Newsletter: February, 2024

Among flexible work arrangements, hybrid work is emerging as a new normal for most offices. Hybrid work exists when there is a combination of onsite and remote work.

While some celebrate the change, others see the potential challenges. Using a sample of 8,090 remote capable employees, Gallup identified the following advantages and challenges.

The advantages of hybrid work:

• Improved work-life balance
• More efficient use of time
• Freedom to choose where and when to work

The challenges of hybrid work:

• Less access to work resources
• Less connection to the organization’s culture
• Decreased team collaboration

Maximizing the advantages and diminishing the challenges is an essential part of healthy hybrid work moving forward.

Tips to maximize hybrid work:

1. Set a schedule. When working from home, maintain the integrity of a schedule. Establish a start time, break times, and an end to your workday. Of course, you can still be flexible if changes pop up, but a loose framework will help you stay focused.
2. Take social breaks. Whether you are in-person or working from home, create social opportunities for connection. For remote workers, this could look like creating a “virtual water cooler” to regularly connect with co-workers.
3. Use your commute. On days that you commute, use this time to do something for yourself, like listening to an educational or soothing music to relax. On days you stay home, find a creative way to spend the time you would have otherwise been in the car.

“Balance is not something you find; it’s something you create.” —Jana Kingsford

Simple Vegetarian Taco Soup

From Food & Nutrition Magazine

Ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
• ½ large yellow onion peeled & diced
• 1 garlic clove minced
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• 2 14.5-oz cans stewed tomatoes
• 1 15-oz can of red beans
• 1 15-oz can of corn
• 1 15-oz cans black beans rinsed and drained
• 1 10-oz can diced tomatoes & green chilies
• 2 ½ cups water
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• Salt/pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and stir frequently until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds. Do not let the garlic burn.
• Stir in cumin, chili powder, paprika, stewed tomatoes, beans, diced tomatoes & chiles, corn, ranch packet and water until combined.
• Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low. Continue to simmer for about 15 minutes, until liquid is reduced by a quarter. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve with your favorite toppings and Enjoy!

https://foodandnutrition.org/blogs/stone-soup/simple-vegetarian-taco-soup/