By Tiffany Stock, Vice President, Marketing & Client Relations

Many years ago, in the throes of a project that I no longer remember, one of my colleagues said something that has stuck with me – work smarter, not harder. I had never heard that phrase before that I could recall, or at least not at a time that it resonated and stuck with me. Fast forward years later, and I would say that phrase pops in to my head a least once a week. With all the tasks in both my personal and professional life, I try to keep that as my mantra and take a step back to make sure that I am being the most effective and efficient as possible – as the old saying goes, time is money, right?!

What this phrase does NOT mean to me is cutting corners to do something faster and/or diluting the outcome just to get something done more quickly. The output should be of equal or greater quality when trying to evaluate if you could be working smarter.

While there is no way to ensure that everything you do is being done in the most efficient way and with the best outcomes, having that as a goal really helps set the stage and create the mindset.

Here are some things that have helped me try to implement this thought process into my everyday:

1. Habits: Create habits that are going to help you achieve your goals – if you have not read Atomic Habits by James Clear, I highly recommend it!
2. Prioritize: When prioritizing your day, stick to the 80/20 rule – focus on the tasks that will give you the most results and happiness first!
3. Timing: Know what time of day you have the most energy – and use that time to focus on your thought-heavy projects.
4. Attitude: Have a positive attitude – seriously, this may seem like a simple thing but your attitude has a serious impact on not only your health but also your results and being able to find solutions when you are feeling bogged down.
5. Change: Embrace change – just because it has always been done a certain way does not mean there is not a better way to do it that creates the same or an improved outcome.

At the end of the day, I think we all want to be more productive and feel like we have accomplished something. If even one of these suggestions helps refine and improve the way you perform even one of your daily tasks in a smarter, more effective way, then that is a WIN in my book. So ask yourself, “Am I working smarter, not harder?”

By Tiffany Stock, Vice President, Marketing & Client Relations

Our agency has really gone against the grain when talking about who is a leader within the organization. Preferring the definition of a leader as someone who can see how things can be improved and rallies people to move toward that better vision. At RISQ, everyone can be a leader and is encouraged to take the initiative.

A colleague introduced me to a business-coaching firm called Proffitt Management Solutions, led by Nancy Profit. She publishes a weekly blog to bring insightful thoughts and comments on a variety of business topics, and I really enjoy her articles focused on Leadership. If you are someone who considers themselves a leader, I encourage you to check out her recent post: 3 Ways to Be a Better Leader Right Now.  Nancy breaks down three key areas to help you be a better leader by clarifying your values, developing your communication abilities and connecting in meaningful ways. Check out the post for more details.

https://proffittmanagement.com/3-ways-to-be-a-better-leader-right-now/

By Dena Lythgoe, Senior Account Executive & Partner

I don’t know about you, but I have worn more active gear without actually being more active since March 2020. COVID being the main cause for virtual meetings has helped create a new style definition, ‘below the shoulder’ attire. We have all seen the horrible faux paus of the individuals who didn’t think the camera was on, followed quickly by commercials portraying the difficulties of working virtually while wearing pants. I am not afraid to admit, I too am guilty of succumbing to ‘below the shoulder’ attire and lean towards comfort versus style.

I have asked around and have come to the realization that, if people don’t go to work, they don’t wear dress pants or, in some reported cases, pants at all. If given the choice would you wear slacks when leggings, sweatpants, or shorts would be an acceptable option? The COVID- 19 pandemic has created a surge in options for lounge wear and while jeggings is no longer a new concept more and more designers are coming up with accommodations for the growing desire to look professional while also being comfortable. This has created an explosion in the fashion world to fill the growing desire for what is known as athleisure wear.

Athleisure wear is a hybrid style that can be worn to multiple locations such as the gym, casual outings and to work without necessarily having to change from one location to the next. Well, maybe a gym change depending on the workout, but hey, we’ve all done it. Numerous people working from home have chosen this garb over the more professional look and while some embrace the change in fashion others who tend to be more formal do not.

I work in a professional setting where throughout the years the office has become more relaxed regarding professionalism attire. In the last 15 years we have changed and in many cases for the better. Ten years ago men used to wear suit, dress shirt and tie every day but Friday when they could remove the tie for ‘casual Friday. ‘Jean days’ were awarded as special days for doing something above and beyond and you must turn in your paper ticket for a manager to approve. I will never forget the conversations regarding footwear. Open toed shoes were only allowed because the manager liked to wear them herself. If you chose to go this route and show toes, it was well known you must have manicured feet. Yes, I could say times have definitely changed.

Eventually people will be going back to office settings and, while there is talk of the new normal looming in all areas of life, will the professional attire for an office setting become even more relaxed? Don’t get me wrong sweatpants and leggings are great, but there is something about getting dressed up that makes me feel ready to take on challenges and face the day. When I have bright red lips along with bright red pants, my head is held higher and my confidence doesn’t waiver. But just as the definition of power suit has changed will perception of professional attire be thwarted by Athleisure wear?

By Joshua Weinstein, Employee Benefits President

I’m no longer a member of the youngest and hippest generation.  My daughters keep me apprised of the trending memes, hand gestures, and terms, but at heart, I know I’ve crossed into deep mid-life.  With that ascension comes maturity and growth, right?  While I still break into fits of childlike moments of wonder, I have thought about the HOW of my work process and systems.  Benefiting from nearly 20 years in my profession, I’ve observed how my knowledge lake has grown both in breadth and depth.  Still, I think my greatest contributions have come in the form of learning to trim the extraneous, the fat, and get to the root of my client’s needs.

