around the block a few times. Give yourself a break and learn from your past. Take the negative and positive lessons and apply them going forward. Be happy you’ve gotten to this point―you’ve grown. Just sayin’.

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – May/June issue 2021

Vaccines are rolling out. A new administration is at the helm of government. There’s a feeling of optimism in the air that we might get back to “normal” this year. But what does normal even mean? Here are my predictions for the year ahead.

A year of transition. In a few months, we’ll be heading back to in-person school, to stores and restaurants, and maybe even traveling to faraway places. But transitions often happen in fits and starts, so make sure to give each other some grace as we take two steps forward and perhaps a few steps back.

Times have changed. Many of us have been able to work remotely – whether at home or from another location than our “regular” workplaces. This will continue, as businesses have realized that working remotely has actually made many of us more productive. In fact, the McKinsey Global Institute estimates that more than 20 percent of the global workforce will be just as effective working most of the time away from the office.

New services grow. Speaking of no going back, who loves all the new ways to never leave the house? Between delivery of groceries, restaurant meals, and other items facilitated by services like Instacart, DoorDash and Fetch, I know I’m running fewer errands. I can even get my car detailed without dropping it somewhere – they’ll come to me! Telehealth appointments means less time in doctors’ offices, and technologies like Facetime and Zoom mean I’m actually doing more visiting with people far away. What new services will this year bring?

Sprucing up our home. Have you painted, hung new curtains, installed new windows or created a new or better landscape for outdoor living in your own backyard? Home improvement, landscaping and gardening have all seen huge leaps in the past year. I predict those services will continue to grow in 2021 as we continue to remake our personal space.

Being entertained and educated at home. One of the amazing happenings of the past year is the abundance of artistic and cultural programming that we all can access online. Museums, lectures, musicians, theatre and the movies have all added ways to view collections, get educated, hear concerts, see theater and “go to the movies” from the comfort of our homes. There has never been more artistic, cultural and educational programming online. And much of it is free or low cost.

Check in this time next year to see whether I’m Nostradamus or my predictions went bust. All I do know is that we’re in for a year of transition where nothing will be the same in our new “normal.” Just sayin’.

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – March/April issue 2021

This past year has taught us nothing if not the value of technology. Not only has it shown us how we can use it to do our jobs remotely but we’ve also learned that being in the office doesn’t necessarily make us more productive than if we stayed at home. Which is good because it looks like we’re in for at least a few more months of this new “normal” way of doing business. Here are some tips to stay productive, whether you’re the one working from home, you supervise those who do, or both!

Communication is Key: The key to success in any role is keeping the communication flowing. Just because you’re no longer sitting at the next desk over is no reason to stop talking with your coworkers, your boss, or those you supervise. Make sure to schedule phone or video check-ins on a regular basis to better connect on your business goals, any upcoming projects and daily tasks to make sure you stay on top of things Slack, MS Teams, and Google Meet are great tools you can utilize to help.

Reliable Tech for the Win! Consistent, stable internet access is vital for anyone working remotely, and anyone wanting to supervise remotely. But there’s more to it. The ability to take video calls requires a camera and good speakers. A big screen (or two) also helps. If working from home means being around kids or pets, a good pair of noise canceling headphones is also a lifesaver. As an employer, providing laptops to remote workers might be something to consider, especially if their tech is older or doesn’t have the programs or features they need to do their job successfully.

Dedicate a Workspace: Set yourself up for success with a dedicated workspace. It’ll be easier to concentrate. If you normally need lots of space to work on projects, you might find a garage, spare room or your kitchen table works just as nicely as your old work office. And remember, if you’re on lots of video calls, consider the background that your coworkers, clients, and others will see.

Make it Comfortable: Good, natural lighting, a supportive office chair, desk lamp, photos and a plant or two go a long way to making any workspace comfortable. If you like to work with music, one of the perks of working remotely is that you don’t need to worry about anyone else’s tastes. You’ll be more productive and engaged when you’re at ease, too. Plus, working in leisure clothing means less wear and tear on your “fancy” clothes!

Set Boundaries: It’s easy to work all the time when work and home are in the same place, but one great part of working remotely is the flexibility to work whenever you are most productive. Be careful about letting clients and coworkers know they can reach you any time of day or night, though. Let your family know when you need to be left alone by closing the door or putting up a sign that says come back later. And do the same with your coworkers and boss. Shared online calendars and auto replies are great ways to let people know when you’re occupied and won’t be available.

Keep a Routine: Get to your remote workstation at a regular, consistent time, take breaks and lunch on a schedule and develop the habit of officially “logging off” at the end of the day. Turn off emails and chat notifications when the day is done so you won’t be tempted to check in. Unless it’s an emergency, keep regular office hours just like you would if you were in your regular place of business. Just because work and home are now the same doesn’t mean you should let them blur together. It’s difficult at times but keeping them separate will help you keep your sanity.

Embrace the Perks! The blurring of work and home means you’ve got to give yourself permission to enjoy being at home. Keep or develop a fitness routine, take periodic stretch and beverage breaks, and eat regular meals – and not in front of your computer! Working remotely means you could be free to schedule appointments during the work day, or work from a location other than your home or city, too. Because as long as you hit your goals, does it matter where you physically are? Just make sure to travel safely and don’t skirt on your work obligations.

