But why do we look for ways to switch things up? I mean, staying in our comfort zone doesn't sound so bad – it's called the comfort zone for a reason! It's where we feel safe, and at ease. Why would we want to leave it? Because very little of what's worthwhile is achieved within it!

Your comfort zone is a place of inertia, stagnation and disengagement, and provides no fertile soil for goals and dreams to flourish.

So, don't stick yourself in a rut, however comfortable. With the help of Mind Tools' friends and followers on social media, I've highlighted five ways you can step out of your comfort zone and live life more fully.

1. Learn a New Skill

We polled our followers on LinkedIn, and 58 percent of respondents put "learning a new skill" at the top of their list.

Whether you want to learn a language, build your career skills, or finally learn how to play the piano, the start of the year seems the perfect time to learn something new. But so many resolutions fail after the first month. The truth is, it's easy to lose motivation when the going gets tough.

Starting something new can be frustrating, and even a little scary, but for any new learning to be embedded and successful, we need to be challenged. As our article, The Learning Zone Model, says, "The balance needs to be just right: if we're not pushed hard enough, we're unlikely to step out of our comfort zone; but if we're pushed too hard, we start to panic and feel overwhelmed. In both cases, learning is restricted. Instead, we need to aim for the 'sweet spot' that is the Learning Zone."

2. Embrace New Challenges and Opportunities

Interestingly, the second most popular answer on our poll, at 34 percent, was "go for a new job." This is a common New Year goal. It's a time for reflection and for identifying our priorities for the year ahead. For many people, that might mean a desire to challenge themselves in a new role, to find a better work-life balance, or even to change their career path completely.

Even if you don't fancy a career change, try to embrace new opportunities that come your way. For example, LinkedIn follower, Sicco Jan Bier, a business controller in the Netherlands, jumped at the chance to learn to drive a bus. He said, "It won't be a career change, but I could not resist the opportunity... to get a taste of driving one."

Mind Tools coach, Sonia Harris, tweeted about the importance of considering fully new opportunities before saying no. She said, "To break out of my comfort zone, I'll mindfully allow myself to thoroughly listen to new opportunities before rejecting them halfway through. This will prevent me from making a judgment call prematurely."

3. Build Good Habits Out of Your Comfort Zone

Some common suggestions for breaking out of your comfort zone centered around building healthy habits. LinkedIn follower from Zambiia, Claudius Fundi, said that he intended to "get physically fit." Australia-based HR specialist, Melissa Rico, said that she would "take some time out for myself and try yoga."

I'm not averse to wanting to live a little healthier this year, and I've even opened an account with a local vegetable delivery service to incorporate more seasonable vegetables into my diet and support my local farmers. Ever cooked cavolo nero (a type of Italian kale) before? Me neither, but I can't wait to try it!

4. Face Your Fears Outside Your Comfort Zone

Even if you've outgrown your comfort zone, being afraid to fail can stop you from moving forward.

You're likely familiar with the phrase "do one thing every day that scares you," so why not be bold this year and face your fears? Whether you want to overcome a fear of networking or go skydiving at 10,000 feet, embracing your fears will help boost your confidence, and encourage you to try new things more often.

Want to learn more about facing your fears? Read how Mind Tools writer, Jonathan Hancock, turned fear into fuel by taking on a 100km run for charity.

5. Hold Yourself Accountable

If you want to take on a great physical challenge like a marathon, why not sign up to run for a local charity as an extra incentive? Or if you want to get better at public speaking, why not throw yourself in the deep end and practice at an open mic night?

If you've got a number of different things you want to achieve this year, a good idea might be to treat yourself to a reward for achieving landmarks or milestones along the way: a nice meal out or a bottle of bubbly, for example.

How do you get the courage to step out of your comfort zone? Share your top tips, below.

The post 5 Ways to Break Out of Your Comfort Zone – Your Top Tips! appeared first on Mind Tools.

Looking Back – Your Top Tips!

There's so much I've learned personally and professionally, a lot of which would have come in handy at the start of my career! So, with this in mind, I asked our followers "What career advice would you give your younger self?"

Although asking questions and taking risks was top for some, 67 percent of our social media followers said that they would tell their younger selves to believe in themselves. Negative self-talk is very common, but it’s crucial to overcome pessimistic thinking and believe more in ourselves and our abilities.

Many of our followers also chimed in with their own valuable advice that they had gathered throughout their careers.

Listen and Learn

Recruitment Officer, Beata Gowland said to "Remember it's never too late to learn new things." The working landscape is constantly evolving, so make sure that you’re keeping up-to-date with the latest tools, trends and technologies.

In any stage of your career, you can't be expected to know everything. State Manager, John Tan, said that he would tell his younger self to "have purpose and listen to those around you." Take stock of the people around you. You might be surprised how much knowledge they have to share. Listen to others and absorb as much as you can in order to develop and grow throughout your career.

Create a Happy Balance

Senior Marketing and Communications Manager, Simone H, would advise her younger self not to "give up your career completely to raise a family." Balancing work and life can be tricky, especially for women in the workplace. But with the right tools and skills, you can find harmony between the two. You may not even have to choose between work and your personal life – you can have both.

