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It's kind of ironic, don't you think? Here I am, on Labor Day, drafting our updated worksite
agreement. As always, we're putting the caregiver, the working parent, and especially the working mom at the center of it all. Could we ever envision an agreement that simply says, 'Do what you need to do that works for you, your employer, and your team'? Sometimes you'll 'win,' and sometimes it'll be a hustle. That's what life is all about, isn't it?
In today's issue of @the San Diego Union Tribune, there's an article right on the front page of the business section titled 'Workers Returning to the Office on Their Own Terms.'
The article reports: A remarkable 93% of desk workers worldwide expressed their desire to set their own hours, compared to 81% who sought location flexibility. And here's something intriguing—productivity has surged by 3.7%, the fastest pace of growth since 2020.
One #workingmom shared her story of how remote work has truly been a game-changer for her and her 11 employees, who now work at various hours throughout the day and night, depending on what works best for them and the company. As a mother of two, she revels in the flexibility to spend afternoons volunteering with her children and then logging in again after they've gone to bed.
We must fully embrace these new work patterns. It'll require open, honest communication, a willingness to learn and adapt, and the resilience to pick ourselves up when our experiments fall short. But let's remember, when it works, it's cause for celebration.
It's not just about where we work anymore; it's about how we work. We need to continue nurturing relationships, finding that delicate balance between individual and collective needs. Sometimes, it might even mean making a good old-fashioned phone call to a colleague instead of getting caught in the never-ending text and email spin cycle.
We absolutely can do this. Labor Day is a bit ironic, isn't it? It's meant to be a day of rest from our labors, but for me, it's an opportunity to get a head start on the week, ensuring I can take my child to his doctor's appointment and swim lessons later this week. The flexibility we now have makes the hustle and juggle all the more worthwhile.