Now that so many of us are working remotely, life looks a little different – and maybe a little better. It may be an adjustment, especially if you supervise people, but it can also be a blessing in disguise. Maybe you or your employees are more productive without workplace distractions, or maybe it allows you to spend more time with your family. Just remember that this is a stressful time for everyone, so it’s also important to remember we’re all in this together. Just sayin’.

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – January/February issue 2021

Sharon Dillard is the award-winning CEO of Get A Grip Inc., a national franchise kitchen and bathroom resurfacing company based in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

While many of us are lucky enough to be surrounded by family and friends over the holidays, many people aren’t. Many people who are used to traveling to relatives (or having their relatives come to them) won’t be able to do that this year. This year more than ever, the holidays have the potential to be lonely.

Here are some tips to help combat any feelings of isolation and loneliness that this holiday season may bring.

Keep communication flowing. Utilize the technology that’s available. If you’ve been making regular phone or video calls with isolated friends and family, keep it up! If you need to go to the store or run some errands, or even if you just want to get some fresh air and go for a walk, take them with you. Or schedule a time to play Words with Friends or play a game over Zoom. Spending just 10 or 15 minutes talking to a loved one can brighten their day.

Make the holidays virtual. Consider doing a virtual Thanksgiving dinner or holiday cocktail hour. Maybe you all make the same meal or open a bottle at the same time while on a video call together, or maybe you call after opening your gifts or after the holiday meal. Just because you aren’t celebrating the occasion in the same place doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate together.

Send a surprise. After all, who doesn’t like surprises? Write a letter to your loved one expressing how important they are to you or send a holiday card with pictures you’ve taken over the last year. Maybe finish that family recipe book you’ve always talked about and send out copies to everyone just in time for the holidays. 

Watch for warning signs. Isolation can lead to loneliness which in turn can lead to depression. This can be seen in a loss or increase in appetite, an increase in drinking alcohol, insomnia or hypersomnia, a lack of interest in their usual routine activities, or a change in personal hygiene. If you notice these signs in a friend or family member, raise your concerns with them and offer to make an appointment for them with their doctor. On the flip side, watch your own actions and behaviors, and don’t be afraid to reach out to someone if you think you need help.

Be realistic. The holidays won’t be the same as last year and they certainly won’t be Norman Rockwell perfect. As families, friends and the times change, our traditions and rituals change, too. Pick a few meaningful rituals to keep – like traditional desserts or gathering times – and be open to making new ones.

It’s okay to dread the upcoming holiday season, but the most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. We’re all in the same boat navigating uncharted waters, and as long as we remember we’re all in this together, we can still make these holidays memorable. Just sayin’. 

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – November/December issue 2020

Whether you have 5 employees or 5,000 employees, when a business suffers from poor communication among employees, it’s usually the result of management failures. Misunderstandings, frustration, poor performance, and staff turnover happen because employees don’t feel like they—and their opinions—matter.

So how do you fix that? As it turns out, it takes a little time and elbow grease. Here are a few helpful hints to help you better communicate with your staff:

Personal Touches Matter. In this age of electronic communication, far too many of us use our business emails or texts as a substitute for personal interaction. And with physical distancing and wearing masks, it’s harder than ever to connect in person.  While people relate to one another better when they can read each other’s body language and hear tonal inflections, if face-to-face communication isn’t possible, try using a video conferencing service like Zoom or Teams.

Be Available. We’re all guilty of getting so caught up in our own tasks that we forget who’s helping us reach our goals. Your employees should feel like they work with you, not for you. Carve time out of your schedule for regular one-on-one and group employee meetings, and let your staff know they can bring up any questions and concerns they have.

Set Clear Expectations. When you give instructions or discuss a business situation, don’t assume that everyone understands you perfectly. Instead, ask whether you’ve been clear or if further information or explanation is necessary. On the flip side, don’t be afraid to ask questions yourself when there’s something you don’t understand. If you hear something that confuses you, ask. Maybe you missed a detail or maybe you remembered something others forgot. Chances are if you’re confused, others are too.

Be Consistent. While it’s impossible to always have an upbeat attitude, you owe it to your employees to not take your frustrations and worries out on them. You can’t be nice one day and bite someone’s head off the next, no matter how frustrated or tired you are. You will be feared instead of admired, which leads to people shutting down communication with you others.

Give Feedback. Annual performance evaluations are a valuable communication tool, but don’t limit feedback to a once-a-year event. When you give on-going, constructive feedback, employees can develop and improve throughout the year. Focus on situations as they arise, while they’re still fresh. Point out the positive as well as the negative.

Thank and Reward. The words “please,” “thank you,” and “you’re welcome” show that you appreciate a person’s effort. When you consistently emphasize and reward achievements with private accolades and in groups meetings, this positive reinforcement goes a long way in business. A simply thank you shows you respect and value your employees, especially during difficult times like these.

Listen. Effective listening is the most difficult communication technique of all. By listening to others you show respect. Same with not interrupting. You have two ears and one mouth for a reason. You like when people listen to you, so offer the same curtesy.

Your ability to communicate effectively with your staff is the difference between success and simply “getting by,” and it doesn’t happen by accident. It requires effort, time, and learning how and what matters to your employees. When you use these communication tips, your relationships will improve. Just sayin’. 

Published: New Mexico Apartment News Magazine – Sept/Oct 2020