Zala Bricelj on Twitter included four suggestions for striking a good work-life balance.

"Protect your personal boundaries, don't overwork yourself into exhaustion – speak up before that. Be mindful of your work-life balance – hustling won't bring any add value in the long run." And finally, "Work is work, fun is fun."

All good advice – a lot of what I've learned over these past years has to do with work-life balance, and prioritization is a big part of that. For example, my perception of "working hard" is very different now than it was at the start of my career. I know now that you don't have to work long into the night to show your dedication to your job. And that what I once thought was "going the extra mile" was actually just bad time management.

Get Planning

Looking back and reflecting on how far you've come can make you think about what lies ahead. Setting yourself goals that you really want to achieve, and planning out how to reach them, is an energizing and empowering experience, so why not get started now?

The 2023 Life Plan helps examine where you are now, explore your dreams, create powerful goals, and start preparing for the future. Join the Mind Tools Club before January 17 and get our Life Plan workbook for FREE!

The post What Career Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self? appeared first on Mind Tools.

The question took me by surprise. I'd never really discussed my salary before, and certainly not at work, surrounded by all my colleagues. But to be honest, I find it difficult to talk about money – period. So much so that I was once turned down for a sales position for "not talking about money enough" in the interview.

But the group was eagerly awaiting my answer. So I gave a vague, "Oh just a bit more than I was on before," and quickly changed the subject.

Are You Ready to Discuss Your Salary?

Money can be a touchy subject for anyone to discuss, let alone around colleagues. But why are we so scared to talk about it? We decided to poll our social media followers and ask, "Do you feel comfortable to talk about your salary with your co-workers?"

The answer was a resounding "No," with 76 percent of respondents on LinkedIn and Twitter saying that they don't feel comfortable discussing their wage.

These results weren't exactly surprising. Even though discussing your pay with co-workers is often protected (by the National Labor Relations Act in the U.S., for example, and the Equality Act in the U.K.), it's often considered a taboo subject to discuss around the watercooler.

Keeping Quiet

In fact, one of our followers didn't even see the need for discussion. Educator and Researcher Anna Coutsomitelli MEd said she saw no reason "... why you should talk about your salary with anyone at all!" Solutions Consulting Director David Lush agreed, adding: "Why would anyone ever do this? It's just a recipe for causing friction in the business."

Manager Justina Ikpe was also in favor of keeping your salary under wraps. "It has more setbacks than benefits especially if the colleagues commenced work on the same day and at the same level." She added that it "... could motivate a right-thinking team member to be results-oriented in order to earn more. Conversely, it can lead to unproductive/low-quality output as a result of resentment, unnecessary envy/jealousy which in turn can hamper the growth of the company."

But Founder, Coach and Community Creator Erikka Baker disagreed. "I would argue the same about not having transparency. Assumptions or lack of insight can also cause friction," Erikka said.

Mind the Pay Gap

Discussing salary is certainly a complicated and layered subject. For example, if you found out that another person in the same role was earning more than you, you might feel upset or undervalued. You're doing the same job, so why shouldn't you get the same wage? It just doesn't seem fair, right?

However, there may be several reasons why their salary is higher than yours. For example, they might have spent longer at the company, have more training, or even have had a cost-of-living adjustment based on their location.

On the other hand, not knowing or assuming the reasons for these differences can also create an uncomfortable working environment, and could land organizations in hot water, especially if employees suspect discriminatory factors are at play.

Leadership Coach and Learning Facilitator Holly Wright argued that being transparent with pay "... helps with overcoming pay inequality and can reduce the gender pay gap."

In order to create a fair and harmonious working environment, organizations need to make sure that any inconsistencies in pay are based on non-discriminatory reasons.

How to Overcome Salary Secrecy

The Director and Co-Founder of Elev-8 Performance, Rob Clarke, believes that transparency and culture is key. Rob said: "In our business we know exactly what each other earns. We built it that way."

Marketing Manager Alisa Hamzic suggested that this isn't a problem everywhere, just in certain countries: "This is a cultural thing. In Scandinavia it is totally transparent and normal to talk about [salary]."

So, could there be a time when more of us are open to sharing our salaries? Maybe. So, if you decide to open up about your wage, just consider the situation you're in, and approach the subject with sensitivity.

Talking About Pay and Promotion – Our Brand-New Podcast!

We've just launched The Mind Tools Expert Voices Podcast, and the first episode explores conversations about pay.

In "Can I Ask for More Pay?" hosts Rachel Salaman and Jonathan Hancock delve into the Mind Tools interview archive to get expert advice on when to hold pay conversations, and how to handle them – whether you're the team member or the manager.

Hear from world-leading researchers, writers and thought leaders, including Emma Seppala, Corey Kupfer and Dorie Clark. And find out how you can share your own experiences and ideas in future episodes.

Make sure you know how to get fairly rewarded for the work you do – and feel more confident to talk about pay, whatever your role.

Our podcast is available free from all main providers, or direct from the Mind Tools Expert Voices Podcast page.

Do you feel comfortable talking about your salary? Let us know in the comments, below.

