HOLIDAY HACK OF THE WEEK
Bye-bye, holiday cards
TOGETHER WITH BLUEBOARD
Recognition is the key to your 2023 goals
Blueboard pulled data from different 2022 work trend surveys. What we found is a resounding plea from employees for better recognition, appreciation, and empathy from their employers.
Over the last couple of years, as barriers between work and personal life have broken down, we’ve seen people at their most real. As the definitions of where and how we work have changed, employees are also ready to be seen beyond just their job titles.
And here exists the opportunity for companies: Create programs and opportunities for employees to feel appreciated.
The easiest and most important place to start is employee recognition.
This is why on January 5th at 10 AM PST, Blueboard is kicking off the New Year with a workshop for those looking to adapt, upgrade, or build employee recognition programs in 2023.
The workshop will be conversational and interactive. All questions are welcome, all professionals are welcome, so feel free to invite anyone who would be interested in this conversation.
RSVP for the workshop here
YOU DO YOU
Setting Appropriate Boundaries
Imagine how much more time you would have, how much more good work you could do, if you set boundaries, if you started saying “no” to things that, quite frankly, aren’t the best use of your time.
Here’s a cheat sheet of go-to strategies for setting boundaries with grace and professionalism.
Say “no” strategy: Do nothing outside your documented priorities.
The breakdown:
- Define and document your priorities
- Screen requests through these priorities
- Reject requests that don’t align
- Cite your documented priorities if you feel inclined to justify your rejection
- Be direct
- Apologize for the rejection
- Explain why you’re giving it
- Make a counter-offer (to help later, for example) if appropriate
- Firmly reject the request
- Suggest an alternative course of action or idea
- Make it clear you’re willing to help in a smaller, less time intensive way
TOGETHER WITH WHITE ELEPHANT ONLINE
Check “Holiday Party Planning” off your list ✅
The holidays are fast approaching, and more teams than ever are struggling with how to celebrate in this new remote and hybrid world.
Fortunately, White Elephant Online has found the answer, offering the ability to play White Elephant – the fun and memorable gift swap game – virtually.
Here’s why thousands of teams at some of the biggest (and smallest!) companies across the globe have used their platform:
- It’s inexpensive. With games starting at just $49 there’s no cheaper way, remote or otherwise, to celebrate with your team.
- It’s easy to plan. Their self-service platform is easy and intuitive, both for the planners of the event and participants.
- It’s a tried & true holiday tradition that’s a blast. White Elephant, also called Yankee Swap or Dirty Santa, is played by millions each year.
Whether for your main event, or a fun add-on for those who can’t make it in-person, check out White Elephant Online for what may be the easiest decision you have to make all week.
Plan Your Holiday Party Today 🎁
GET MORE SH*T DONE
Independent Professional Development for Independent Contractors
Life as an independent contractor offers freedom, excitement, and flexibility. One downside, however, is missing out on access to institutionalized professional development opportunities, budgets, and resources.
Here are some ways to get around that contractor FOMO:
1) Take advantage of high-quality and free/inexpensive online courses.
Resources:
2) Participate in quick-touch learning events, such as webinars and seminars.
Resources:
3) Read, read, read.
Read the latest books around your desired skill set. Similarly, follow newsletters, blogs, and social media accounts. While you may not get a fancy certificate or course credit, you can still learn tons from healthy reading habits. (Plus, it’s free.)
4) Track and pursue relevant grant opportunities.
Resources:
- National Association for the Self Employed – Growth Grants
- US Department of Labor – Employment and Training Administration
- US Small Business Administration – Grants
- America’s Seed Fund
- US Chamber of Commerce
5) Deduct professional development costs from your taxes.
We’re not tax professionals, so make sure this is viable for your specific situation before you get too excited, but according to a Visor tax expert quoted in this Nation 1099 article:
“Independent contractors can deduct the cost of classes as long as those classes build upon and enhance the contractor’s professional skills. The rules can get tricky sometimes, so we encourage people to work closely with their tax advisor to see if they are eligible for the deduction.”
Bonus Tip! If you’ve worked with a client for at least a year, consider asking around to see if you have any hidden options for taking advantage of the organization’s professional development opportunities or funding. It might not be a documented benefit in your paperwork, but your colleagues might be able to pull some strings for the sake of your development.
PARTNER PICKS
Our awesome partners help keep our content free 🥰
Fly By Jing is here to help you spice up your work life. Shop flavor-forward client and corporate gifts, customizable and wrapped up in festive packaging.
monday.com is the secret to effortless collaboration with your team. Try it free today.
Sunsama is our top choice when it comes to digital planners. Try it free today.
Bonusly put out a free Ultimate Retention Checklist for Managers.
NEW & NOTEWORTHY
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🔖 Catch up on all our previous Tuesday newsletters here.
😩 Do you tend to be hard on, or doubt, yourself? Find tips on how to silence your inner critic.
📈 Need to improve employee productivity? See how here.
🏪 The Assist Store: Check out our Thanksgiving Bingo Game and browse our Etsy Store.