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Keeping it Together | WISDOM AND TIPS FOR MENTAL HEALTH AND WHATEVER LIFE THROWS AT US | Tuesday, July 6 | | |
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| Raise your hand if you were truly ready for work this morning. I definitely wasn't. |
| I am happy to report I had a lovely July 4th spent with family at a barbecue. My husband's family from California flew out for the occasion, and there was a hike, bocce ball, ribs, hamburgers, potato salad and a flag cake I baked that was not too shabby, if I do say so myself. |
| The neighbors set off fireworks across the street and I kept my dog company while he cowered inside. There was a campfire and marshmallows were roasted. It was one of the best days I've had in a good long while, Americana clichés and all. And when I woke up on Monday morning, I still hadn't quite recovered. Maybe not this morning either. |
 | | Raspberries, blueberries and cream cheese icing. What could be better? | | Kelly Lawler/USA TODAY | |
| When I talk about a "holiday hangover" I'm not talking about alcohol, although surely some people imbibed over the long weekend. I'm talking about that specific sense of exhaustion that comes from a holiday well spent, with family and friends and fun. The better the time we have, the harder it is to return to the real world when the work week comes around. |
| With so many of us kept apart from loved ones before vaccinations during the pandemic, it's unlikely we've experienced this after a big family holiday before this weekend. I certainly haven't. |
| I wrote a few weeks ago about how returning to some pre-pandemic activities has also led to a return of emotions like overstimulation and social anxiety. The holiday hangover goes along with this theme. It's good, it's bad, it's incredibly normal. It's one more thing to get used to as we navigate a post-vaccination world. |
| Did any of you have this feeling recovering from 4th of July festivities? Email us here and we may publish your responses in a future newsletter! |
To work from home or not? |
| One of the biggest debates in the U.S. as vaccination rates rise and many states' case rates fall is whether employees who have been working remotely for 16 months should or even want to return to the office. The pandemic has changed how we view the modern workplace and flexibility, and if you are having questions and concerns about what work is going to look like for you in the future, you're not alone. |
| I wanted to highlight this question and answer from our Ask H.R. column, in which a human resources professional answers our readers' questions about life at work. If any of you are struggling in this area, I hope it helps you. |
| Question: As more offices reopen, how should I approach my employer about asking for more flexibility? Can I ask for a four-day work week, flexible hours, or even some work-from-home days? – Anonymous |
| Johnny C. Taylor Jr.: That is absolutely a fair question to ask. As we emerge from the pandemic, flexible and remote work models are top of mind for employers and employees, alike. |
| As you prepare to approach your people manager, consider the type of work flexibility you seek and the reasons behind it. If you have been working remotely, build your case around how it has positively impacted your work. If not, propose in detail your strategy for maintaining or improving work performance with your desired flexible work option. |
| Highlight your personal challenges and how they connect to your productivity. While I can't speak to the exact circumstances you're facing, many workers cite difficulty with child care, commute time and general work/life balance in pursuing flexible work solutions. |
| The reality is: The pandemic has forced organizations and the workforce to expand the concept of what the modern workplace looks like. In fact, 20% of employers are planning to permanently adopt remote work for many of their employees. You aren't alone in your thinking, as research shows most employees prefer flexible work arrangements. |
| Don't be surprised if your employer is already developing a flexible workplace policy. With shrinking unemployment and an accelerating economy, benefits like telework and flexible schedules are critical to attracting and retaining top-tier talent. |
| Ultimately, your company's decision hinges on job duties, business needs and workplace culture. Even if the response is "no" you should still have alternatives. Your company's Employee Assistance Program may provide guidance on child care issues. If you are looking to have an improved work/life integration, your employer may be able to help with managing your workload. |
| The bottom line: Don't hesitate to start this conversation around flexible work options. I hope you and your employer find a mutually beneficial arrangement. |
| Read this week's full column here. |
 | | Man working from home reviewing a sheet of paper. | | Getty Images | |
Today's reads |
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 | | Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton perform at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards at Staples Center on Jan. 26, 2020 in Los Angeles. | | Jeff Kravitz, FilmMagic | |
Today's pet |
| Meet sweet, comfy Hazel. |
 | | Hazel loves her pillow. | | Courtesy Marie Demarais | |
| "We adopted Hazel at 10 years-old after living her whole life in a shelter," says owner Marie Demarais. "She's now 17. I bought the pillow at a local handmade store. As soon as I brought it home and put it on the sofa, she decided it was hers." |
| My dog Apollo thinks the entire sofa is exclusively his, so I understand. |
| Don't forget you can scroll through pictures of our adorable newsletter pets right here. |
| That's all for this Tuesday. Stay safe, stay well. The newsletter will be back in your inboxes this Saturday. Until then, you can email us with feedback, adorable pet photos or anything else, here. We love to hear from you. |
| All my very best, |
| Kelly Lawler |
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