The post Talking About Your Salary – Your Top Tips! appeared first on Mind Tools.

Employees were asking for it, pleading even, but many organizations were hesitant to commit. Bosses and team leaders felt their employees or team members wouldn't be able (or they didn't trust them) to produce the same results working from home. 

What Is Productivity Paranoia?

This attitude was described in a 2022 Microsoft survey as Productivity Paranoia: "where leaders fear that lost productivity is due to employees not working, even though hours worked, number of meetings, and other activity metrics have increased."

When COVID-19 hit in March 2020 hit, everything changed. Organizations had no choice but to move great swathes of business activities to the comfort of their people's own homes. 

Fast forward a couple of years, and remote and hybrid working is now the norm for many organizations.

Research in early 2022 by global consultancy firm McKinsey & Company found that 58 percent of Americans have the opportunity to work from home at least one day a week, and 35 percent are able to do so five days a week.

Engagement and Trust

But have attitudes toward remote working really changed that much in such a short space of time? 

In September 2022, Microsoft surveyed 20,000 people across 11 countries to explore how remote working affects engagement and trust.

The findings showed an enormous divide between workers and their bosses: 87 percent of workers said they are productive when working from home, but only 12 percent of managers were fully confident about their hybrid team's productivity.

The results piqued my interest, so I wanted to find out if the views of leaders and team members among our Mind Tools users and followers would reflect the Microsoft survey.

We asked employees and team members, "Do you feel trusted to work remotely?" 

And we asked managers, "Do you trust your staff to be as productive at home as they are in an office?"

Our snap poll showed that Mind Tools users - whether team members or team leaders - both feel trusted and display trust in others. Well done!

Of the 429 respondents who answered the question, "Do you feel trusted to work remotely?":

• 80 percent said yes
• 13 percent said sometimes
• 8 percent said no

And of the 668 managers who answered the question, "Do you trust your staff to be as productive at home as they are in an office?":

• 86 percent said yes
• 14 percent said no

Our poll sparked an engaging conversation amongst our followers about trust within an organization.

Watchful Eye

Ric Raftis, founder of Dynamic Community Leadership in Australia, said, "I find that very sad for the people that work for the 14 percent." BT Global Service Manager, Ryan Pennington, replied, "I think it says more about what they do at home than their staff."

So why is it so hard for that 14 percent to trust their employees?

Organizations generally go through a lengthy recruitment process to select staff, so why do they think that they can't be trusted to do their jobs unless they're under the watchful eye of their manager? 

Remote working can offer relief to those who feel that they're victims of surveillance and micromanagement at work, suggesting that micromanagers are the real issue, not employee productivity. 

Writing from the U.S., Reimbursement Supervisor, W. Rubalcava, said that she was, "Beyond productive working from home. Especially without being micromanaged, or co-workers interrupting my flow in person."

Avoiding Micromanagement

Credit and Collection Supervisor, Rose Chunara, based in Canada, suggested that managers who disagree with home working are the most likely to be micromanagers. She added, "Empowering [your] team brings powerful results."

However, it's possible that managers may be acting out of concern about not hitting their goals, and don't even realize they're micromanaging. 

So how can you avoid micromanagement within your organization, and end productivity paranoia, once and for all?

Here are a few things employees and organizations can do to build trust and encourage a harmonious hybrid working environment:

1. Be Transparent 

Being clear about what you're working on can help organizations track productivity more easily, and make sure that everyone is working towards the same goal.

2. Utilize the Tools You Have 

If productivity paranoia is the main problem when it comes to trusting employees, it might be a good idea for organizations to look at the tools they have in place to facilitate hybrid and remote working, and for employees to make sure that they're making the most of them.

3. Communicate Clearly 

With instant messaging, video calls, and project management tools, staying connected with employees and measuring productivity can be achieved. You just need to ensure that all parties are checking in regularly.

4. Use Feedback Regularly 

Team leaders and team members should feedback to one another on how remote or hybrid working is working out for them. Organizations can develop and evolve their rules for hybrid working based on this feedback.

Does your organization trust you to work from home productively? Share your thoughts, below. 

The post Productivity Paranoia -- Your Top Tips! appeared first on Mind Tools.

Like many other office workers, 2020 was the year I swapped my morning commute for the few steps to reach my laptop.

And I have discovered many advantages to working from home. But it did take time to adjust to my new way of working. Particularly when it came to switching off. 

Here's my quick guide on how to relax after a hard day at the (home) office. And you'll find some top tips from our social media followers for unwinding.

1. Creating Work-Only Zones Helps You to Relax

One of the main factors in separating work from home is making sure you have a dedicated workspace. Whether that's a home office or an area to set up a desk, pick somewhere that's quiet, somewhere you won't be disrupted. Also, you don't want your "office" to be where you spend the majority of your free time. 

However, as we know, not everyone has the space for a home office. So I had to be smart about the space I used when I first started WFH.

Living in a one-bed apartment didn't offer many options for desk space. So when the pandemic happened, I claimed a portion of the dining table in the living room for my home office.

This meant I was working in my living space which wasn't ideal. But ensuring my desk was set up correctly and facing away from where I spent the evenings, meant I could still separate home and work. 

