I know that many of you, like me, spent time over the holiday weekend with friends and family relaxing and celebrating the kick-off to summer. There isn’t anything much better than hanging out with your kids—and, as my kids get older, I appreciate the freedom from worrying about their basic safety and need to be fed…how nice is it when they begin to become self reliant and independent. Ahh…I can actually breathe and maybe enjoy a conversation that lasts for more than 5 minutes without interruption.
 
However, this weekend I developed a new worry about the never-ending need for the next generation to be connected to the cyber-world. Like many of you…I love my cell phone: the access I have to all my friends, and the ability to know that if someone needs me that they can find me. I also will admit, on occasion, that I am partially engaged in what I’m doing because I have several text conversations going on while I’m in a face-to-face conversation. But, in the end…I do understand manners and when I need to be engaged in what I am doing.

  How will this affect workplaces in the years to come and my own kids' ability to succeed in them? I see that many of this next generation aren’t fully engaged in anything…but partially engaged in everything. Their lives are seen through short snippets, “Likes”, and perfectly posed pictures of the happiest of times. They judge success by who was where, and what everyone thought about it—and even delete posts when they don’t generate enough feedback.

 
The thing is, this next generation of workers is also amazingly connected and understand the quickest way to get news, spread news, and comprehend what is happening all over the world. I, for one, am energized by their knowledge, and their circles of influence.
 
Knowing these positives and negatives, how can we begin to prepare ourselves for these young adults that are going to be working at our companies in the very near future? How can we tap in to their strengths while trying to quell some of their behavioral shortcomings?     
 
Employee engagement is one of the hottest workplace topics. When talking about it, we consider the high cost of disengagement and the impact on the company. I think most of us can easily pick out a person who is disengaged in their work. But, what we have to figure out is how will we separate disengagement from distraction. I think there is quite a bit of difference, but one that will require new management techniques and behavioral coaching.

I don’t know how it is in your neck of the world; but in ours it has been consistently hot and practically devoid of moisture—except for all the sweating we’ve all been doing, that is. We had a brief tease from a 15-minute downpour this week; but otherwise it’s been nothing but dry on top of dry.

If you’re getting thirsty just reading this, then I have good news! All new Twist Top Tumblers are here and ready to cool off and refresh you and your team!

Independence Day is on the horizon, and many of you (us, too!) will be enjoying a short week that will end with a bang! Before you pack up your picnic baskets and spray yourselves down with even amounts of bug repellent and sun screen, take a moment to browse our new catalog. It will be hitting mailboxes on July 1st and it promises to be the highlight of your work week!

As you page through, be on the lookout for our two new themes: My Boss Thinks I'm Kind of a Big Deal and Gratitude with Attitude .

	The idea for My Boss Thinks I'm Kind of a Big Deal was born out of the popularity of our Smart Sayings™ Team Shirt™. It's our best-seller by leaps and bounds, so, really, we didn't have to think too hard about this one. You love it; here's more! And bigger: like our Jumbo Ceramic Mug and Big Sip Stainless Steel Mug. Just think how great your team will feel when they get these cool gifts from you—the boss who thinks they're kind of a big deal!
	Gratitude with Attitude was inspired by our concern at Baudville that our customers might not be having enough fun at work. We were kept awake for nights on end, worrying with eyes wide open until, finally: the aha! From Eye-Popping Squeezies to Playful Plants to Bendy Pens, you'll have no shortage of silliness to work with.
	But just because they're silly, don't underestimate their power: the power to raise morale, lower stress, and create a more positive culture. Now that's how you can make your days all work and all play!

These new themes are just the beginning of what you'll see in our latest Baudville catalog. In all, we're introducing more than 200 new products! Didn't get a catalog? You can sign up for one here.

Enjoy, and have a safe, fun, & relaxing Holiday!

Our new catalog is coming your way this week and in it we've got hundreds of brand new items to help you recognize and engage your employees. The overall theme of this summer's new product launch was “fun,” and I'll tell you what, these products are just that! Check out my top 5 here:

1. Desk Dudes™.
Made from bright, colorful, and bendable PVC, these little guys are the perfect way to give and display recognition! Tuck a Pocket Praise in their arms and leave him on your employee's desktop for a welcome surprise in the morning. I bet he ends up travelling for some more peer-to-peer recognition. These guys are so fun, you can't help but smile at them!

2. Memo Caddies.
The catalog page does not do this product justice. These caddies are sturdy, and once the notes are used up, they make the perfect cell phone holder or desk-top catch-all. Available in our top themes, this gift will be a lasting reminder of your appreciation for years to come!

You’ve been asking for it and now they’re here: new, in-stock, and ready-to-ship Team Shirts!!

We’ve taken our most popular Smart Sayings™ Team Shirts and added them to our product collection. Now, you can purchase My Boss Thinks I’m Kind of a Big Deal and Hello My Name Is Awesome with a minimum order of one! Personalization is not included. Each shirt comes is available in size Small to 2XL. These corporate shirts will make a great gift for those special co-workers, volunteers, or friends in your life! Click here to order yours today!