In summary, the tectonic shift occurring as I round out 20 years in my profession, which happens to be employee benefits consulting, is that my path is now less of ascent and more of one of descent.  In metaphorical terms, today I strive less to climb in my career.  Rather, I’m here to mentor and lead the next generation as they ascend and reach for their goals.  I’m invested more in sharing and surrendering any trade secrets I may possess than personal gain right now.  Perhaps I’m just an old soul ahead of my time, but it’s where I am.  In a spirit of sharing, here are a few life lessons that I’ve embodied after much trial and error.

• When I started as a newbie in my professional career, I read documents cover-to-cover, and now, with that framework in place, I scan for updates and relevant changes. I’m still a content-level expert in my field, but I can be more efficient since I’m adjusting what I already have learned.
• I had been accused long ago of micromanaging my work, and now I’ve learned to trust others to succeed and make their learning mistakes. Surrendering control is integral to efficiency and others’ prosperity.
• Take proper vacations. For each week out, I build in a “phantom day” upon my return while I’m working under the radar.  I’m still out as far as others know, but I’m getting caught up.
• I have a better handle on the types of work I do best during certain parts of the day. For this blog, right after coffee at 9 AM is the spot.  Social time and forming big ideas with co-workers is best had in the late afternoon.
• As a leader, I am less tolerant to mediocrity, both in myself and others. I’ve heard we’re shaped most by the five people we socialize with outside of immediate family, and so I’ve laid to rest friendships that were no longer mutually beneficial.  Same goes in the workforce.  If a colleague isn’t in the right role, our servant leaders attempt to help him or her adjust as needed.  Failing success after a fair number of attempts to cultivate it, we part ways.  Building an A-class team within our division at work has meant more letting go than holding on.  Those that remain likely have careers for life.

How about you?  What have you learned to surrender and let go of that’s made you and those around you more prosperous and empowered to lead?

By Tiffany Stock, Vice President, Marketing & Client Relations

Normally I try to share articles that are deep, insightful and nonetheless thought provoking, but sometimes we all need a little break from the norm as long as it provides some inspiration!

Based on the most recent data from the CDC, in Alaska, only 19% of adults and 41.6% of adolescents in grades 9-12 consume less than one vegetable per day. Nationally only 1 in 10 adults get enough fruits and vegetables, which means 90% of adults are not getting the recommended 2-3 cups of vegetables per day as part of a healthy eating pattern. I don’t know about you, but sometimes my vegetable repertoire has much to be desired and can we say, lacks some creativity and can seem a little boring. If you can relate to this, I encourage you to checkout a recent blog post I came across through one of our insurance partners, Premera, titled How to Break Out of Your Winter Vegetables Rut. This piece is sure to get those creative culinary ideas circulating with some very mouth-watering recipes!

http://www.activelynorthwest.com/food/breaking-out-winter-vegetables-rut/

By Joshua Weinstein, Employee Benefits President

I’m a minimalist by nature.  I believe everything you own is a relationship you’re in that requires maintenance.  That said, many things spark joy and should be kept around, even if they require TLC.  When new “things” are needed, I try to maximize my purchasing power.  Heck, we so often trade our most precious resource, time, for money, so we might as well earn something for doing what’s otherwise needed.  Enter, Shopsmarter.com.

I found Shopsmarter.com on a UPS shipping label for a Best Buy purchase.  The ad proposed receiving a $15 sign-up bonus and 10% cash back at over 1,000 stores, including my beloved Best Buy.  So, I signed up, and the monthly checks started rolling in.  Mind you, there’s a $1,000 cash back limit per membership year and a $9.95 monthly fee, but some simple arithmetic shows I can make sense of this.

New running shoes for my wife and me?  ASICS had our favorites on sale, plus we got 10% back, to the tune of $11 per pair.  A new refrigerator at Lowe’s?  $172.40 cash back.  It adds up, especially when stacking store discounts, coupons, and credit card rewards.  My favorite stores participate, and perhaps yours do too!

Here are a few of mine:

By Alison Nelson, Sales and Marketing Coordinator

We’ve all heard of paid time off, but what about volunteer time off? Volunteer time off (VTO) is an increasingly popular employee benefit that businesses are offering as a way to demonstrate how seriously they take social responsibility. Offering VTO is also a way to recruit and retain employees. According to this Employee Benefits News article, “75% of millennials expect their employer to participate in social good, either with donations or through volunteering.” Additionally, 51% of employees expect that their employer allows workers to volunteer during work hours.

Encouraging employees to volunteer is a great way to create (or solidify) a caring company culture and represent your brand in a positive light. It’s also an excellent way to promote your business via word of mouth. Employees who have VTO are likely to boast about that benefit and, by extension, their employer.

You’re interested in offering VTO to your employees, now what?

Market it! After you establish your official VTO policy (click here for examples), begin by setting a goal of contributing a certain number of cumulative volunteer hours per year. Then, take to social media for community engagement and PR. Announce your new employee perk and ask the community who their favorite nonprofits are. An example of this could read, “The team at Awesome Company have set a goal of contributing 5,000 hours of community service this year! Comment below with your favorite nonprofit!”

The social media engagement on your post will help boost your company’s page, creating more exposure and brand awareness. Be sure to engage with those who comment on your post for an additional boost. As employees begin to use their VTO, share photos of them (ideally wearing your logo) on social media to keep your followers updated and engaged.

VTO is a great employee benefit to offer and it demonstrates your values as a company.  Your employees will appreciate the opportunity and, most of all, you would be helping the community.