If you're lucky enough to have a whole room to work in, always shut that door at the end of the working day. Out of sight, out of mind!

2. Clear Your Office Clutter, Then Relax

Another way that can help you switch off is just by doing a quick tidy after logging off. Packing up your office equipment, putting coffee mugs in the dishwasher, and clearing away the crumbs from your afternoon snack can help create a relaxing atmosphere for your evening. 

3. Switch off (Literally and Figuratively) 

Technology and communication tools are vital when working from home to stay in contact with your colleagues. But they can be harmful to your well-being outside of working hours.

Even if you're not interrupted by the ping of a Teams message, you can often find yourself thinking about work, long after office hours have ended.

So although it can be tempting to check your email or notifications with the click of a button, it's important to make sure you switch off your comms when you've finished working. 

Mind Tools coach, Zala Brizelj, suggested that a great way to help you switch off can be as simple as "just sitting peacefully" and "being with yourself."

If you are struggling to relax at the end of the WFH day, physical relaxation techniques like deep breathing, PMR (Progressive Muscular Relaxation), and Centering can really help.

4. Get Out of the House 

If you are working at home, it can be very tempting to shut your laptop at the end of the day and immediately flop onto the couch. However, it's important for you to have a change of scenery just to reset your mind.

Pottering around the garden, taking the dog for a walk, or going for a run can be a great way to relax and unwind.

5. Do Something Different 

We reached out to our social media followers for their top tips on how to relax after a long day. And we got some great responses.

Zala offered a few different options for relaxing after work. They included picking up a good book, going out to a movie, or simply calling a friend.

Facebook user Greg Schmierer unwinds by playing video games, whereas Facebook user, Elaine McDermott suggested picking up a hobby. She said, "I do hand embroidery. It calms my anxiety and relaxes me. Plus, I get a beautiful piece of stitching when I'm done." Job done!

If you work from home, how do you relax when you log off for the day? Do you find it easy or difficult? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!

The post How Do You Relax After Working From Home? appeared first on Mind Tools.

And what better way to relax during the holidays than to pick up a good book? Here are some fun and thought-provoking business, nonfiction and fiction titles for you to enjoy during your time off.

Business Summer Reads

The No Club by Linda Babcock, Brenda Peyser, Lise Vesterlund, and Laurie Weingart 

Five women formed a supportive club after realizing that they all had trouble saying "no" to requests at work. Their insights led to several years of research on workplace patterns where women are expected to take on unrewarded, "non-promotable" tasks. The authors explore the reasons behind this dynamic, and suggest solutions. 

While the club started with encouragement to say "no" to excessive work tasks, it evolved into an in-depth investigation of gender and organizational dynamics. It isn’t enough for individual women to turn tasks down – that usually means that another woman will get saddled with them!

The authors investigate the implications of women taking on extra tasks at work, such as overload and imbalance, and offer methods for both individuals and organizations to address this problem.

The Long Game by Dorie Clark 

In a world that moves quickly, you can stand out by thinking long term and acting strategically.

Clark argues that long-term thinking is the best way to build meaningful and lasting success. By deliberately setting the terms for our development, we can "attain almost anything, but not right away." 

"The Long Game" teaches us how to clear time in our busy schedules for strategic thinking, focus on the things that matter for our values and goals, and move forward in the face of obstacles. Once we identify the right goals for the long-term outcomes we seek, we can make small changes that have a big impact on our future over time.

This book’s radical focus on patience and long-term gain is a wonderful antidote to a culture focused on the short term. 

Out of Office by Charlie Warzel and Anne Helen Petersen 

Here, Warzel and Peterson have literally written the book on working from home – one that’s especially relevant as more companies move to hybrid and home-based working models.

They tackle the challenges of working from home, arguing that this new way of working requires a genuinely new philosophy, rather than maintaining toxic norms of office culture in a new location. 

"Out of Office" calls on us to reconceptualize the workplace by understanding the underpinnings of current work culture, and the changes we can – and should – make.

Flexibility, culture, technology, and community all come under investigation as the authors engage with workers and managers in reimagining our relationship to office life. "Remote work can change your life," the authors argue, but only if we change the paradigm. 

Bias Interrupted by Joan C. Williams 

Despite spending billions of dollars on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, many companies have had disproportionately low results in diversifying their workforces and combating bias. Williams advocates for efforts that move beyond discussion and bias training, and focus instead on evidence-based methods that create small, impactful changes to systems. 

"Bias Interrupted" presents research and evidence on what biased behavior consists of in the workplace, and metric-based strategies to address it. Learn about overlooked forms of bias, such as social class and maternal-wall bias, and discover strategies to preserve positive company values while supporting a diverse team.

Most people that Williams spoke with believe in meritocracy. Combating bias means that the best person has access to the job and is able to make their best contribution – no matter their demographic or background.

How Boards Work by Dambisa Moyo 

Whenever a company scandal hits, corporate boards come under question. Right now, boards are facing more challenges than ever, including economic, environmental and geopolitical crises – along with changes in what's expected of them. But what do they actually do?

Moyo draws on over a decade of experience as a corporate board member to educate investors, policymakers, the public, and future board members about boards’ operations, their structure, and how they strategize and make difficult decisions.

She tackles the challenges that boards will face in the coming years, and advocates for reform strategies that boards can undertake in order to adapt successfully.

Social changes and corporate decisions are closely linked, and this book is vital reading for anyone involved with a board who wants to navigate this changing landscape gracefully.

Nonfiction Summer Reads

The Power of Regret by Daniel H. Pink 

Daniel Pink begins his book with anecdotes about tattoos.

People around the world have embraced the same motto, many to the point of featuring it permanently on their bodies: "No regrets." But Pink has a bone to pick with that credo. Regrets, he argues, can be harnessed to make our lives better.

Pink draws on research that he conducted around the world to explore the regrets that we hold, and the power of this emotion to help us make better choices and build a meaningful life.

He explores four core categories of regrets: those involving boldness and taking chances; those about building solid foundations for our life; moral regrets; and regrets involving connection with others.

Our regrets, Pink concludes, show us what we value most. He offers methods to use our regrets for making changes in our lives that will bring them in line with our hopes and dreams. 

Poor Little Sick Girls by Ione Gamble 

With a rise in chronic illness during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ione Gamble’s book about illness and feminism is timely. Gamble uses her personal experiences living with Crohn’s disease as a springboard to explore what it’s like to navigate a modern world that is in many ways unsupportive of the chronically ill. 

Through the lens of living with a disability, Gamble takes an unflinching look at many of our cultural assumptions, including those prevalent in this age of social media feminism.

"Poor Little Sick Girls" questions our obsession with productivity, the importance of self-care (and the ambiguity of what self-care truly consists of), body positivity, concepts of taste, and the supposed impartiality of medical treatment. Delve into these essays for compelling critique and insight. 

Empowered by Vee Kativhu 

Vee Kativhu is an accomplished young author, speaker, and girls’ education advocate who believes in the power of finding your purpose.

In "Empowered," she shares stories of her childhood in Zimbabwe, the adversities she faced, and her journey toward Oxford and Harvard education, and a life aligned with her values. 

Kativhu seeks to "empower, educate and fight for those whose voices are so often silenced," and she acts as an experienced guide to the reader in finding and following their own personal mission.

Readers will find practical advice and illuminating examples of how to maintain motivation, take chances and find their power. 

Spring Tides by Fiona Gell 

This reflective and eloquent book details the personal and professional journey of a marine conservationist on the Isle of Man.

Gell grew up with strong ties to her island’s unique culture and the ocean that surrounds it. As a marine biologist, she traveled and studied oceans around the world, then returned twelve years later to the island she came from. 

Gell describes Manx culture and traditions, and explores in depth the uniqueness and beauty of the island’s marine environment, from close encounters with basking sharks to the surprising beauty of molluscs. She chronicles the failures and successes of marine-conservation initiatives that she worked with, and describes the challenges our oceans face today.

"Spring Tides" invites us to connect with our own environments and become participants in the fight for ocean conservation. 

How the World Really Works by Vaclav Smil 

Scientist Vaclav Smil’s most accessible book delves into seven fundamentals of the modern world and its workings. Recommended by Bill Gates, this broad yet detailed survey covers energy, food production, the material world, globalization, risks, the environment, and the future.

While many thinkers focus on digital innovation as they look to the future, key to Smil’s interdisciplinary insights are the vast physical changes that have transformed the way we live.

You’ll learn, for example, what energy consists of and why we’re becoming more, not less, reliant on fossil fuels, as well as how we can feed the world’s growing population and where manufacturing’s dominant materials come from.

Data backs up Smil’s insights on climate change, pandemics, and realistic views of future trends. If you’ve ever wondered about the underpinnings of our modern, complex reality, this book should answer some of your questions. 

Fiction Summer Reads

Nevada by Imogen Binnie

Binnie’s groundbreaking novel follows a disaffected punk trans woman, Maria, who embarks on a road trip from New York to Nevada and meets a young person she aspires to mentor.

Maria is a fascinating and memorable protagonist, one of the first trans characters written as a messy, complicated human rather than the conclusion of a tidy, palatable narrative – "I transitioned and now my life is better."

Maria’s situation is complicated, her emotions heartfelt. Her attempts to live by her values and connect with another (possibly trans) person who reminds her of her younger self do not go as planned. Originally published in 2013, "Nevada" has now been reissued for a new generation of readers –especially fans of "Detransition, Baby" – to enjoy and relate to. 

The Kaiju Preservation Society by John Scalzi 

Scalzi’s latest novel is notable for being both a fun science fiction romp and one of the first novels to describe the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s 2020 and Jamie Gray has been laid off from a tech start-up job. While delivering food, Jamie runs into an old classmate and is offered a better opportunity, doing manual labor for an organization that works with "large animals."

Turns out that’s an understatement. The "animals" are kaiju (think giant movie monsters), nuclear-generating creatures that live on an alternate earth. Jamie’s new company is tasked with studying and preserving them. But things go awry when an enemy from Jamie’s past shows up. The character dynamics and the monsters are portrayed with equal delight. 

Book Lovers by Emily Henry 

You know that city girlfriend in romantic comedies, the one who gets dumped by a man who goes to the country to demolish or take over a small business, but meets a laid-back woman who shows him the real meaning of life? "Book Lovers" is that city girlfriend’s story.

Nora is a driven New York literary agent who loves her work and her younger sister. After yet another breakup, she agrees to holiday with her sister in a small town, where she runs into none other than her work nemesis, editor Charlie Lastra. 

Henry’s latest romance blends a snarky and tender love story and an insider look at publishing, with insights about the stories we tell ourselves and the importance of being true to who we are.

Nora may believe herself to be the villain in someone else’s story (and it doesn’t help that her client’s new novel features an unflattering caricature of her), but she – and her grumpy counterpart Charlie – can write a new one. 

People Person by Candice Carty-Williams 

Carty-Williams follows up her bestseller "Queenie" with the story of five half-siblings united by a mostly absent father.

Cyril Pennington is a jovial Jamaican-British commitment-phobe who cares more about his jeep than the children he left four separate women to raise alone. One day he decides that his children should meet and takes them to the park. 

While the oldest sister promises to be there if the others need her, they don’t see each other again until adulthood, when Dimple, "the sensitive one," finds herself in a situation she needs help with, and these siblings who barely know each other suddenly become vitally intertwined.

A compelling read that touches on themes of crime, racism, identity in the social media age, belonging, and family. 

Black Water Sister by Zen Cho 

19-year-old Ivy League graduate Jess has a lot on her plate. Her family just moved back to Malaysia from the U.S., she’s hiding her girlfriend and her sexuality from them, she doesn’t have a job, and on top of all that, she’s suddenly being haunted by her dead grandmother!

Soon Jess is knee-deep in gang rivalries and the affairs of gods she's never previously believed in. Her new life’s trials require reserves of strength she didn’t know she had. "Black Water Sister" is a compelling, well-paced ghost story about family, vengeance and finding yourself. 

We hope you find time to relax and read some good books this season. What’s on your holiday reading list? Let us know in the comments below! 

© Original artwork from Anna Montgomery.

The post Holiday Reads Summer 2022 appeared first on Mind Tools.

Well, it's a Friday for one. So instead of slapping on sunscreen and sipping my Pimm's in a sunny beer garden, I'm chained to my laptop. Just praying that my cooling fan doesn't run up my energy bill too much this month!

But what if we weren't constrained to the traditional Monday to Friday grind? What if we had the option of extending our weekends and making the most out of sunny days like these? What if... we had a four-day workweek? And still got paid the same?

Four-Day Workweek on Trial

And it's no daydream, either. In June this year, the nonprofit organization, "4 Day Week Global" launched a six-month pilot program trialing a four-day workweek.

The hope is that organizations can use this study, based on more than 3,300 workers at 70 British companies, to build a business case around reducing workdays. Crucially, while still maintaining their employees' current salaries.

As the trial continues, and employees across the country anxiously await the results, we asked the Mind Tools team their views on the subject. It sparked a keen debate around the virtual office. Here's what our team had to say:

Four-Day Workweek: The Pros

Since the pandemic, we've already seen a huge shift in the way people work, with many organizations adopting a hybrid working model. So what benefits do MT managers see in taking the next step, to a four-day workweek?

Head of Acquisition, Claire Minnis, said, "It fits in more with modern life. We don't live or work the same way as we used to, so why not change things?"

Head of Product, Kirsten Wilson agreed, highlighting the role technology plays in the way we work. She said, "Improved technologies mean that a five-day week seems unrelated to the needs of the modern workforce."

One of the obvious upsides of a four-day workweek is increased free time, time that people can spend doing what they value most. The resulting boost in people's overall wellbeing helps to create a happier workforce. Unlocking all the benefits that spring from that.

MT editor and writer, Jonathan Hancock is on board. He said, "I like the idea of having longer weekends. I think it would help people to relax more fully, spend more time with family and friends. They could travel further or even just spread their chores over three days rather than two!"

Gain a More Focused, More Productive Workforce

The opportunity to really get a mental break was another benefit of the four-day workweek for campaign marketing manager Abi Radford.

She said, "Employees could spend more time relaxing at weekends, with the ability to actually switch off from work before Monday comes round again."

"OK, what's in it for us?", say employers. MT's client experience manager Austin Wolf thinks giving people more time to recharge would improve organizational success. He said, "It would lead to a greater work-life balance, as well as higher productivity during the four days of work."

Why? Well, Jonathan Hancock offered, "People would be more focused and strategic during their working week. They would make sure they got everything done to a high standard, in less time."

Four-Day Workweek: The Cons

Although there are many benefits to a four-day week, any change to working patterns comes with a fair number of challenges. Not least of all keeping it cost-effective.

A lot of organizations panic at the idea of a four-day workweek, fearing they'll be less profitable with the loss of working hours. They, not unreasonably, reason that they may have to find ways to cut costs. Maybe reducing office space or closing the office on days when most employees are off.

But it's not just the loss of potential profits that is cause for concern. Some Mind Tools employees were uneasy about a lack of alignment when working with others.

Client experience partner Lee Murphy said, "It limits availability for working with clients and colleagues," while account director Gillian Reid added, "Not being aligned to the majority could cause major disruption to workflow and hamper getting projects over the line. "

Claire Minnis raised logistical questions that organizations would have to solve ahead of making these changes. She said, "Which day do you decide to have off? Do you all have the same one off? Can it be flexible in regards to which day is taken?"

But product manager Sean Brown believed the four-day workweek could work, as long as organizations are flexible. He said, "Our clients or consumers may not be on a four-day week so we need to ensure that we can still cover client/consumer needs."

Time for Change, for Some

Another major concern that surfaced was a lack of time to do the job. People and culture business partner Emily Moore said, "Everyone already says they are so busy, so how could we do what we do in four days?"

While Abi Radford said, "There's the danger that we keep the same workloads and amount of meetings and just squish them into four days, which could result in working excessive hours."

As far as Jonathan Hancock was concerned, where there's a problem, there's a solution. But while challenges can be overcome with a will and a creative approach, the four-day workweek would not work for everyone.

He said, "Any organization could make it work, by being clever about staffing patterns. They'd have to show creativity in recruitment and consult closely with their staff. But not all will decide that it's right for them. And many may be better off exploring different types of flexible working."

Are you for or against a four-day workweek? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Ethical organizations can play a huge part in helping look after our planet and giving back to our local communities. But some more cynical CEOs might ask "what's in it for me?" Well, it turns out living ethically isn't just good for the environment, it's good for business. Research from the University of Notre Dame finds that ethical business operations are highly important to success, while unethical behavior can negatively impact a business's prospects. 

Our article on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) covers three key areas where businesses can make a real impact – the environment, ethics and philanthropy. So, based on these, what exactly makes an ethical business?

The Environment

Environmental CSR examines how businesses can reduce their carbon footprints while working. Whether organizations are looking to reduce their energy use or improve their recycling efforts, even simple acts like turning off lights and equipment in the office when they're not in use can make a big difference in protecting our planet.

Looking at the products that companies produce can also help them to reduce their environmental impact. They can reduce the amount of energy used in manufacturing, or switching to more environmentally friendly packaging. This can help with brand perception as well. Consumers are becoming a lot more socially conscious, and they'll be more inclined to purchase again from an environmentally conscious organization.

Organizations need to be wary, though. Although your brand perception can improve by making environmental improvements, many organizations have been accused of greenwashing. One report recently found that 59 percent of green claims made by fashion brands are misleading. Tricking consumers into believing that a product is environmentally friendly is a sure-fire way to lose customers. Businesses can avoid this by making sure they're developing genuine and authentic CSR initiatives that are aligned to their own values, vision and operational activities.

For more on corporate ethics and responsibility, read our article, Jenning's Seven Signs of Ethical Collapse.

Ethics

Another good way to spot an ethical organization is to examine its corporate policies and what employee benefits they offer. Don't let the breakfast bars and ping-pong tables in the office fool you! A fun office doesn't mean your company will speak out against social injustices or treat its employees fairly.

An ethical business will provide an environment where employees feel safe from discrimination, and where their wellbeing is valued and looked after. If a company includes benefits such as flexible working hours and generous parental leave, that's usually a good sign that they're ethically sound.

It's also a good idea to look at what suppliers a company uses. They might claim to be ethical but it doesn't bode well if their suppliers aren't also ethically, environmentally and socially responsible.

Philanthropy

Giving back is another great way that organizations can score some ethical brownie points. And there are so many ways that organizations can do some good! Does your company donate to local causes, arrange volunteering days, or run a charitable trust?

The problem is, it can sometimes be difficult for organizations to know where to focus their charitable efforts. Choose the right nonprofit or charity to support, to ensure that your contributions have as much impact as possible.

Do you work for an ethical organization? What other things can companies do to become more sociably responsible? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Growing up, I loved reading. Getting lost in the world of Harry Potter remains one of my favorite childhood memories and I still remember staying up beyond my bedtime trying to finish "The Goblet of Fire."

Embracing World Book Day 

World Book Day (WBD) was established by UNESCO in 1995 and takes place every year on 23 April. WBD is a registered charity that aims to promote reading and provide books for children. According to WBD, “Reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success.” And the mission of the charity is to, “Give every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own.”

Still remembering my school World Book Day shows the impact the charity had on me, and my love of reading didn’t waver as I grew up. As I left Winnie-the-Pooh and Harry Potter behind, other books have appeared on my bookshelf.

One that has particularly helped me in my working life is Thomas Erikson’s “Surrounded by Idiots.”  Someone recommended the book to me while on a management training course and it has done a lot to shape my understanding of my own behavior as well as those around me. 

Surrounded by Idiots

In the bestselling book, Erikson explains how there are four main behavior types. These types define how we perceive and interact with the people around us. These behavior types are categorized by different colors in an easy-to-understand way.

• Reds – are ambitious, strong-willed, and results-oriented.
• Yellows – are talkative, creative, and expressive.
• Greens – are loyal, modest, and considerate.
• Blues – are systematic, logical, and reserved.

Of course, none of us sits entirely within each of these categories. Our personalities are made up of a mix of these traits. However, the book helps you to understand where you, and your colleagues, predominantly sit within the categories. And it recommends methods for communication between you.

The book isn’t just for managers. It’s great for anyone that works as part of a team – and I’d highly recommend picking up a copy!

What Books Have Shaped Your Career?

We asked our followers on social media what books have shaped their careers, and we got some great responses. 

On Twitter, Debbie Denyer told us that “Time to Think: Listening to Ignite the Human Mind” by Nancy Kline has changed the course of her career. It's a book about the power of listening, and how it can transform team management. Debbie said, “As a coach, it’s shown me the value of listening and giving people the space and time to think.” 

Jeremy Stephens told us how Dr Bruce Weinstein’s “Ethical Intelligence” prompted him to go back to school to start his MA in Philosophy. It's a book that argues for the importance of "ethical smarts" in a world where ethics in the workplace is undervalued.

Jeremy also mentioned that he’s sharing the love by giving his peers Erik Palmer’s “Own Any Occasion” for their birthdays – an 11-step guide to great public speaking.

In our Career Community Facebook group, Bijal Bhagwan opted for "The 1-minute Manager" by Ken Blanchard. This management classic from the 1980s was updated and re-released in 2016. It promises three "one-minute secrets" that will transform your management style for the better.

And on Instagram, Mehdi Ashtari couldn't choose just one. But at the top of the list right now is Simon Sinek's evergreen "Start With Why" – a book that challenges us to find our "why" and explores the power it can have on both individuals and organizations alike.

Books the Mind Tools Team Love

Mind Tools’ head Coach, Yolande, told me she has a mile-long list of books that have shaped her career. But she chose “QBQ: The Question Behind the Questions,” by John G. Miller, and “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” by Stephen R. Covey, as standouts. Yolande pondered, “... what a parallel study of my life/career would have looked like without these two books.” 

Mind Tools writer Jonathan Hancock shared his love of Simon Singh's best-seller "Fermat's Last Theorem." What makes it so special? "It's about intellectual curiosity, ambitious learning, and both personal and professional resilience," said Jonathan. "It's beautifully written, and taught me a lot about making complex topics accessible, relatable – even exciting!"

Head over to the Mind Tools Store to view our collection of ebooks. The hand-chosen selection is designed to help you to develop your career skills, to become a better leader and team member. Just download them onto your device and learn whenever and wherever you like!

Books have the power to change our lives and inform how we work. What books have shaped your career? Comment below!

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As the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve, I celebrated with friends and family. We were hopeful and excited about what 2022 would bring. After all, it's going to be the best year yet... right? 

COVID has been around for longer than any of us could have imagined. A year ago, when I was asked what my plans were for 2021, I reeled off a list of travel destinations that I hadn't been able to visit in 2020. Of course, my plans were put on hold again, but living through COVID has taught me a few valuable lessons: to appreciate the "here and now," and to make my own adventures in my hometown of Brighton, U.K.  

No More Resolutions!

Several years ago, I decided that I wasn’t going to make any more New Year resolutions. Following a tumultuous relationship and bad breakup, I decided not to focus on common goals such as eating healthier or doing more exercise, but on getting back to being "me."

I rediscovered what was truly important to me, and made sure that everything I did was in line with my values.

I feel a similar sense of purpose as 2022 begins. In the same way that I always do, I sat down and wrote a list of things I'd like to achieve this year.

I'd like to run a marathon, to move house, to develop and grow in my new role at work. And I definitely still want to travel! But, unlike when setting resolutions, I don't feel the pressure of getting these things done.

They are my goals, and the desired timeframe of achieving them is, I guess, by 2023. However, as I've learned over the past two years, some things are out of our control. If I keep these goals in mind, I know that I'll do my best to get them done - and have some fun along the way!

Your Top Tips!

We asked you, our friends and followers on social media, what you are planning for 2022. And you gave us a great selection of answers.  

Facebook friend Eliane Bray, from Oregon in the U.S., shared the news that her husband was stable despite battling numerous cancers, and so she feels the time is right to explore new projects. She said, "It's time to refocus my energies on my personal health and treasured relationships. I want to start a vlog about this journey. I'll be assessing current activities and commitment to determine how best to make space for this dream." 

Several people commented that they’re planning to improve themselves by learning something new in 2022. Twitter follower Israel Oberko, a digital marketer from Ghana, is determined to further his education at university, and LinkedIn follower Sulaiman Alhassan, a public health official in Ghana, is embarking on a journey to improve his spiritual awareness.

I love the answer that Pennsylvania, U.S.-based time management strategist Gloria-Jean Brown posted in our Facebook Career Community Group. She said that she is going to enjoy her retirement and the clients she chooses to work with, "while coloring, doing puzzles, and embroidery." 

What are you planning for 2022? Are you going to take the leap and find a new job or start your own business? Perhaps you're planning on learning or developing new skills? Are you going to travel, and if so – where to? We'd love to hear from you in the comments, below!

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